Automatic Transmission Servicing Ford Econoline I

APPLICATION

TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION APPLICATIONS

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (AX4S). Scheme 28

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (AX4N). Scheme 29

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (CD4E). Scheme 30

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (E4OD & 4R100). Scheme 31

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (F4E-III/F4E Type "F"). Scheme 32

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (4F20E). Scheme 33

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (4R44E, 4R55E & 5R55E). Scheme 34

Identifying Oil Pan Gasket (4R70W). Scheme 35

1998

Check fluid level at every engine oil change. Filter change and band adjustments are not required under normal operation. Under normal service, change fluid at 30,000-mile intervals on AX4N, AX4S, 4R70W and 4R100 transmissions. See APPLICATION table for transmission application. If vehicle is operated under following conditions, replace transmission fluid every 21,000 miles on 4R70W and 4R100 transmissions or 30,000 miles on AX4N and AX4S transmissions.

1. In hot weather with temperature greater than 90°F (32°C), carrying heavy loads and/or in hilly terrain.
2. Towing a trailer or using a car top carrier.
3. In police, taxi or door-to-door delivery service.

1999

Check fluid level at every engine oil change. Filter change and band adjustments are not required under normal operation. Under normal service, change fluid at 30,000-mile intervals on AX4N, AX4S, 4R70W and 4R100 transmissions. See APPLICATION table for transmission application. If vehicle is operated under following conditions, replace transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.

1. In hot weather with temperature greater than 90°F (32°C), carrying heavy loads and/or in hilly terrain.
2. Towing a trailer or using a car top carrier.
3. In police, taxi or door-to-door delivery service.

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

Note. On AX4S transaxle, fluid level should be checked when fluid is cold only for purposes of ensuring fluid level is above DO NOT DRIVE mark. Once fluid is above DO NOT DRIVE mark, follow normal checking procedure.

Note. F350 commercial chassis may have a parking brake assembly mounted on rear of transmission. Parking brake assembly contains a separate reservoir. Fluid level must be checked separately from transmission. See PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY (F350) .

1. Transmission or transaxle must be at normal operating temperature with vehicle on level ground. Apply parking brake, and run engine at curb idle. Shift gear selector lever through all positions, ending in Park.
2. Fluid level should be in crosshatch area on dipstick if checked at operating temperature. If transmission is at room temperature, fluid level should be between 2 dimples on bottom of dipstick.
3. DO NOT overfill. Check condition of fluid for contamination and burned smell. Fully reseat dipstick.

Transfer Case

Transmission may be available with more than one transfer case model, depending on application. Fluid capacities are approximate. With vehicle level, ensure fluid level reaches bottom of filler plug hole.

Parking Brake Assembly (F350)

Check lubricant level at filler plug hole on side of parking brake assembly mounted to rear of transmission. Fluid level should be even with bottom of filler plug hole. If not, fill until level.

Transaxle/Transmission

To determine appropriate fluid, see TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATIONS table.

TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATIONS

Transfer cases use Mercon (XT-2-QDX) ATF.

Transmission fluid capacities in TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITIES table are approximate system quantities. If draining only converter or oil pan, fluid capacity may be less than listed. Correct fluid level should be determined using dipstick. See CHECKING FLUID LEVEL .

TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION FLUID CAPACITIES

To determine transfer case fluid capacity, see TRANSFER CASE REFILL CAPACITIES table.

TRANSFER CASE REFILL CAPACITIES

DRAINING & REFILLING

AX4N & AX4S (Continental, Sable, Taurus & Windstar)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under radiator. Disconnect inlet cooler line from radiator. Connect one end of appropriate rubber hose to end of transaxle cooler line and place opposite end of hose in drain pan. CAUTION: Shut engine off as soon as fluid flow from transaxle stops. Failure to shut engine off immediately when fluid flow stops will result in transaxle damage.
2. Start engine and idle below 1500 RPM for approximately 40-60 seconds until steady stream of fluid stops. Stop engine and add 10 qt. (9.6L) ATF. Start engine and idle at less than 1500 RPM for approximately 2-3 minutes until steady stream of fluid stops. Stop engine.
3. Reattach cooler line at radiator. Add 2.0 qts. (1.9L) ATF. Start engine and shift transaxle through all gears. Add fluid in .5-pt. (.25L) portions, until proper level is reached.

CD4E (Contour, Cougar & Mystique)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under transaxle. Remove transaxle drain plug, and drain fluid from transaxle. Install transaxle drain plug.
2. Add 5 qts. (4.8L) ATF. Start engine and run at idle for 5 minutes. Shift transmission through all gears during 5 minute time period. Remove transaxle drain plug, and drain fluid from transaxle.
3. Install transaxle drain plug and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing__torque-specifications) . Add 5 qts. (4.8L) ATF. Start engine and run through all gears. Check fluid and add as required.

