1991 FORD FESTIVA engine

Back To Article
ST EERING SYST EM - POWER
1991-92 ST EERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering - Power Rack & Pinion
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Power steering system consists of a rack and pinion steering gear, valve body, power steering pump, fluid reservoir and interconnecting
hydraulic lines. Pressure and return lines from pump are connected to valve body. A vane-type power steering pump draws fluid from the
steering reservoir. Fluid is compressed by rotor and vanes inside steering pump and sent to steering gear. Pressure is monitored and controlled
by a pressure switch and a control valve located inside of steering pump.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.
LUBRICATION
CAPACITY
Information is not available.
FLUID TYPE
Use Dexron-II ATF type fluid.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Check fluid level before engine is started, while fluid is still cool. Remove reservoir cap fluid indicator on steering pump. Check fluid level.
Fluid should be between the "L" and "H" marks on the level gauge dipstick. If fluid is needed, fill to the "L" mark on dipstick. Run engine until
warm and turn steering wheel fully in both directions about 10 times. Return steering to straight-ahead position and shut engine off. Ensure
fluid level is between "L" and "H" marks. Add fluid if necessary.
HYDRAULIC FLUID BLEEDING
1. Raise and support front of vehicle. Ensure pump reservoir is filled to specified level. With ignition coil wire disconnected, crank engine
and add fluid to steering pump until fluid level remains constant. While cranking engine, rotate steering from stop to stop. Recheck and
add fluid as necessary.
2. Start engine and allow to idle for several minutes. Turn steering wheel completely lock-to-lock several times. Check fluid level. Add
fluid as necessary. Continue this procedure until there is no bubbling or decrease in fluid level.
ADJUSTMENTS
BELT TENSION
On Festiva, remove air duct and air cleaner. On all models, loosen steering pump mounting pivot bolt and the adjusting bolt lock nut. Using
Belt Tension Gauge (021-0028A), fit gauge to longest available belt span for testing. Adjust belt to specification. See BELT TENSION
SPECIFICATIONS . Tighten adjuster lock nut to 32-45 ft. lbs. (43-61 N.m) on Capri or 27-38 ft. lbs. (37-52 N.m) on Festiva.
BELT TENSION SPECIFICATIONS
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STEERING GEAR
Removal
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. On Capri, mark and loosen intermediate lower U-joint. On Festiva, mark and remove steering gear
intermediate shaft connecting steering gear to column shaft. On all models, disconnect high pressure and return lines and plug them.
Loosen front wheel lug nuts.
2. Raise vehicle. Remove front wheels. Remove tie rod end cotter pins and nuts. Separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles using Tie
Rod Remover (T85M-3395-A). Remove tie rod end splash shields. Remove right fender splash shield. Remove front catalytic converter
nuts and separate converter from inlet pipe.
3. Place reference marks on tie rod end and tie rod for reassembly reference. Loosen tie rod jam nut and remove right tie rod end. Remove
steering gear mounting bolts and washers. Slide steering gear to the left and pull right tie rod through fender opening. Remove steering
gear by sliding it to the right.
Installation
Application
(1) Deflection: In.
(mm)Gauge Tension:
Lbs. (kg)
New Belt
Capri & Festiva.31-.35 (8-9)110-132 (50-60)
Used Belt
Capri.31-.35 (8-9)110-132 (50-60)
Festiva.35-.39 (9-10)95-110 (43-50)
(1)Apply approximately 22 lbs. (9.9 kg) of pressure.
Page 1 of 9 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING SYSTEM - POWER 1991-92 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering - Power Rack & Pi
...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 7: Power Steering Pump Mounting & Pressure Hose (Festiva)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 8: Exploded View of Power Steering Pump (Festiva)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Remove return line and "O" ring. Remove pulley nut and washer. Remove pulley using Pulley Remover (OTC-1024). Remove keyway,
front bracket bolts and washers. Remove front bracket, rear bracket bolts and washers and rear bracket. Remove rear body bolts and
washers. Remove rear body. Remove shaft retaining ring. Remove shaft and rotor.
3. Remove vanes, "O" ring, and center body. Remove "O" ring and cam ring. Remove seal using Collet (D80L-100-Q) and Slide Hammer
( T5 0 T- 1 0 0 - A) . R e mo ve va l ve fit t in g. R e mo ve 4 "O" r in gs fr o m va l ve fit t in g. R e mo ve c o n t r o l va l ve , sp r in g, p r e ssu r e swit c h fit t ing a n d
spring. Remove "O" ring from pressure switch fitting. Remove spring seat. Remove plunger.
Reassembly (Festiva)
1. Coat pump vanes, rotor and control valve with ATF. Install new "O" ring on pressure switch fitting. Install plunger, spring seat, spring
and pressure switch fitting. Install new "O" rings on valve fitting. Install spring, control valve and valve fitting. Coat lip of new seal with
grease and install seal using suitable installer.
2. Install cam ring, new "O"ring, center body, new "O" ring and rotor. Ensure rounded edge of vanes face toward center of rotor. In st al l
vanes, shaft and retaining ring. Position rear body and install washers and bolts. Position rear bracket and install washers and bolts.
Position front bracket and install washers and bolts.
3. Position key in keyway and install pulley. Install pulley washer and nut. Tighten nut to 22-29 ft. lbs. (29-39 N.m). Install new "O" ring
at return line port. Position high pressure line and install support bracket and cap screw. Install high pressure line attaching washer and
nut. Tighten to 29-36 ft. lbs. (39-49 N.m).
4. Ensure pump rotates freely. If not, disassemble and repair as necessary. Install pump on vehicle. Bleed air from hydraulic system before
starting engine. See HYDRAULIC FLUID BLEEDING
under LUBRICATION.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
After performing appropriate service procedures, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the
WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Pinion Cover Lock Nut29-36 (40-50)
Pinion Shaft Nut29-36 (39-49)
Power Steering Pump Bracket27-38 (37-52)
Power Steering Lock Nut32-45 (43-61)
Tie Rod-To-Rack44-58 (60-80)
Tie Rod-To-Steering Knuckle26-29 (35-40)
Valve Body Cover Lock Nut29-36 (40-50)
Wheel Lug Nut67-88 (90-120)
INCH Lbs.
Pinion Bearing Cover39-47 (4.5-5.5)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Intermediate Shaft Clamp Bolt13-20 (18-26)
Pinion Adjusting Plug Lock Nut36-43 (49-59)
Pressure Hose Fitting29-36 (39-49)
Power Steering Pump Lock Nut27-38 (37-52)
Power Steering Pump Mounting Bolt27-40 (36-54)
Steer Gear Mount Bolts23-34 (32-47)
Tie Rod-To-Steering Knuckle22-33 (30-45)
Page 8 of 9 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - STEERING SYSTEM - POWER 1991-92 STEERING Ford Motor Co. - Steering - Power Rack & Pi
...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

