94 5.0 AODE Issues

[Super Dragpack]

As you may note from my username, I have several Mustangs - with my pride and joy being a 1969 Dragpack.

Anyway, todays question is based around a problem I am currently experiencing with a 1994 5.0 GT Convertible Auto I have. It has 56k miles on it. I have a 90 GT Auto to compare the AODE's behavior to the AOD, and it isn't right.

Let me explain what is happening:

1/ In lock-up (3rd or 4th), if you apply a little throttle (not enough to get it to kick-down) it makes a horrid vibrating (like you are driving over rumble strips). It will also engage and disengage the lock-up with a jolt too.
2/ It seems to be slipping (not engaging strongly) in normal accelaration (1 & 2 mainly)
3/ Sometimes it will not lockup (at 70mph) unless I flick it in N then back to D - this makes it hunt through the gears and then finish with picking the right one.
4/ After a little "round town" driving the car smells of hot fluid.
5/ The fluid is only a little brown (not dark) but does smell a little potent.

With all this said, I just got 27mpg on a run which means that things can't be too far off!

There is also a noise from the engine, which may just be a blowing manifold, but I can not find it. It only does it while accelerating which suggests that it COULD be coming from the tranny too. It is a ticking type blowing noise in time with each engine rotation at a guess.

I have ordered the parts to do a filter and fluid change in a hope it is something simple, but I am fearful that the TC or a band is going. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Mick . . .

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I wouldn't bother with the fluid and filter. At this point it'll just be throwing good money after bad.

The problem likely lies either in the converter internally, or with the one way roller behind it.

 

[Super Dragpack]

I assume therefore, that you would advise removal and an inspection and replacement of the TC?

What price can you do for a stock spec TC (used would do fine if we know it is a good one) sent to the UK please? Are they the same TC's as found in any 5.0 Fox Mustangs?

Mick . . .

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Actually... You could try pulling the VB out, draining the converter, getting it as empty as possible, and switching to Mercron V. It was formulated specifically to fix converter shudder during lock up. It is important that you get as much fluid out as possible.

Also, when you drop the pan, it will be much easier to diagnose the internal condition of the trans. If you get the pan down and it's covered in material, or has any metal in it, stop, go no further, put the pan back on, and put the old fluid right back in. Get ready for a new trans.

The problem is, if the converter clutch is going, all the friction material from it is running throughout the trans.

Before you go any further, get teh pan down.

 

[Super Dragpack]

Thanks for that "not so good" news. Anyway, I will drop the pan and see.

For your information, the fault codes being flagged by the ECU at the moment are 536 and 632 - neither of which makes sense as both issues (brake light and OD switch) are working fine. Maybe this makes some sense to you?

I am having a hard time deciding if it is slipping in normal driving as the revs don't rise passed the normal 2000-2500 point but I seem to have no power and no acceleration. Compared to my mild Fox, this is a very slow ride! I am used to a higher geared 5.0 and AOD (with some mild mods) so am always expecting this SN95 to be quicker than it is. Are these SN95 5.0 that much slower than a 3.27:1 AOD 5.0 Fox with intake, exhaust and timing modded????

FYI this SN95 has the 3.02:1 (stock or something like that) rear while the Fox has the optional 3.27:1 - how much difference would this make in reality?

I currently only have a intake fitted to the SN95 (just done).

Mick . . .

 

[Jrgunn5150]

536 During the KOER test, when you get a code 40, (8 cylinders, 30 or 20 for 6 and 4 cylinders respectivley) you need to press the brake pedal and turn the steering one half turn and back.

632 The throttle pedal is not being depressed far enough during the 'goose' test.

Basically, usually they are faulty codes. As for whether it's faster enough or not, they should be pretty comparable. Your SN has either 2:73, 3.08, or 3.27 gears.

 

[Super Dragpack]

3.08 - thats the ones!!!!

Cheers again - confirmed that for me anyway.

 

[Super Dragpack]

I have just attempted to order some Mercon V from a US automotive supplier and they have sent me the following email:

According to the information we have, Mercon V fluid should not be used in your transmission. Our listings for the fluid type specification says "Use of fluid marked Mercon? V may cause internal damage". If you're certain you still want to use this, we have this in stock . . . . .

