ISSUE:
The AX4N transaxle will be installed in some 1996 Taurus and Sable vehicles and all 1996 Continentals. Some of the AX4N transaxles will have a green "DO NOT SERVICE" tag on the lower pan (Figure 1). The green tag refers to this TSB (95-14) and provides a toll free telephone number to be used by all U.S. and Canadian dealers for further service direction. (Not applicable outside the U.S. or Canada.)

ACTION:
Prior to August 31, 1996, do not disassemble these tagged AX4N transaxles. Perform the following diagnostic steps, record your findings and contact Ford Motor Company at 1-800-349-2946 if there is a concern involving one of these green tagged transaxles. After August 31, 1996, follow the Service Manual diagnosis and repair procedures.

If there is a service concern involving one of the green "Service tagged transaxles" call the toll free number between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM EST Monday through Friday. (A recorder is on 24 hours per day.)

Use the following procedure when servicing the green tagged transaxles:

1. Check and record the transaxle fluid level.

a. If low, fill to the proper level and check for a leak.

b. If a leak is the only concern, call the toll free number prior to the repair.

2. Check the vehicle harness connectors for proper installation at the Transmission Range Sensor (TR), Turbine Speed Sensor (TSS), Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) and Transaxle Top Connector.

3. Perform EEC system Quick Test and record all codes.

4. If no codes are present, go to Step 5. If fault codes are present, perform the required pinpoint tests as directed in the Powertrain Control/Emission Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual for any fault codes received. Repair all NON-transaxle codes and verify if transaxle symptom still exists.

5. If the transaxle symptom exists, install Rotunda Transmission Tester (007-0085D) and follow the appropriate tester instructions to determine if the concern is internal to the transaxle.

NOTE:
THE TRANSMISSION TESTER, ROTUNDA 007-0O85D, MUST INCLUDE UPDATES (CABLE, OVERLAY AND INTERNAL SOFTWARE) TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AN AX4N TRANSAXLE.

6. If the transaxle requires service, call Ford Motor Company toll free at 1-800-349-2946 (all U.S. and Canadian dealers only).

NOTE:
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE ANY TRANSAXLE PRIOR TO CALLING THIS TOLL FREE NUMBER.

All diagnostic information (fluid level, EEC codes, transmission tester results, transaxle concern and transaxle tag information) must be recorded before calling Ford Motor Company.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
951407A Check Transaxle Fluid 0.2 Hr.
And Service
951407B Check Transaxle Fluid 0.5 Hr.
And Check Connectors
951407C Check Transaxle Fluid, 0.9 Hr.
Check Connectors And
Perform Quick Test
951407D Check Transaxle Fluid, 1.3 Hrs.
Check Connectors,
Perform Quick Test And
Perform Internal Transaxle
Test

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7000 08

OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 503300, 504000, 510000, 590000

A/T - AX4N Green Tag Service Procedures