E4OD & 4R100 (Expedition, Navigator, Pickup & Van)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under transmission pan. Remove rear and side drain pan bolts. Loosen front drain pan bolt to allow fluid to drain. Remove front drain pan bolts. Remove drain pan and gasket.
2. Remove and discard oil screen and seal. If seal remains in bore, carefully remove using a screwdriver. Install NEW oil screen and seal, using clean ATF to lubricate seal. Clean oil pan, and install pan using NEW gasket. Fill transmission through filler tube. Start engine and engage all gears. Check fluid level and add as required.

F4E III /F4E Type "F" (Escort & Tracer)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Position drain pan under transaxle. Remove drain plug. Slowly remove oil pan bolts, working from front left corner.
2. Remove oil pan and gasket. Remove and discard oil screen and "O" ring. Install NEW oil screen and "O" ring. Clean oil pan, and install pan using NEW pan gasket.
3. Install case plug with NEW copper crush washer. Lower vehicle. Fill transmission through filler tube. Start engine and engage all gears. Check fluid level and add as required.

4F20E (Villager)

Raise and support vehicle. Position drain pan under transaxle. Remove transaxle drain plug. Remove oil pan retaining bolts. Remove oil pan and gasket. Clean oil pan. Install pan using NEW pan gasket. Fill transmission through filler tube. Start engine and engage all gears. Check fluid level and add as required.

4R44E & 5R55E (Explorer, Mountaineer & Ranger)

Raise and support vehicle. Loosen oil pan bolts to allow oil to drain. Remove oil pan bolts. Remove oil pan and gasket. Clean oil pan. Install pan using NEW pan gasket. Fill transmission through filler tube. Start engine and engage all gears. Check fluid level and add as required.

4R70W & 4R100 (Expedition, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VIII, Mountaineer, Mustang, Navigator, Pickup, Town Car & Van)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Place drain pan under transmission. Loosen oil pan retaining bolts. Drain fluid from transmission. Remove oil pan bolts individually. This allows remaining fluid to drain slowly to prevent spillage. Remove oil pan and gasket.
2. Drain torque converter by removing torque converter drain plug. Remove and clean filter screen. Reinstall or replace filter screen using NEW "O" rings. Install torque converter drain plug and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing__torque-specifications) .
3. Clean oil pan, Install pan using NEW pan gasket. Fill transmission through filler tube. Start engine and engage all gears. Check fluid level and add as required. NOTE: Transmission oil cooler and lines should be thoroughly flushed if transmission is removed for any reason. Use Cooler Line Disconnector (T82L-9500-AH) when disconnecting cooler lines.

ADJUSTMENTS

Raise and support vehicle. Loosen lock nut. (Scheme 36) Tighten adjusting screw to 35-53 INCH. lbs. (4-6 N.m). Back off adjusting screw 2 1/2 turns. While holding adjusting screw, tighten lock nut to 23-27 ft. lbs. (31-37 N.m).

Scheme 36

1. Remove overdrive and intermediate band lock nuts and discard nuts. (Scheme 37) Back off band adjusting screws. Install, but DO NOT tighten, NEW lock nuts. Using Band Adjustment Torque Wrench Set (T71P-77370-A), tighten adjusting screws to 10 ft. lbs. (14 N.m).
2. Back off intermediate band adjusting screws exactly 2 1/2 turns. Back off overdrive band adjusting screw exactly 2 turns. While holding adjusting screw, tighten lock nut to 35-45 ft. lbs. (47-61 N.m).

Scheme 37

AX4N, AX4S & 4R70W (Continental, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VIII, Mustang, Sable, Taurus & Town Car)

1. Position transmission shift lever in Overdrive. Hold shift lever against rear overdrive stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Loosen shift control cable retaining nut at transmission.
2. Ensure manual control lever is in Overdrive. Overdrive is second detent from rear most position. Tighten shift control cable retaining nut to 13-17 ft. lbs. (17-23 N.m).
3. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral and backup lights work. If not, check transmission range sensor adjustment. See «TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR/SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) .

CD4E (Contour & Mystique)

1. Place shift control selector in Drive. Verify transaxle is in Drive by viewing transmission range sensor. (Scheme 38) Have assistant hold shift control selector in Drive. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove shift cable from shift arm. Depress 2 locking tab on adjustment lock cylinder and rotate lock cylinder counterclockwise. Ensure assistant is holding shift control selector in Drive.
3. Grasp cable in front of adjustment lock cylinder and move as necessary to align cable eye with pin on shift arm. Press shift cable onto shift arm. Rotate adjustment lock clockwise until it snap into place. Lower vehicle.
4. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral and backup lights work. If not, check transmission range sensor adjustment. See «TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR/SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing).

