Preliminary Inspection

Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Check for non-factory installed equipment wired into transaxle or PCM harness. 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.

Transmission malfunctions may be caused by poor engine performance, improper adjustments or failure of hydraulic, mechanical or electronic components. Prior to diagnosing transmission concerns, always begin by checking fluid level, fluid condition and shift cable adjustment. Ensure engine starts with gearshift lever in Park and Neutral to ensure proper adjustment of park/neutral position switch. Ensure all system-related fuses are okay. Check wire harnesses for proper routing. Verify all harness and component connections are clean and tight. See WIRING DIAGRAMS . If area of fault cannot be located or repaired during preliminary inspection, check self-diagnostic system. See SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM . Repair as necessary.

Perform road test to determine if problem has been corrected. See ROAD TEST  under PERFORMANCE TESTS. If problem still exists, diagnose by symptom. See SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS .

Before vehicle is driven, ensure fluid is above DO NOT DRIVE hole on dipstick. See Fig 1. 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 M-III or equivalent (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 Transaxle Dipstick Marking

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If the following symptoms are present, it is necessary to complete electronic diagnosis and repair before any mechanical diagnosis and repair is performed. See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (QUICK TEST)  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.

• No Reverse
• Harsh Engagement
• All Or Some Shifts Not Present
• Early, Late, Erratic, Soft, Slipping And/Or Harsh Shifting
• No First Gear (In "D" Position)
• No Low Gear
• No Torque Converter Clutch
• Torque Converter Clutch Always Engaged
• Poor Vehicle Performance
• Engine Will Not Crank
• Transaxle Overheating
• No Engine Braking In Low ("L")
• No Engine Braking In Second ("2")
• Vehicle Movement In Neutral ("N")