ISSUE:
The AX4N transaxle is installed in some 1998 Taurus/Sable vehicles and all 1998 Taurus SHO and Continental vehicles. The AX4N transaxle will have a white "PRIOR TO REPAIR" tag on the lower pan (Figure 1). The white tag refers to this TSB article and provides a toll-free phone 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, 1998, do not disassemble or repair these tagged AX4N transaxles. Perform the following diagnostic steps, record your findings, and contact Ford Motor Company on the toll-free phone number listed on the white tag (1-800-349-2946). After August 31,1998, follow the appropriate 1998 Service Manual for diagnosis and repair procedures.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Check and record transmission fluid level. If low, fill with MERCON(R) V (a new fluid used for 1998 AX4N transaxles) to the proper level and check for a leak. If a leak is the only concern, call the toll-free number prior to repair.

2. Check the harness connectors for proper installation at the Transmission Range (TR) Sensor, Turbine Shaft Speed (TSS) Sensor, Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), and transaxle top connector.

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

4. If no fault codes are present, go to Step 5. If fault codes are present, perform the required Pinpoint Test in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Service Manual for any fault code received and repair all non-transaxle codes. Then verify if the transaxle symptom still exists.

5. If the transaxle symptom exists, install a Transmission Tester (Rotunda 007-00085) and follow the appropriate tester instructions to determine if the concern is internal to the transaxle.

NOTE:
THE TRANSMISSION TESTER (ROTUNDA 007-00085) MUST INCLUDE THE UPDATE (DONE IN 1994, CABLE OVERLAY AND INTERNAL SOFTWARE) TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AN AX4N TRANSAXLE.

6. If transaxle requires service, call Ford Motor Company toll-free at 1-800-349-2946 (U.S. and Canadian Dealers only). Do not disassemble any transaxle prior to calling this number. All diagnostic information must be recorded before calling Ford Motor Company (fluid level, EEC fault codes, transaxle tester results, transaxle concern, and transaxle I.D. tag information).

PART NUMBER PART NAME

XT-5-QM MERCON(R) V Transmission Fluid

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

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

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

971513A Check Transmission Fluid 0.2 Hr.
And Service

971513B Check Transmission Fluid 0.5 Hr.
And Check Connectors

971513C Check Transmission Fluid, 0.9 Hr.
Check Connectors, And
Perform Quick Test

971513D Check Transmission Fluid, 1.3 Hrs.
Check Connectors,
Perform Quick Test, And
Perform Internal Transaxle
Test

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7000 07

OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 504000

A/T - AX4N White Tag Special Service Instructions