Scheme 38

E4OD & 4R70W (Expedition, Explorer, Mountaineer, Navigator, Pickup & Van)

1. Place shift control selector in Drive (Overdrive on E4OD transmission). Hold shift lever against rear of stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Raise and support vehicle. Remove shift cable from control lever ball stud on transmission.
2. Pull down lock tab on shift cable body. Move shift cable back and forth the full adjustment length a few times to remove any dirt. Ensure that adjuster body moves freely.
3. Position manual control lever in Drive (Overdrive on E4OD transmission). This is 3 detents from front-most position with front position counting as one. Holding cable end, push cable rearward until end lines up with ball stud. Connect cable to ball stud.
4. Push up on lock tab to lock adjustment sleeve in position. Ensure that shift cable is clipped to floor pan at white mark on cable and cable is routed into tunnel. Lower vehicle. Adjust shift indicator cable while still in Overdrive. See «SHIFT INDICATOR CABLE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) .
5. Remove pressure from shift control selector. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work. If not, check transmission range sensor adjustment. See «TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR/SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) .

F4E III & 4F20E (Escort, Tracer & Villager)

1. Place shift control selector in Park position. Loosen cable nut at transmission range switch. Move shift cable rearward as far as possible. Check cable for any tension or restriction of movement then tighten cable nut.
2. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure transmission shifts through all gears properly. Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work. If not, check transmission range sensor adjustment. See «TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR/SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) .

4R44E, 5R55E & 4R70W (Explorer & Mountaineer)

1. Place shift control select lever in Overdrive. Hold shift lever against rear overdrive stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Raise and support vehicle. Using a screwdriver, pry shift cable from manual control lever on transmission range sensor.
2. To unlock adjuster body, release lock tab on top side of cable by pushing down on 2 tangs. Move shift cable back and forth the full adjustment length a few times to remove any dirt. Ensure adjuster body moves freely.
3. Position manual control lever in Overdrive. This is 3 detents from front-most position, with front position counting as one. Holding cable end, push cable rearward until end lines up with ball stud. Connect cable to ball stud.
4. Push up on lock tab to lock adjustment sleeve in position. Ensure shift cable is clipped to floor pan at White mark on cable and cable is routed into tunnel. Lower vehicle. Adjust shift indicator cable while still in Overdrive. See «SHIFT INDICATOR CABLE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) .
5. Remove pressure from shift control selector. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. Verify that vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral and that backup light work. If not, check transmission range sensor adjustment. See «TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR/SWITCH»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) .

AX4N (Continental - With Column Shift)

1. Remove steering column release lever. Remove ignition switch lock cylinder. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Place shift control selector in Overdrive.
2. Hold shift lever against rear of stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Rotate thumbwheel located on right side of steering column, to align indicator with overdrive symbol and Red calibration dot are completely White.
3. Cycle transmission through all gears to ensure proper operation. Remove pressure from shift control selector. Install upper and lower steering column covers. Install ignition switch lock cylinder and steering column release lever.

AX4N & AX4S (Taurus & Sable)

1. Remove steering column release lever (if equipped). Remove ignition lock cylinder. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Place shift control selector in Overdrive (Drive on vehicles equipped with transmission control switch).
2. Hold shift lever against rear of stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Loosen shift indicator cable retaining screw. Rotate thumbwheel until pointer is centered in appropriate position. Tighten retaining screw.
3. Cycle shift control selector through all gears to ensure proper operation. Install upper and lower steering column covers. Install ignition lock cylinder and steering column release lever (if equipped).

E4OD & 4R70W (Expedition, Navigator, Pickup & Van)

1. Remove lower steering column cover. Move shift control selector until in lowest gear position. Move shift control lever up 3 detent positions.
2. Hold shift lever against rear of stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Center pointer in middle of Drive (Overdrive on E4OD transmission) by rotating thumbwheel located on right side of steering column. Remove pressure from shift control selector and install lower steering column cover.

F4E III (Escort & Tracer)

Place shift control selector in Park. Loosen 4 gear shift selector bezel screws. Move bezel to proper position, and tighten 4 bezel screws.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Apply parking brake and block tires. Remove steering column release lever (if equipped). Remove lower steering column cover. Place shift control selector in Neutral.
2. Rotate thumbwheel until indicator is center over "N" on display. Place shift control selector in each position to verify operation. Install lower steering column shroud. Install steering column release lever (if equipped).

4R44E & 5R55E (Ranger)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering column release lever (if equipped). Remove lower steering column cover. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Depress ignition lock cylinder retaining pin. Remove ignition lock cylinder.
2. Remove upper steering column cover. Move shift control selector until in lowest gear position. Move shift control lever up 3 detent positions. Hold shift lever against rear of stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg).
3. Center pointer in middle of Drive (Overdrive on E4OD transmission) by rotating thumbwheel located on right side of steering column. Install upper steering column cover, ignition lock cylinder and lower steering column cover. Install tilt wheel handle and shank (if equipped). Connect negative battery cable.