I am a little worries now - several people have suggested and have had success with the switch the Mercon V, but I would love to be able to clarify why this statement is being made before I risk my tranny further.

Thanks again.

Mick . . .

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I don't know why they told you that here's some reading.

http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article000564317.cfm?x=b11,0,w

 

[Jrgunn5150]

TSB
98-8-7 VIBRATION - SHUDDER OR VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION ABOVE 56 KM/H (35 MPH) WHILE IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AODE OR 4R70W TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION - AODE - 4R70W - SHUDDER OR VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION ABOVE 56 KM/H (35 MPH) WHILE IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR

Publication Date: APRIL 27, 1998

FORD: 1992-1997 CROWN VICTORIA
1994-1997 MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1992-1997 GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR
1993-1997 MARK VIII
1994-1997 COUGAR


This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to add models and applicable service parts.

CALIBRATION:
6-16F-R10, 6-16T-R10, 6-18F-R12, 6-18H-R12, 6-18I-R10, 6-18M-R12, 6-18N-R12, 6-18B-R11, 6-18J-R11, 6-18E-R11, 6-18P-R11, 6-18Q-R11, 6-18S-R11, 7-18B-R10, 7-18F-R10, 7-18H-R10, 7-18M-R10, 7-18N-R10, 7-18J-R10, 7-18E-R10, 7-18P-R10, 7-18Q-R10, 7-18S-R10, 7-18I-R11

WARNING: THIS MODIFICATION IS AUTHORIZED ONLY FOR THE LISTED ENGINE. PERFORMING THIS MODIFICATION ON OTHER ENGINE CALIBRATIONS IS UNAUTHORIZED AND COULD CREATE LIABILITY UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR LOCAL LAWS.



All prior calibration revision levels to the calibrations listed above are also included in this TSB.

ISSUE:
Vehicles equipped with an AODE or 4R70W transmission (refer to Vehicle Application Chart) may experience a torque converter clutch shudder or vibration. This occurs under light to moderate acceleration above 56 km/h (35 mph) while in 3rd or 4th gear or on 3-4/4-3 shifts. This may be due to temperature related automatic transmission fluid breakdown.

ACTION:
Perform normal diagnostics and refer to the following Service Procedure for required service.


VEHICLE APPLICATION
Model Year Vehicle Equipment
1992-97 Town Car Non-Trailer Tow

1992-97 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis Non-Police, Non-Trailer Tow

1992-94 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis Police, Trailer Tow

1995-97 Town Car/Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis Police, Trailer Tow

1994-97 Mustang

1994-97 Thunderbird/Cougar

1993-97 Mark VIII

NOTE: IF QUESTIONS STILL ARISE AFTER REVIEWING THIS TSB ARTICLE, CALL THE LIVONIA TRANSMISSION HOTLINE AT (800) 821-5046. PLEASE HAVE THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN), BUILD DATE, MILEAGE, AND PAST HISTORY AVAILABLE. HOTLINE HOURS ARE: 7:00AM TO 7:30PM EST.



SERVICE PROCEDURE

Perform Steps 1-10 for listed model year vehicles operating in mostly stop-and-go traffic, areas of high ambient temperatures and humidity or the following states:

Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Louisiana
Mississippi
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Perform Steps 1-6 and 8-10 for vehicles that are not normally operated in stop-and-go traffic, areas of high ambient temperatures and humidity or the previously listed states. If you have questions regarding the vehicle operating parameters, call the Transmission Hotline.

Perform normal diagnosis and repair of all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) prior to continuing with the following Steps.
Verify concern. Torque converter shudder occurs during 3rd or 4th gear under light to moderate acceleration. If vibration or shudder occurs only in 1st or 2nd gear, or when brakes are applied, then it is not torque converter shudder.

