Preliminary Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2002 Lincoln Town Car, 2002 Ford Crown Victoria, 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, and 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Any diagnosis should begin with confirming the customer's complaint. If possible, road test vehicle first, and note transmission performance for future reference during diagnosis.

NOTE: Prior to symptom diagnosis, record any stored DTCs. See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (QUICK TEST) under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If DTCs are present, diagnose and repair as instructed. If no DTCs are present, see SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS (ELECTRONIC) or SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS (MECHANICAL) .

Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed, and are not pinched or cut. Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks. Check PCM, sensors and actuators for physical damage. Check engine coolant level. Check transmission fluid level and condition.

Before vehicle is driven, ensure fluid is above DO NOT DRIVE hole on dipstick. See Fig 1 or Fig 2 . Drive vehicle about 20 miles, until transaxle is at normal operating temperature. Transaxle must be at normal operating temperature to ensure correct fluid level check.

Fluid level should be checked with vehicle on level surface. Start engine and shift transaxle into each gear position, ensuring each gear engages. Check fluid level in Park position with engine at idle. Fluid level should be within cross-hatched area of dipstick. Ensure the following:

Use only Mercon-V transmission fluid.
If transaxle fluid is excessively hot, allow vehicle to cool for 30 minutes prior to checking fluid level. Excessive heat build-up due to high speed operation, trailer towing, or operation in hot weather will affect fluid level.
DO NOT overfill transaxle. Fluid will foam and may cause transaxle malfunction. Excessive fluid must be removed.
Add fluid in 1/2 pint (.25 L) increments.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Dipstick Markings (Crown Victoria, Expedition, Grand Marquis, Navigator, Pickup & Town Car)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: Identifying Transmission Dipstick Markings (Explorer & Mountaineer)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.