A/T - Harsh 3-2 Downshift/Shudder On Acceleration/Turns

Article No.
99-18-4

09/06/99

^ TRANSAXLE - AX4S - HARSH 3-2 DOWNSHIFT
WHEN COASTING AROUND A CORNER AND THEN
ACCELERATING - SERVICE TIP

^ TRANSAXLE - AX4S - SHUDDER WHEN
ACCELERATING THROUGH A TURN - SERVICE TIP

FORD:
1995-2000 TAURUS, WINDSTAR

MERCURY:
1995-2000 SABLE

ISSUE
A harsh 3-2 downshift when coasting around a corner and then accelerating away from the corner may occur on some vehicles. Another condition may be a shudder on turns if the throttle is held to accelerate through the turn. Both conditions are caused by air entering the fluid filter pickup area during the turn due to low fluid level.





ACTION
The fluid level in the AX4S transaxle should be set at the top end of the hatch marks on the dipstick (Figure 1) while the transaxle is at operating temperature. The vehicle must be on level ground, in Park, with the engine at idle and at operating temperature to get an accurate fluid level reading. If the fluid level is not at the top of the hatch marks, add fluid until it is at the top of the hatch marks (Figure 1). Refer to the information printed on the dipstick and/or the Owner's Guide for the correct type ATF fluid (MERCON(R) or MERCON(R) V) to add to the transaxle. Check the label of the container of ATF being used to verify if the fluid is qualified for MERCON(R) and so labeled; or is qualified for MERCON(R) V and is so labeled. In the event a fluid is qualified for both and is so labeled, it may be used in either application.

CAUTION
STARTING IN 1998, ALL TAURUS AND SABLE VEHICLES REQUIRE MERCON(R) V TRANSMISSION FLUID. 1998 WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 9/9/1997 REQUIRE MERCON(R) WINDSTAR VEHICLES BUILT ON 9/9/1997 AND BEYOND USE THE NEW MERCON(R) V TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE FLUIDS ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. THE USE OF INCORRECT FLUID MAY CAUSE INTERNAL TRANSAXLE DAMAGE TO FRICTION MATERIAL.

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