4R44E, 4R70W & 5R55E (Explorer & Mountaineer)

1. Remove upper and lower steering column covers. Place shift control selector in lowest gear. Move shift control selector up to detents. Hold shift lever against rear of stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg).
2. Rotate thumbwheel until pointer is centered in appropriate position. Cycle shift control selector through all gears to ensure proper operation. Install upper and lower steering column covers.

4R70W (Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Town Car)

1. Remove instrument lower trim panel. Place shift control selector in Drive. Hold shift lever against rear overdrive stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg).
2. Rotate thumbwheel located on right side of steering column, to align indicator with letter "D" on analog instrument cluster. For digital instrument cluster, align indicator so that both calibration dots change from Red to White.
3. Cycle transmission through all gear to ensure proper operation. Remove pressure from shift control selector and install instrument lower trim panel.

1. Place shift control selector in Neutral. Neutral is 2 detents back from Park. Loosen 2 transmission range sensor retaining bolts. Install Transmission Range Sensor Aligner (T93P-70010-AH). Tighten 2 sensor retaining bolts.
2. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. If not, check shift cable adjustment. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) . Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work.

CD4E & E4OD (Contour, Cougar, Expedition, Mystique, Pickup & Van)

1. Remove nut securing manual control lever to Transmission Range (TR) sensor. Turn manual lever to Neutral. Loosen bolts securing TR sensor to transaxle. Using Adjuster (T92P-70010-AH), align TR sensor slots. Tighten TR sensor mounting bolts.
2. Install manual lever retaining nut. Tighten nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing__torque-specifications) . Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. If not, check shift cable adjustment. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) . Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air cleaner assembly. Place shift control selector in Neutral. Disconnect shift cable and manual control lever from transmission range switch. Disconnect harness connector from TR switch. Loosen 2 TR switch retaining bolts.
2. Connect ohmmeter between terminal "A" and terminal "H". (Scheme 39) Adjust transmission range switch so that no continuity exists between terminals. Tighten 2 TR sensor retaining bolt. Install manual control lever, shift cable and air cleaner assembly. Connect negative battery cable.
3. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. If not, check shift cable adjustment. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing). Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work.

Scheme 39

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove transaxle splash shield. Disconnect shift cable from Transmission Range (TR) switch. Place manual control lever in Neutral. Loosen 3 TR switch retaining bolts.
2. Install Gear Position Sensor Adjuster (T92P-70010-CH) between alignment holes in TR switch and manual control lever. (Scheme 40) Tighten TR switch retaining bolts.
3. Install shift cable and splash shield. Lower vehicle and ensure engine will only crank in Park and Neutral. If necessary adjust shift cable. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing).

Scheme 40

4R44E & 5R55E (Aerostar & Ranger)

1. Using a screwdriver, remove shift cable from manual control lever at Transmission Range (TR) sensor. Disconnect TR sensor harness connector. Remove manual control lever. Loosen 2 TR sensor retaining screws.
2. Install Transmission Range Sensor Aligner (T97L-70010-A). Tighten 2 TR sensor retaining screws. Remove alignment tool. Install manual control lever and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing__torque-specifications) . Install shift cable. Connect TR sensor harness connector.
3. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure transmission shifts through all gears properly. If not, check shift cable adjustment. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) . Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work.

4R70W (Crown Victoria, Cougar, Expedition, Explorer, Grand Marquis, Mark VIII, Mountaineer, Mustang, Pickup, Town Car & Van)

1. Place shift control selector in Neutral. Neutral is 2 detents back from Park. Loosen 2 transmission range sensor retaining bolts. Install Transmission Range Sensor Aligner (T93P-70010-A). Tighten 2 sensor retaining bolts.
2. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. If not, check shift cable adjustment. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) . Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work.

4R100 (Expedition, Navigator, Pickup & Van)

1. Using a screwdriver, remove shift cable from manual control lever at Transmission Range (TR) sensor. Ensure manual control lever is in Neutral. Disconnect TR sensor harness connector. Remove manual control lever. Loosen 2 TR sensor retaining screws.
2. Install Transmission Range Sensor Aligner (T97P-700100-A). Tighten 2 TR sensor retaining screws. Remove alignment tool. Install manual control lever, and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing__torque-specifications) . Install shift cable. Connect TR sensor harness connector.
3. Check for Park engagement. Start engine and ensure transmission shifts through all gears properly. If not, check shift cable adjustment. See «SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE»(/ford/econoline/i-1985-2013/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-servicing) . Verify vehicle only starts in Park and Neutral, and backup lights work.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• APPLICATION
• PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY (F350)
• TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATIONS
• CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS