Servicing - A/t Ford Tempo I

SERVICE INTERVALS

Check fluid level at every engine oil change. Fluid filter changes and band adjustments are not required under normal operation. Under heavy duty (severe servicing), change fluid and filter every 30 months or 30,000 miles. Adjust band when fluid is changed.

CHECKING FLUID LEVEL

1. With transmission at normal operating temperature, place vehicle on level ground. Apply parking brake, and run engine at curb idle. Shift selector through all positions, ending in Park.
2. Fluid level should be in crosshatch area if checked at operating temperature. If transmission is at room temperature, fluid level should be between two dimples on bottom of dipstick.
3. Do not overfill. Check condition of fluid for contamination or burned smell. Full reseat dipstick.

Note. AVOD transaxle can on only have fluid level checked at normal operating temperature.

RECOMMENDED FLUID

For all 1988 models, Ford Motor Co. recommends using the new Mercon ATF in all automatic transmissions. Mercon is NOT recommended for power steering systems.

FLUID CAPACITY

Note. Transmission and converter assembly capacities given below are approximate. Correct fluid level should be determined by mark on dipstick, rather than by amount added.

TRANSMISSION REFILL CAPACITIES

DRAINING & REFILLING

1. To drain torque converter on AOD transmission, remove lower engine dust cover. Rotate torque converter until drain plug is accessible. Remove plug and allow to drain.
2. On all models, loosen oil pan attaching bolts to drain fluid. Remove oil pan. On all except AOD transmissions, remove and clean filter screen. Reinstall filter screen using a new gasket. On AOD transmissions, discard used filter and gasket. Install new filter and gasket.
3. On AXOD transmission, ensure both "O" rings are changed if replacing filter. On all models, clean oil pan, and install pan with new gasket. Pour 3 quarts. (2.8L) of fluid through filler tube. Check fluid level.

Note. Cooler and lines should be thoroughly flushed if transmission was removed for overhaul. Cooler Line Disconnector (T82L-9500 -AH) is necessary to remove cooler lines.

A4LD

1. Clean all dirt from band adjusting screw area. Remove and discard adjusting screw lock nut. Install a new lock nut on adjusting screw, leaving lock nut loose.
2. Tighten band adjusting screw to 10 ft. lbs. (14 N.m). Back off adjusting screw EXACTLY 2-turns. Hold adjusting screw in this position and tighten lock nut to 40 ft. lbs. (54 N.m). (Scheme 24)

Adjusting A4LD Bands. Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. On Escort, EXP, Temp and Topaz with 2.3L or 1.9 CFI engines, verify vehicle has "learned idle". See heater control lever to "FLOOR" position and heater fan to "OFF" position. Set parking brake. Start engine and run to normal operating temperature. Position wheels in straight ahead position. Place gear selection in Drive for one minute. Idle speed should decrease to setting defined on the engine emissions label.
2. Ensure parking brake and foot brake are applied during idle checking process. Depress and release accelerator to ensure idle returns to setting defined by engine emissions label. This confirms the processor has learned idle.
3. IF idle speed does not return to proper setting, check for mechanical interference in accelerator and transaxle linkage. Vacuum leaks and misadjustment of throttle return control stop screw.
4. On 1.9L, 2.3L and 3.09L engines, engine must be at normal operating temperature and transaxle in Park.
5. Loosen bolt on sliding trunnion block at least one turn. Ensure block can slide freely on rod. (Scheme 25) (Scheme 25): Adjusting Throttle Valve Control on ATX Transaxle
6. Connect a jumper wire between Self-Test Input (STI) connector and signal return ground on self-test connector. (Scheme 26) Turn ignition switch to "RUN" position, with engine off. NOTE: STI connector is usually located near firewall on right side of engine compartment.
7. The ISC plunger will retract. When plunger is fully retracted after about 10 seconds, turn off key. Remove jumper wire.
8. Lightly pull up on transaxle T.V. control rod to ensure T.V. control lever is against its internal stop. Allow trunion to slide on rod to its natural position. While holding T.V. control lever, tighten trunion block bold.