WHEEL BEARINGS
Wheel bearing preload is maintained by a selective spacer in the steering knuckle, between the inner and outer hub bearings. For adjustment
procedures and inspection, see WHEEL BEARING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Raise and support vehicle until tire is just off ground. Move wheel vertically and check for play. If play is noticed between steering knuckle
and control arm, control arm assembly should be replaced. If play is present but ball joint is okay, wheel bearings should be checked for wear
and replaced if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Remove stabilizer mounting bracket nuts and brackets. Remove split bushings from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bushing nuts at
lower control arms. Remove rear dished washers and bushings.
2. To loosen stabilizer bar, pull forward from control arms. Remove front bushings and washers. Install control arm bushing washers on
ends of stabilizer and install control arm front bushings. Insert ends of stabilizer bar into control arm bushings and install rear bushings
and washers on stabilizer bar ends.
3. Install retaining nuts finger tight. Install split bushings on stabilizer cross bar with split side forward. Position split bushings next to
White locating marks on bar. Install stabilizer mounting brackets. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification.
STRUT ASSEMBLY & COIL SPRING
Removal
1. Raise and support front of vehicle so struts are fully extended. Remove front wheels. Remove brake line clip from strut lower mounting
bracket and remove brake line.
2. Remove 2 bolts retaining strut lower bracket to steering knuckle. Working inside engine compartment, remove 2 nuts retaining strut
mounting block in strut tower. Disengage strut lower bracket from steering knuckle and lower strut from vehicle.
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Using spring compressor, compress spring to unload strut. Pry out mounting block cap and remove strut upper nut and lock washer.
2. Remove strut mounting block and spacer plate. Remove washer, bearing seal and bearing from strut rod. Remove spring upper seat, seat
insulator and coil spring. Remove jounce bumper and dust shield from strut. Reverse disassembly procedure to install coil spring a n d
reassemble strut.
Installation
1. Position strut, with spacer plate installed, in strut tower with White alignment mark facing outward. Install and tighten nuts on upper
mounting block studs.
2. Install steering knuckle in strut lower bracket. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts and nuts to
specification.
HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Straighten staked edge of drive axle lock nut flange. DO NOT damage groove or threads in
end of drive axle. Apply brakes to prevent hub assembly from turning. Remove and discard drive axle lock nut.
2. Remove clip which secures brake hose to strut bracket. Remove cotter pin and tie rod end attaching nut. Using Tie Rod End Separator
(T85M-3395A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle.
3. Remove brake caliper attaching bolts and remove assembly from steering knuckle. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove
clamp bolt and nut where lower control arm ball joint connects to steering knuckle.
4. Using a pry bar, pull down on lower control arm and release ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove 2 bolts which attach steering
knuckle between flanges of MacPherson strut bracket. Slide hub/knuckle assembly off end of drive axle. If binding is present or drive
hub is rusted to half-shaft, use a hub puller to push axle from drive hub.
Installation
1. Apply a thin coat of SAE 30 weight oil to drive axle splines. Slide steering knuckle/rotor/hub assembly onto drive axle. Stop at area
where uppermost arm of steering knuckle seats into MacPherson strut bracket.
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW drive axle lock nut. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification. Stake
axle lock nut into shaft groove.
WHEEL BEARING NOTE:Inform ation for stabilizer bar rem oval and installation on Capri is not available from m anufacturer.
NOTE:Always use a new drive axle lock nut when servicing drive hub or drive axle.
CAUT ION: DO NOT use a pointed tool to stake nut. If lock nut flange cracks, even slightly, during staking process,
it m ust be replaced.
Page 2 of 5 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - FRONT 1991-92 SUSPENSION Front
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 3: Identifying Vacuum Diaphragm Rod Gauge

