Thunderbird V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Powertrain Control Module: Customer Interest
A/T - AODE/4R70W Shudder/Vibration in 3rd/4th Gear
Article No.
97-10-6
05/12/97
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VIBRATION - SHUDDER OR VIBRATION UNDER
LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION ABOVE 56
KM/H (35 MPH) WHILE IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AODE OR 4R70W
TRANSMISSION
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TRANSMISSION - AODE - 4R70W - SHUDDER OR
VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE
ACCELERATION ABOVE 56 KM/H (35 MPH) WHILE
IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR
FORD:
1996-97 CROWN VICTORIA, THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996-97 COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include Powertrain Control Module (PCM) part information and remove Mark VIII and Mustang.
ISSUE:
Vehicles equipped with an AODE or 4R70W transmission may experience a torque converter clutch shudder or vibration. This occurs under light to
moderate acceleration above 56 km/h (35 mph) while in 3rd or 4th gear. This may be due to either transmission fluid breakdown and/or the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) calibration.
ACTION:
Perform normal diagnostics and refer to the following Service Procedure for required service.
NOTE:
IF QUESTIONS STILL ARISE AFTER REVIEWING THIS TSB ARTICLE, CALL THE LIVONIA TRANSMISSION HOTLINE AT (800)
551-0692.
NOTE:
TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT 1996-97 CALIBRATIONS AND FRESH TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL PERFORM FOR THE LIFE OF THE
PRODUCT. PREVIOUS TSB ARTICLES HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEALER TO CHANGE FLUID ONLY WHEN THE FAILURE IS LESS
THAN 11,250 km (7,000 MILES) OR GREATER THAN 32,000 km (20,000 MILES) (FLUID FAILURE), AND TO CHANGE THE TORQUE
CONVERTER AND FLUID IF VEHICLE WAS BETWEEN 11,250-32,000 km (7,000-20,000 MILES) (HARDWARE FAILURE). ALL 1996-97
TORQUE CONVERTERS HAVE THE LATEST HARDWARE AND SHOULD NOT BE REPLACED FOR THE SHUDDER PROBLEM.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE:
RESIDUAL FLUID IN THE SYSTEM (CONVERTER COOLERS AND LINES) WILL CAUSE SHUDDER TO RETURN.
1.
Drain all transmission fluid including the torque converter. Completely drain the cooler and cooler lines. Refer to the appropriate model/year
Service Manual, Section 07-01, for more details.
2.
Remove the transmission pan and clean the pan and magnet.
3.
Inspect the transmission gasket and filter. Reuse the pan gasket and filter if they are not damaged.
4.
Reinstall the transmission filter, pan gasket, and pan.
NOTE:
DO NOT USE MERCON(R) V.
5.
Verify that bulk fluid does not have moisture contamination. It suspected, use quart - containers of MERCON(R). Retill transmission with the
proper amount of Motorcraft - MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (XT-2-QDX).
