A/T - Intermittent Neutral Condition/No Forward/Reverse

Article No.
98-3-7

02/16/98

TRANSAXLE - AX4N - INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL
CONDITION - NO FORWARD OR REVERSE
MOVEMENT - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 2/1/98

FORD:
1994-98 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1994-98 SABLE
1995-98 CONTINENTAL

ISSUE:
Some vehicles may experience an intermittent Neutral condition after driving and coming to a stop. This may be caused by the bonded seal on the forward clutch piston intermittently not sealing during the 3-2 downshift.

ACTION:
Replace the forward clutch piston with a revised Forward Clutch Piston (F8DZ-7A262-AB). Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Clean and reseal the transaxle completely including replacement of the forward clutch piston with revised forward clutch piston and replace the forward clutch plates if darkened or discolored from heat. Refer to the appropriate Continental Service Manual, Section 07-01, or the appropriate Taurus/Sable Service Manual, Section 07-01B, for details.

Be sure to check end clearance on all three (3) select fit thrust washers (# 16, # 8, 1.02-1.50 mm (0.040-0.059")). Be sure to clean and inspect the main control (pump and valve body) and servos. Prior to returning vehicle to customer recheck fluid level at operating temperature.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F5DZJ153-AA Seal And Gasket kit
F8DZ-7A262-AB Forward Clutch Piston
F8DZ-7B164-AC Forward Clutch Plates - Friction (4)
F2DZ-7B442-A Forward Clutch Plates - Steel (4)

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 503300, 504000