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
VALVE BODY R & I
Removal & Installation
Disconnect battery ground cable. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front fender splash shield and front splash shield. Drain transaxle fluid.
Unbolt and remove oil pan. Remove 9 valve body bolts. Remove valve body. Ensure care is used not to loose check ball and detent spring. To
install, reverse removal procedure. Fill transaxle with fluid. Check for leaks.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
1. Ensure vehicle is thoroughly road tested to verify driver's complaint. Determine if problem occurs during upshift, downshift, coasting or
engagement. If noise is diagnosed, check if noise is affected by RPM, vehicle speed, gear selection or temperature. Ensure vehicle is at
normal operating temperature when checking.
2. Inspect fluid level and condition. Visually inspect for vehicle modifications, electronic add-ons, fluid leaks and/or incorrect linkage
adjustment. See applicable symptom diagnosis.
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Engine Starts in "D", "2", "1" OR "R", or will not Start in "N" OR "P"
Check ignition and starter circuit. Shift linkage faulty or installed improperly. Park/Neutral switch and/or wiring faulty.
No Movement In Any Gear
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage faulty or out of adjustment. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Faulty oil pump. Leak in
hydraulic system. Parking linkage improperly adjusted.
No Movement In "D", Okay In Other Gears
Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or improperly installed. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Faulty one-way clutch.
No Movement In "D", "2" Or "1", Okay In "R"
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Engine
performance poor or brakes improperly adjusted. Rear clutch faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
No Movement In "R", Okay In Other Gears
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Faulty
rear clutch, front clutch or low-reverse brake. Leak in hydraulic system.
Slippage
Page 3 of 26 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1988-94 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Ford ATX Overhaul
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