Note. Carburetor linkage lever should also be readjusted if it is necessary to readjust idle speed by more than 50 RPM.

Typical Location of Self-Test Connectors. Scheme 26

AOD (5.8L Police Special, Linkage Adjustment At Carburetor)

1. Engine must be at normal operating temperature. Remove air cleaner. Throttle lever must be resting on idle stop or throttle solenoid positioner stop. Place transmission selector lever at Neutral and set parking brake.
2. Back out linkage lever adjusting screw so screw end is flush with lever face. (Scheme 27) Turn in adjusting screw until a.005" (.127 mm) shim, or piece of writing paper fits snug between end of screw and throttle lever. Do not apply any load on lever while checking gap.
3. Turn in adjustment screw 3 turns. One turn minimum is permissible if screw travel is limited. If adjustment screw will not turn at least one turn or if it was not possible to obtain an initial gap as described in step 2), go to AOD (5.8L, POLICE SPECIAL, LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT AT TRANSMISSION).

Typical Carburetor Throttle Linkage on 5.8L Police Special. Scheme 27

Note. Use transmission linkage adjustment for 5.8L if it was not possible to adjust T.V. linkage at carburetor. The following procedure must also be used if a NEW T.V. linkage rod is installed.

AOD (5.8L Police Special, Linkage Adjustment At Transmission)

1. Engine must be at normal operating temperature. Ensure engine is set at correct idle speed. Set carburetor at minimum idle stop. Place shift lever in Neutral and set parking brake.
2. Set linkage lever adjustment screw at approximately mid-range. If a new T.V. control linkage rod is being installed, connect linkage rod to carburetor.
3. Raise and support vehicle. Loosen bold on sliding trunion block on T.V. control linkage rod. (Scheme 27) Push up on lower end of control rod to ensure control rod is against throttle lever.
4. Release force on rod. Rod must stay up. Push transmission T.V. control lever firmly against its internal stop. Tighten bolt on trunion block.
5. Lower vehicle. Ensure throttle lever is still against minimum idle stop or throttle position solenoid stop. If not, repeat steps 2) through 5).

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

1. T.V. control pressure is checked and adjusted using a pressure gauge. Attach pressure gauge (0-60 psi) to T.V. port on right side of transmission. (Scheme 28) It may be necessary to use a 90 degree elbow to avoid contact with the exhaust system. NOTE: Pressure gauge should have about 8 ft. of flexible hose attached so it may be read from passenger compartment. (Scheme 28): Checking T.V. Pressure (3.8L EFI, Thunderbird & Cougar)
2. Insert Cable T.V. Gauge (T86L-70332-A) between crimped slug on end of cable and plastic cable fitting attached to throttle lever. (Scheme 29) Force crimped slug away from plastic fitting. Ensure T.V. gauge is pushed in as far as possible.
3. Engine and transmission must be at normal operating temperature. Set parking brake and place selector lever in Neutral. With gauge tool in place and engine idling in Neutral, T.V. pressure should be 30-40 psi (207-276 kPa). NOTE: Do not check at set T.V. pressure in Park.
4. For best results, pressure should be as close to 33 psi (227 kPa) as possible. When shifted into forward gear, T.V. pressure will rise about 2 psi to desired 35 psi (241 kPa) pressure.
5. Pry up White toggle lever on cable adjuster located behind throttle body cable bracket. Adjuster preload spring should cause adjusting slider to move away from throttle stay and increase T.V. pressure. (Scheme 29): Cougar & Thunderbird 3.8L Throttle Body
6. Push on slide until T.V. pressure is 33 psi (227 kPa0. (Scheme 30) While holding slider, lock toggle lever by pushing it down as far as it will go.
7. Remove gauge tool and allow cable to return to idle position. With engine idling and transmission in Neutral, T.V. pressure must be 0-4 psi (0-28 kPa).
8. If pressure is not 0-4 psi (0-28 kPa), reset pressure so it is less than 33 psi (227 kPa) but no less than 30 psi (207 kPa). Repeat steps 2) through 7).

