Torque Converter Clutch - Vibration/Shudder

Article No.
96-25-17

12/02/96

FORD:
1992-95 CROWN VICTORIA
1994-95 MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1992-95 GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
1993-95 MARK VIII
1994-95 COUGAR

ISSUE:
Torque converter clutch shudder or vibration may occur under light to moderate acceleration above 56 km/h (35 mph) while in 3rd or 4th gear or on 3-4/4-3 shifts. This condition may be more noticeable on higher mileage vehicles (24,000+ km (15,000+ mi)) when the torque converter clutch engages or disengages on light to moderate acceleration.

ACTION:
Perform normal diagnostics and change the transmission fluid. Changing the transmission fluid should reduce the possibility of shudder/vibration. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

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.

NOTE:
IF TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER OCCURS BELOW 11,250 km (7,000 MILES) OR ABOVE 32,000 km (20,000 MILES), THE CONCERN IS DUE TO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID CONTAMINATION AND/OR BREAKDOWN. PROCEED TO STEP 7.

NOTE:
IF TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER OCCURS BETWEEN 11,250 km (7,000 MILES) AND 32,000 km (20,000 MILES), THE CONVERTER MAY BE AT FAULT. PROCEED TO STEP 2.

2. Remove the transmission and replace the torque converter.

3. Remove the transmission pan and clean the pan and magnet.

4. Inspect the transmission gasket and filter. Reuse the pan gasket and filter if they are not damaged.

5. Reinstall the transmission filter, pan gasket and pan.

6. Reinstall the transmission.

7. Verify that bulk fluid does not have moisture contamination. If suspected, use quart containers of MERCON(R). Refill transmission with the proper amount of Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (XT-2-QDX).

NOTE:
REPLACE THE TORQUE CONVERTER IF THE SHUDDER RETURNS IN LESS THAN 16,000 km (10,000) MILES FOLLOWING THE FLUID CHANGE.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F6AZ-7902-ARM Torque Converter
F6ZZ-7902-ARM Torque convener
F4LY-7902-ARM Torque Converter
F4SZ-7902-BRM Torque Converter
XT-2-QDX Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose
Automatic Transmission fluid (ATF)

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 95-23-4

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

962517A Remove And Install Pan Refer
To Change Fluid To
SLTS
Manual

962517B Replace Torque Converter Refer
To
SLTS
Manual

962517C Additional Time To Drain 0.2 Hr.
Torque Converter And/Or
Drain Cooler Lines

962517D Additional Time If Catalytic Refer
Converter Must Be To
Removed - Not To be SLTS
Used With Operation A Or Manual
B

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7902 49

OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 504000, 610000, 703000, 703200, 703300