ATF level incorrect or contaminated. Manual valve out of adjustment. Vacuum modulator faulty or leak in vacuum circuit. Fluid pressures
incorrect. Oil pump faulty. Leak in hydraulic circuit.
Vehicle Creeps In "N" Position
Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Manual control valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Faulty rear clutch.
Vehicle Creeps Excessively
Engine idle speed too high.
Vehicle Will Not Creep
Fluid level incorrect or fluid contaminated. Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Engine idle too low. Manual
control valve faulty. Faulty oil pump. Leak in hydraulic system. Faulty front or rear clutch.
Low Maximum Speed & Poor Acceleration
Incorrect ATF level or contaminated fluid. Selector linkage out of adjustment. Engine stall speed incorrect. Poor engine performance. Brake
band faulty or out of adjustment. Faulty low-reverse brake, front clutch, rear clutch or hydraulic circuit.
Harsh "N" To "D" Engagement
Engine idle too high. Leak in vacuum circuit. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Faulty rear clutch. Low fluid level.
Harsh 1-2 Shift
Leak in vacuum circuit. Engine stall speed incorrect. Contaminated fluid. Manual control valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Brake band damaged
or out of adjustment.
Harsh 2-3 Shift
Leak in vacuum circuit. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Band servo or front clutch faulty. Brake band faulty.
Shift Shock Felt On Kickdown Downshift
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Leak in vacuum circuit. Kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring fau l t y.
Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve or governor valve faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
2-1 Shift Shock With Lever In "1" Position
Leak in vacuum circuit. Engine stall speed incorrect. Manual control valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Low-reverse brake faulty. Line pressure
high.
Shift Shock On Deceleration
Range selector out of adjustment. Vacuum diaphragm or piping faulty. Kickdown solenoid out of adjustment or faulty. Excessive line pressure.
M a n u a l va l ve fa u l t y. Go ve r n o r va l ve fa u l t y.
Vehicle Brakes In "R" Position
Band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Faulty rear clutch. Brake band damaged or out of adjustment. Parking linkage damaged or improperly
adjusted.
Vehicle Brakes On 1-2 Shift
Manual control valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Front clutch or low-reverse brake faulty. One-way clutch faulty.
Vehicle Brakes On 2-3 Shift
Manual control valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake band out of adjustment or damaged.
No Engine Braking In "1" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty. Contaminated fluid.
Low-reverse brake faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
No Shift Shock; Slippage On 1-2 Shift
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Leak in vacuum circuit. Oil pressure incorrect. Manual
control valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake band faulty. Leakage in hydraulic system.
No Shift Shock; Slippage When Manually Shifted From "1" To "2" Position
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Leak in vacuum circuit. Engine idle speed incorrect.
Engine stall speed incorrect. Manual control valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake band out of adjustment or damaged. Oil pump faulty.
No Shift Shock; Slippage On 2-3 Shift
ATF contaminated or level incorrect. Shift linkage faulty. Vacuum modulator faulty or leak in vacuum circuit. Line pressure not correct. Band
servo faulty. Front clutch faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
Slippage On 3-2 Kickdown
Page 4 of 26 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1988-94 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Ford ATX Overhaul
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Leak in vacuum circuit. Oil pressure incorrect. Manual valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Front clutch faulty. Brake band
out of adjustment or damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
Transaxle Slips In 1st Gear
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty.
Contaminated fluid. Incorrect idle speed. Faulty kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring.
No 1-2 Shift
Shift linkage defective, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Leak in vacuum circuit. Faulty kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring.
Contaminated fluid. Manual control valve faulty. Governor valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Brake band out of adjustment. Leak in hydraulic
system. Rear clutch faulty.
No 2-3 Shift
Shift linkage defective, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Leak in vacuum circuit. Faulty kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring.
Contaminated fluid. Manual control valve, governor valve or band servo faulty. Leak in hydraulic system. Front clutch faulty.
No Lock-Up
Faulty torque converter, wiring or solenoid.
1-3 Shift; Skips 2nd
Contaminated fluid. Brake band out of adjustment or damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
No 3-2 Downshift
Leak in vacuum circuit. Manual control valve, governor valve or band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Faulty front clutch. Brake band out of
adjustment of damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
No 2-1 or 3-1 Downshift
Leak in vacuum circuit. Manual control valve, governor valve or band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake band out of adjustmen t o r
damaged. One-way clutch faulty.
Slippage When Accelerating In 3rd Gear Above Kickdown Speed
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Leak in vacuum circuit. Oil pressure incorrect. Manual control valve or
governor valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Front clutch faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
No Kickdown At Normal Speeds In 3rd Gear
Leak in vacuum circuit. Kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring faulty. Manual control valve or governor valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake
band out of adjustment or damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
1-2 & 2-3 Shift Points Too High
ATF contaminated or level incorrect. Vacuum modulator faulty or leak in vacuum circuit. Line pressures incorrect. Manual valve out of
adjustment. Governor valve faulty. Hydraulic circuit leaking.
3-2 & 2-1 Shift Points Too High
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring faulty. Leak in vacuum circuit.
Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve or governor valve faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
1-2 Or 2-3 Shifts With Shift Lever In "1" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Manual control valve faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
2-1 or 2-3 Shifts With Shift Lever In "2" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty.
Vehicle Moves In "P" Or Parking Gear Remains Engaged When
Shifted Out Of "P" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Parking linkage out of adjustment or damaged.
Transaxle Noisy In "P" Or "N" Position
Incorrect fluid level. Incorrect oil pressure. Faulty rear clutch, oil pump, one-way clutch or planetary gear.
Transaxle Noisy In "D", "1", "2" or "R"
Oil pressure incorrect. Rear clutch, oil pump, one-way clutch or planetary gears faulty.
Transmission Overheats
ATF level incorrect. Engine stall speed and/or line pressure incorrect. Faulty band servo, front clutch, rear clutch, brake band, low-reverse
brake, oil pump, torque converter or planetary gear. Leak in hydraulic circuit.
Page 5 of 26 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1988-94 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Ford ATX Overhaul
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Differential Noise
ATF contaminated or level incorrect. Bearings worn or has excessive preload. Teeth on gears worn or damaged or has excessive backlash.
TESTING
PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCH TEST
1. Ensure engine starts in "P" or "N". Ensure back-up lights glow when ignition is on and selector lever in "R". If park/neutral switch is not
operating properly, disconnect connector at transaxle and check continuity between terminals. See Fig. 4
. If continuity is not as
indicated, replace park/neutral switch.