Adjusting T.V. Pressure on 3.8L Cougar & Thunderbird. Scheme 30

AOD (Self-Locking T.V. Control Cable: 5.0L HO & SEFI)

1. Remove air cleaner and inlet tube from throttle body inlet to expose throttle lever and cable assembly. Pry grooved pin on cable assembly out of grommet on throttle body lever. (Scheme 31) Push out White locking tab.
2. Ensure plastic block slides freely on notched rod. If not, White locking tab may not be pushed out fan enough.
3. While holding throttle lever firmly against it idle stop, push grooved pin into grommet on throttle level as far as it will go. DO NOT move throttle lever away from idle stop while pushing pin into grommet. Install air cleaner and inlet tube.

Self-Locking T.V. control Cable on 5.0L HO & SEFI. Scheme 31

Note. T.V. control linkage on AOD transmission with self-locking cable may also be adjusted with pressure gauge.

Scheme 32

1. T.V. control pressure is checked and adjusted using a pressure gauge. Attach pressure gauge (0-60 psi) to T.V. port on right side of transmission. (Scheme 28) It may be necessary to use a 90 degree elbow to avoid contact with the exhaust system. NOTE: Pressure gauge should have about 8 ft. of flexible hose attached so it may be read from passenger compartment.
2. Remove air cleaner and inlet tube from throttle body inlet. Insert Cable T.V. Gauge (T86l-70332-A) between crimped slug on end of cable and plastic notched rod. (Scheme 32) Ensure T.V. gauge is pushed in as far as possible. (Scheme 32): Installing T.V. Gauge on 5.0L Throttle Cable
3. Engine and transmission must be at normal operating temperature. Set parking brake and place selector lever in Neutral. With gauge tool in pace and engine idling in Neutral, T.V. pressure should be 30-40 psi (207-276 kPa). NOTE: Do not check or set T.V. pressure in Park.
4. If correct pressure is present, remove gauge tool. Allow engine to return to idle. With engine idling and transmission in Neutral, T.V. pressure must be 0-4 psi (0-28 kPa).
5. If pressures were not as specified in steps 3) and 4), readjust self-locking cable. See AOD (SELF-LOCKING T.V. CONTROL CABLE: 5.0L HO & SEFI).
6. Check T.V. pressure again. If pressure is still not correct, go to step 7).
7. Pry grooved pin out of grommet on throttle lever. Measure or mark location of plastic block on notched rod. Push White locking tab. (Scheme 31)
8. Using mark or measurement on plastic block as reference, move plastic block towards throttle body to raise T.V. pressure. Move plastic block away from bracket to lower T.V. pressure. Push in White locking tab to secure block in position. Moving block on notch will change pressure about 2 psi.
9. For best results, pressure should be as close to 33 psi (227 kPa) as possible with gauge tool installed and transmission in Neutral. When shifted into forward gear, T.V. pressure will rise about 2 psi to desired 235 psi (241 kPa).

A4LD Downshift Linkage (2.3L EFI & Turbo)

Ensure bracket and cable are installed at transmission kickdown lever. Open throttle valve to WOT. While holding throttle at wide open throttle, install White locking calm to lock cable adjustment.

AXOD

1. Ensure T.V. cable eye is connected to throttle control lever link. Ensure cable boot is attached to chain cover.
2. With T.V. cable mounted in engine bracket, ensure threaded shank is fully retracted. (Scheme 33) To retract shank, hold spring rest and wiggle top of threaded shank while pressing shank toward spring.
3. Attach end of T.V. cable to throttle body. Rotate throttle lever to wide open throttle position and release. Threaded shank must show movement or "ratchet" out of grip jaws. If no movement is observed, inspect T.V. cable system for broken or disconnected components and repeat procedure.

