A/T - Erratic Shift/DTC P0712 Set

Article No.
98-21-13

10/26/98

TRANSAXLE - ERRATIC SHIFT WITH DIAGNOSTIC
TROUBLE CODE (DTC) PO712

FORD:
1998 ESCORT

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1998 TRACER

ISSUE
An erratic transaxle shift with a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) of P0712 may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) wire being pinched on the spring clip attached to the valve body.

ACTION
Repair the TFT wire with a plastic wrap. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify that DTC P0712 is stored in memory.

2. Check the TFT circuit for shorts to ground or opens. If either exist, proceed to Step 3. If neither exist, follow the appropriate Pinpoint Test in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Service Manual.

3. Remove the transaxle pan by referring to the 1998 Escort/Tracer Workshop Manual.





4. Remove the clip that retains the TFT sensor wire (Figure 1).





5. Inspect the TFT sensor wire for signs of chafing or breakage (Figure 2).





6. If wire is chafed, repair and install 1/4" or 3/8" plastic conduit tubing (obtain locally) around the affected area of the TFT wire (Figure 3).

7. Reinstall the retaining clip being careful not to pinch the wires.

8. Reinstall the transaxle pan per the Workshop Manual.

9. Clear any remaining DTCs stored in continuous memory, test drive to verify the repair and return to the customer.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
(Obtain Locally) 1/4" Plastic Conduit
(Obtain Locally) 3/8" Plastic Conduit

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

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

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

982113A Repair Transmission Fluid 1.3 Hrs.
Temperature (TFT) Wire

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7000 X1

OASIS CODES: 206000, 501000, 502000, 503300, 504000