Fig. 4: Testing Park/Neutral Switch

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
KICKDOWN (DOWNSHIFT) SOLENOID TEST
1.Check Fuse

Ensure ignition is off. Inspect condition of 15 amp METER fuse located in interior fuse junction panel. If fuse is okay, go to step 4). If
fuse is blown, go to next step.
2.Check System

Ensure ignition is off. Replace 15 amp fuse. Turn ignition on. If fuse blows, go to next step. If fuse is okay, go to step 4).
3.Check For Short To Ground

Turn ignition off. Remove 15 amp METER fuse. Disconnect kickdown switch harness connector. Check continuity between
Black/Yellow wire terminal of interior fuse holder and ground. If continuity exists, inspect and repair short circuit as needed. If
continuity does not exist, replace 15 amp fuse. Go to next step.
4.Check Power Supply To Kickdown Switch

Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect kickdown switch harness connector. Turn ignition on. Measure voltage between Black/Yellow wire
terminal of kickdown switch harness connector and ground. If voltage is more than 10 volts, go to next step. If voltage is 10 volts or less,
Page 6 of 26 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1988-94 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Ford ATX Overhaul
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

inspect and repair circuit between switch harness connector and fuse panel.
5.Check Kickdown Switch

Turn ignition off. Check continuity between kickdown switch terminals. Continuity should only exist with accelerator fully depressed. I
f
switch is functioning correctly, go to next step. Replace switch if it failed testing. Road test vehicle to verify repair.
6.Check Circuit Between Kickdown Switch & Kickdown Solenoid

Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect kickdown switch harness connector. Disconnect kickdown solenoid harness connector. Check
continuity of White/Black wire between switch harness connector and solenoid harness connector. If continuity does not exist, inspect
and repair open circuit as needed. If continuity exists, check continuity between White/Black wire terminal at solenoid harness
connector and ground. If continuity exists, inspect and repair short circuit as needed. If continuity does not exist, replace kickdown
solenoid.
VACUUM THROTTLE VALVE DIAPHRAGM (MODULATOR) TEST
1.Check System Integrity

Inspect all vacuum hoses and connections for leaks or damage. Disconnect vacuum hose at diaphragm connection and inspect for
leaking ATF. Repair as needed. Go to next step.
2.Check Vacuum At Modulator

Ensure ignition is off. Disconnect vacuum hose at modulator valve and connect vacuum gauge to hose. Start and run engine at idle.
Vacuum should be 15-22 In. Hg. If vacuum is not within specification, inspect and repair vacuum hose. If vacuum is within specification,
go to next step.
3.Check Modulator Valve Function

Turn ignition off. Remove modulator valve from transaxle. Connect hand-held vacuum pump to valve. Apply 16-20 In. Hg of vacuum.
Ensure vacuum is held by valve. Release vacuum and verify that valve moves freely. If valve is functioning correctly, go to next step.
Replace valve if it fails testing.
4.Check Vacuum Diaphragm Rod

With modulator removed, measure depth of vacuum throttle valve (dimension "N"). See Fig. 5
. Measure length of throttle control valve
rod. Ensure correct length rod is installed. Refer to the THROTTLE VALVE ROD DIMENSION CHART
. If correct rod is installed
in transaxle, inspect operation of vacuum throttle valve in valve body. Install correct rod length as needed.
THROTTLE VALVE ROD DIMENSION CHART

Fig. 5: Measuring Vacuum Throttle Valve Depth

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
STALL TEST
Testing Precautions
When testing, DO NOT hold throttle open longer than five (5) seconds. Shift to "N" and allow engine to idle for at least two (2) minutes
between tests to cool transaxle. If engine speed exceeds specification, release accelerator immediately as clutch or band slippage is indicated.
"N" Dimension: In. (mm)Rod Length: In. (mm)
1.0 (25.4)1.16 (29.5)
1.0-1.02 (25.4-25.9)1.18 (30.0)
1.02-1.04 (25.9-26.4)1.20 (30.5)
1.04-1.06 (25.9-26.4)1.22 (31.0)
1.06-1.08 (26.9-27.4)1.24 (31.5)
Page 7 of 26 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - 1988-94 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS Ford ATX Overhaul
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...