COMMON VEHICLE CONCERNS THAT HAVE BEEN MISDIAGNOSED AS TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SHUDDER
? Spark plugs - check for cracks, high resistance or broken insulator
? Fuel injector - filter may be plugged
? Plug wires
? Fuel contamination - poor engine performance
? EGR valve - valve may let in too much exhaust gas and cause engine to run lean
? Vacuum leak - engine will not get proper air/fuel (A/F) mixture
? MAP/MAF sensor - improper A/F mixture
? HEGO sensor - too rich/lean A/F mixture
? Fuel pressure - may be too low
? Engine mounts - loose/damaged mounts can cause vibration concerns
? Axle joints - check for vibration


NOTE: RESIDUAL FLUID IN THE SYSTEM (CONVERTER COOLERS AND LINES) WILL CAUSE SHUDDER TO RETURN.



Drain all transmission fluid including the torque converter. Completely drain the cooler and cooler lines. Refer to the appropriate model/year Service Manual, Section 07-01, for more details.
Remove the transmission pan and clean the pan and magnet.
Inspect the transmission gasket and filter. Reuse the pan gasket and filter if they are not damaged.
Reinstall the transmission filter, pan gasket, and pan.
For vehicles operating in mostly stop-and-go traffic, areas of high ambient temperature and humidity or the previously listed states, install a new Transmission Fluid Cooler and Transmission Fluid Cooler Installation Kit (refer to the Transmission Fluid Cooler and Fluid Cooler Installation Kit Application Chart for correct part usage). Refer to the Instruction Sheet included with the installation kit for details.

TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER INSTALLATION KIT APPLICATION
Model Years Part Number
Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis - Base Only 1995-97 F8AZ-7K177-AA

Town Car - Base Only 1995-97 F8VZ-7K177-AA

Town Car/Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis - Police and Trailer Tow 1995-97 Kit Not Required

Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis - Base, Police and Trailer Tow 1992-94 F2AZ-7K177-AA

Town Car - Base Only 1992-94 F2VZ-7K177-AA

Mustang 1994-97 F4ZZ-7K177-AA

Thunderbird/Cougar 1994-97 F4SZ-7K177-AA

Mark VIII 1993-96 F3LZ-7K177-AA

Mark VIII 1997 F7LZ-7K177-AA


NOTE: FLUIDS LABELED MERCON V ARE RECOMMENDED FOR SERVICING 1992 AND BEYOND AODE/4R70W TRANSMISSIONS WHICH ORIGINALLY SPECIFIED MERCON. SERVICE FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL OTHER FORD TRANSMISSIONS AND/OR POWER STEERING REMAINS UNCHANGED.



Refill transmission with the proper amount of Motorcraft MERCON?V (XT-5-QM) or equivalent.
For all 1996-97 Town Car, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Thunderbird/Cougar vehicles, check emissions decal to verify vehicle has the latest calibration. If it does not, reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to the new calibration level using Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS) or New Generation Star (NGS) Tester with latest CD-ROM. Refer to the Recalibration Cross Reference Chart for the correct PCM calibration.
Road test vehicle at normal operating temperature to verify repair. If shudder is still present, vehicle may have to be driven up to 80 km (50 miles) for break-in. Torque converter should return to normal operation.

RECALIBRATION CROSS REFERENCE
Application Old Calibration Old Part Number (-12A650-) New Calibration New Part Number (-12A650-)
1996 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
49S/Canada/High Altitude 6-18F-R05/R12 F6AF-AE 6-18F-R12 F6PF-DJA
49S/Canada/High Altitude 6-18H-R05/R12 F6AF-BE 6-18H-R12 F6PF-DKA
Mexico 6-18H-R05/R12 F6AF-KE 6-18H-R12 F6PF-DMA
California 6-18M-R05/R12 F6AF-DE 6-18M-R12 F6PF-DNA
California 6-18N-R05/R12 F6AF-EE 6-18N-R12 F6PF-DPA
Police 6-18I-R10 F6AF-CF 6-18I-R12 F6PF-DLA

1997 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
49S/Canada/High Altitude 7-18F-R10 F7AF-BE 7-18F-R11 F7PF-JA
49S/Canada/High Altitude 7-18H-R10 F7AF-CE 7-18H-R11 F7PF-KA
Mexico 7-18H-R10 F7AF-DE 7-18H-R11 F7AF-DE
California 7-18M-R10 F7AP-FE 7-18M-R11 F7PF-MA
California 7-18N-R10 F7AP-GE 7-18N-R11 F7PF-NA
Police 7-18I-R11 F7AF-EF 7-18I-R12 F7PF-LA

1996 Town Car
49S/Canada/High Altitude 6-18J-R05/R11 F6VF-BE 6-18J-R11 F6PF-DEA
49S/Canada/Mexico/High Altitude 6-18E-R05/R11 F6VF-AE 6-18E-R11 F6PF-DFA
California 6-18Q-R05/R11 F6VF-CE 6-18Q-R11 F6PF-DGA
California 6-18S-R05/R11 F6VF-DE 6-18S-R11 F6PF-DHA

1997 Town Car
49S/Canada/High Altitude 7-18J-R10 F7VF-AD 7-18J-R11 F7VF-AE
49S/Canada/Mexico/High Altitude 7-18E-R10 F7VF-BD 7-18E-R11 F7VF-BE
California 7-18Q-R10 F7VF-CD 7-18Q-R11 F7VF-CE
California 7-18S-R10 F7VF-DD 7-18S-R11 F7VP-DE

1996 3.8L Thunderbird/Cougar
49S/Canada/Mexico/High Altitude 6-16F-R10 F6SF-AE 6-16F-R10 F6SF-AF
California 6-16T-R10 F6SF-BE 6-16T-R10 F6SF-BF

1997 3.8L Thunderbird/Cougar
49S/Canada/Mexico/High Altitude 6-16F-R10 F6SF-AE 7-16F-R10 F6SF-AF
California 6-16T-R10 F6SF-BE 7-16T-R10 F6SF-BF

1996 4.6L Thunderbird/Cougar
49S/Canada/Mexico/High Altitude 6-18B-R11 F6SF-CD 6-18B-R11 F7SF-AB
California 6-18P-R11 F6SF-DD 6-18P-R11 F7SF-BB

1997 4.6L Thunderbird/Cougar
49S/Canada/Mexico/High Altitude 7-18B-R10 F7SF-AA 7-18B-R11 F7SF-AB
California 7-18P-R10 F7SF-BA 7-18P-R11 F7SF-BB


NOTE: PCM REPLACEMENT IS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THIS TSB. REFER TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL/EMISSIONS DIAGNOSIS (PC/ED) SERVICE MANUAL FOR APPROPRIATE DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES IF PCM HARDWARE CONCERNS EXIST.



Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal (FPS 8262 - obtainable through DOES II, 25/pkg) and list the date, dealer number, and summary of modifications performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.

AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS

THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:
Reprogrammed Powertrain Control Module (PCM) per TSB 98-8-7



THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED, AS APPROPRIATE, BY EPA AND CARB.
DEALER NUMBER:---------------------------------...

CHANGE AUTHORITY:

FPS 8262 9/78 FORD MOTOR COMPANY PRINTED IN U.S.A.





PART NUMBER PART NAME
XT-5-QM Motorcraft MERCON?V Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
F8VZ-7A095-AA Transmission Fluid Cooler (1992-97 Town Car, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis)
F8AZ-7K177-AA Installation Kit - Transmission Fluid Cooler (1995-97 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis - Base Only)
F8

 

[Super Dragpack]

WOW! You are truly the source of mighty information. Thank you so much for digging that out for me (and us all).

I will now clean my AODE as thoroughly as possible and use the Mercon V in a hope that this is the only things wrong. Do you recommend dropping the VB aswell or just the pan & filter etc? If I drop the VB are their checkballs and/or springs to worry about?

Under further investigation today, I have decided that the TC is not slipping and the shift points are all correct - this became clear when I discovered (via a VIN check) that this GT has the 2.73:1 rear gears (and now has 18" wheels too). 6000rpm in first is a stupidly high 69mph. No wonder it feels dead compared to my fox with 3.27:1 gears and 16" pony wheels!!!!!

Anyway, even more mods are planned once the AODE is working fine again. These include a set of 3.55 or 3.73 gears - any suggestions?????

Thanks once again.

Mick . . . .

 

[Jrgunn5150]

If you get the VB as well, you'll be able to pull another couple quarts out of it. I would recommend you do it as thoroughly as possible.

With the auto, you definitely want the steeper gear, 3:73's will be nice.