Air Pressure Tests

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Transmission Plate Passages

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item	Description
1	Converter bypass
2	Direct clutch
3	Forward clutch
4	2-3 accumulator, top
5	2-3 accumulator, bottom
6	Reverse servo
7	Overdrive (O/D) servo, apply
8	O/D servo, release
9	Intermediate clutch
10	Reverse clutch
11	1-2 accumulator, apply

A no-drive condition can exist even with correct transmission fluid pressure because of inoperative clutches or bands. An erratic shift can be located through a series of checks by substituting air pressure for transmission fluid pressure to determine the location of the malfunction.

Follow the procedure to determine the location of the inoperative clutch or band by introducing air pressure into the various test plate passages.

NOTE: Use only dry, regulated 276 kPa (30 psi) maximum air pressure.

Apply air to the appropriate passage(s). A dull thud should be felt or heard or movement could be observed when the clutch component applies. There should be no hissing sound when the component is applied.

Cover the vent hole in the Transmission Air Test Plate with a clean, lint-free shop towel to prevent spray when the air is applied. Plugging the vent hole during testing will result in inaccurate results.

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article for Important Safety Warnings. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Drain the transmission fluid and remove the transmission fluid pan.
Remove the main control valve body.
Install Transmission Air Test Plate and gasket. Tighten bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).

NOTE: Do not apply air to the Transmission Air Test Plate vent hole.

Apply air to the appropriate clutch port (refer to the Transmission Air Test Plate illustration). A dull thud may be heard or movement felt when the component is applied or released. If clutch seals or check balls are leaking a hissing sound may be heard.

If the servos do not operate, disassemble, clean and inspect them to locate the source of the concern.

If air pressure applied to the clutch passages fails to operate a clutch, or operates clutches simultaneously, inspect the fluid passages in the case.

If air pressure applied to the accumulator fails to operate an accumulator, remove and inspect case passages and piston.