Scheme 33

1. Place gearshift lever in Drive. Gearshift lever must be held in rearward position during linkage adjustment.
2. Working at transaxle, loosen manual lever-to-control cable retaining nut. Move transaxle manual lever to Drive position (second detent from rear). (Scheme 33): Adjusting AXOD T.V. Cable
3. Tighten attaching nut to 16-27 ft. lbs. (12-20 N.m) in Taurus and 10-15 ft. lbs. (14-20 N.m) on all others. Ensure all gears engage correctly and vehicle only starts in Park or Neutral.

Scheme 34

1. Place selector lever must be held in this position while adjusting linkage. Loosen manual lever-to-control cable retaining nut. (Scheme 34) (Scheme 34): AXOD Transaxle Shift Linkage
2. Move transaxle manual lever to "OVERDRIVE" position, second detent from most rearward position. Tighten attaching nut to 10-15 ft. lbs. (14-20 N.m.). Check operation of transaxle in each gear position.

Console (Floor) Shift

1. Move selector lever rearward against stop in Overdrive (AOD and A4LD). Ensure lever is tight against rearward drive/overdrive stop. Raise vehicle. Loosen manual lever-to-control cable (or rod) retaining nut.
2. Move transmission manual lever to Overdrive position (third detent from full counterclockwise). Hold selector in this position and tighten retaining nut. Check for normal operation in all selected positions. (Scheme 35)

Typical Ford Motor Co. Console (Floor) Shift Linkage. Scheme 35

Column Shift

1. Place selector in Overdrive position. Make sure selector lever remains against stop by hanging an 8 lb. (3.6 kg) weight on selector lever.
2. Loosen shift rod adjusting bolt (or not). Push manual transmission lever downward to lowest position (third detent from full counterclockwise position).
3. Ensure the slotted rod end has flats aligned with flats on mounting stud, (if equipped). Ensure selector lever has not moved from Overdrive. Tighten bolt (or nut) and check operation in all selector detent positions. (Scheme 36)and (Scheme 37).

AOD & A4LD

Neutral safety switch is mounted on left side of transmission and is not adjustable.

ATX & AXOD

Loosen switch attaching bolts. With manual shaft in neutral detent, align switch using a No. 43 (.089") drill. (Scheme 38) Tighten bolts to 84-108 INCH lbs. (9-12 N.m.)

Column Shift Linkage (Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Town Car With AOD). Scheme 36

Column Shift Linkage (Cougar & Thunderbird with AOD). Scheme 37

RUBBER GROMMET

Shift linkage system use an oil impregnated plastic grommet to connect various rods and levers. A new grommet MUST be installed each time any rod is disconnected from a grommet-type connector.

Transmission On Bench

1. Remover/Replacer (T67P-7341-A) is required to install grommet into shift lever and to install shift linkage rod into grommet.
2. Remove grommet by placing lower jaw of tool between shift lever and shift rod. Position stop pin against end of shift rod and force rod out of grommet. Remove grommet by cutting off the large shoulder with a sharp knife.
3. Before installing new grommet, adjust stop pin to 1/2". Coat outside of grommet with lubricant. (Scheme 39) Place new grommet on stop pin and force it into lever hole.
4. Turn grommet several times to ensure proper seating. Squeeze rod into bushing until stop washer seals against bushing.

Adjusting ATX & AXOD Neutral Safety Switch. Scheme 38

Replacing shift Rod Grommets (On Bench). Scheme 39

Transmission in Vehicle

1. Disconnect linkage from grommet. Position Grommet Remover (T84P-7341-A). Rotate screw in tool until grommet is forced out of lever.
2. Adjust stop on Grommet Replacer (T84P-7341-B) to 1/2". Coat outside of grommet with lubricant. Position grommet on lever. (Scheme 40)
3. Use replacer tool to force grommet into position. Ensure grommet is fully seated in lever. Connect linkage.

Replacing Shift Rod Grommets (On Bench). Scheme 40

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

OIL PAN TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

FILTER SCREEN TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS