A/T - Delayed Reverse Engagement
TSB 05-2-302/07/05
DELAYED REVERSE ENGAGEMENT
FORD:
2004-2005 Crown Victoria
LINCOLN:
2004-2005 Town Car
MERCURY:
2004-2005 Grand Marquis
ISSUE
Some 2004-2005 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car vehicles may exhibit a delayed reverse engagement, greater than 2 seconds, after shifting the gear selector lever into reverse.
ACTION
It may be necessary to replace the detent spring and adjust the shifter linkage. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
CONCERN VERIFICATION
NOTE
SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO VERIFY THE CONDITION (SHIFTING FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE) SHOULD BE MADE TO SEE IF AN EXTENDED REVERSE ENGAGEMENT TIME GREATER THAN 2 SECONDS OCCURS. THE CONCERN MAY BE INTERMITTENT AND MAY BE MORE PRONOUNCED AT COLDER TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURES (SUCH AS DURING COLD STARTS).
1. Start the vehicle, depress the brake pedal and hold, move the gear selector lever into the drive (D) position.
2. With the brake pedal still depressed move the gear selector lever from drive (D) to the reverse (R) position. Note the length of time it takes for the transmission to engage into reverse.
a. If the reverse engagement time is greater than 2 seconds perform the Service Procedure outlined in this TSB.
b. If reverse engagement DOES occur within 2 seconds or less, DO NOT perform this TSB.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Check the transmission fluid condition.
a. If the fluid condition is OK (not blackened or a burnt smell), perform the Detent Spring Replacement procedure and the Gear Selector Linkage Adjustment procedure.
b. If the fluid condition indicates clutch damage, follow normal diagnostic procedures in Workshop Manual Section 307-01.
(1) If the transmission is to be repaired, perform the Detent Spring Replacement procedure and the Gear Selector Linkage Adjustment procedure as part of the repair.
(2) If the transmission must be replaced, perform the Gear Selector Linkage Adjustment procedure only. DO NOT replace the detent spring.
NOTE
IF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IS NECESSARY, THE HOTLINE PRIOR APPROVAL PROCESS MUST BE FOLLOWED.
DETENT SPRING REPLACEMENT
1. Turn off the electrical power to the air suspension (if equipped) prior to hoisting. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Workshop Manual Section 100-02.
2. Remove the shift linkage adjustment nut and disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever (Figure 1).
3. Drain the transmission fluid and remove the pan.
4. Replace the shifter detent spring. Torque retaining bolt to 89 lb-in (10 N.m) (Figure 2).
NOTE
THE NEW DETENT SPRING WILL HAVE A WHITE DOT PAINTED ON IT.
5. Move the gear selector lever to neutral (N) detent position and adjust the transmission range sensor following the procedures outlined in Workshop Manual Section 307-01.
6. Reinstall pan, fill the transmission to the proper level as outlined in Workshop Manual Section 307-01. Be sure to use the correct fluid type. Proceed to Shifter Linkage Adjustment procedure.
SHIFTER LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT
1. Place the gear selector lever in the (D) position.
2. Place a 3 lb weight on the end of the gear selector lever (to hold the lever against the drive shift gate in the steering column) (Figure 3).
NOTE
IF A 3 LB WEIGHT IS NOT AVAILABLE, HAVE AN ASSISTANT HOLD THE SHIFT LEVER DOWN MANUALLY WHILE PERFORMING THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE.
3. Remove the shift linkage adjustment nut and disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever (Figure 1).
4. Position the manual control lever in the (D) position by:
^ Pulling the manual control lever forward (toward the front of the vehicle) until travel stops, then
^ Pushing the manual control lever backward (toward the rear of the vehicle) two (2) detents to the (D) position (Figure 4).
5. Connect the shift cable to the manual control lever (Figure 1). Using hand tools, torque the adjuster nut to 22 lb-ft (30 N.m). Do not use power tools as this may affect the adjustment.
6. Remove the 3 lb weight from the gear selector lever.
7. Move the gear selector lever from detent to detent and ensure the column shift gates align with the transmission detents.
8. Verify that the engine will start in park (P) and neutral (N). Make sure also that the reverse lamps illuminate in reverse (R). If not, check the digital transmission range (DIR) sensor adjustment, adjust if necessary. For additional information refer to Workshop Manual Section 307-01.
9. Lower the vehicles and reactivate the air suspension (if equipped).
10. Verify that the delayed reverse engagement condition is corrected.
a. If the condition is still present, inspect the shift linkage, cable and gear selector for excessive binding and repair as needed. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 307-05.
b. If the condition is still present and the transmission was replaced, and if no shift linkage, cable and gear selector binding is found, perform the Detent Spring Replacement procedure.
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
050203A 2004-2005 Crown 1.1 Hrs.
Vic/Grand Marquis/Town
Car: Replace The Detent
Spring, And Adjust Shifter
Linkage (Includes Time To
Verify Concern)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7E332 42
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