1991 FORD FESTIVA automatic transmission

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
...

See STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS .
Testing Procedures
1. With engine at normal operating temperature, tachometer installed and parking and service brakes applied, perform transaxle stall test in
"D", "2", "1" and "R" ranges at full throttle and note maximum RPM obtained. Correct stall speed should occur at specified RPM. See
the STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
.
STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
2. If stall speed is too high in all shift ranges, the following components may be faulty:
Worn Oil Pump.
Oil leakage from oil pump, valve body or transaxle case.
Sticking pressure regulator valve.
3. If stall speed is too high in "D", "2" and "1", the following component may be faulty:
Slipping rear clutch.
4. If stall speed is too high in "D", the following component may be faulty:
Slipping one-way clutch.
5. If stall speed is too high in "2", the following components may be faulty:
Slipping intermediate band.
6. If stall speed is too high in "R", the following components may be faulty:
Slipping Low/Reverse Clutch.
Slipping Front Clutch.
7. If stall speed is too low in all shift ranges, the following components may be faulty:
Slipping torque converter one-way clutch.
ROAD TEST
1. Before road test, ensure that fluid level, fluid condition and control linkage adjustments are okay. During test, transaxle should upshift
or downshift at about same speed as specified. See appropriate SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
.
2. All shifts may vary slightly due to production tolerances or tire size. The quality of the shifts are more important. All shifts should be
smooth, responsive and with no slippage or engine flare. Slippage or engine flare in any gear usually indicates clutch or band problems.
3. The slipping clutch or band in a particular gear can usually be identified by noting transaxle operation in other selector positions and
comparing internal units which are applied in these positions. See CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION
.
SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS (ASPIRE & FESTIVA)
VEHICLE SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS (TRACER)
ApplicationEngine RPM
Aspire2300-2500
Festiva & Tracer2300-2500
Operating Condition (1) Shift Speed MPH (km/h)
Half Throttle (50%)
1-29-17 (15-28)
2-316-34 (26-55)
Full Throttle (WOT) (2)
1-228-33 (44-53)
2-355-63 (88-101)
3-253-48 (86-78)
2-124-22 (39-35)
Coasting (2-1)9-6 (14-9)
(1)Transmission is in "D" range.
(2)To determine deceleration shift speeds, release throttle once transaxle has shifted into 3rd gear. Manually downshift shift lever
into next lower gear and record speed at which downshift occurs. Continue downshifting and recording vehicle speed until
transaxle has downshifted into low gear.
Operating Condition (1) Shift Speed MPH
Half Throttle (50%)
1-2 - Carbureted10-19
1-2 - EFI12-21
2-3 - Carbureted17-37
2-3 - EFI37-48
Full Throttle (WOT)
1-230-36
2-360-68
3-253-58
2-124-26
Fully Closed Throttle
Fro m "D" Ran ge (3 -1 )6-9
Page 8 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
...

CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION
CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION CHART
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTS
LINE PRESSURE TEST
1. Attach oil pressure gauge at line pressure checking port. See Fig. 6
. Attach tachometer to engine. Position gauge so it can be seen from
driver's seat.
2. With engine at normal operating temperature, transaxle fluid level correct and transaxle in "D", check line pressure at idle and at stall
sp eed . Rep eat t est in "2 ", "1 ", an d "R", al l o win g su fficien t t ime for engine and transaxle to cool between tests. Record results. See LINE
PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS .
3 . If Lin e Pressu re Is Lo w In "D", "2 ", "1 " & "R", ch eck fo r worn oil pump, oil leaking from oil pump, control valve body or transaxle case
and sticking pressure regulator valve.
4. If Line Pressure Is Low In "D" & "2", check for oil leakage from hydraulic circuit of rear clutch or governor.
5. If Line Pressure Is Low In "R", check for oil leakage from hydraulic circuit of low-reverse brake.
6. If Line Pressure Is High At Idle, check for vacuum tube broken or disconnected or faulty vacuum modulator.

Fig. 6: Identifying Hydraulic Pressure Test Ports

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
From "1" (Low) Range (2-1)22-26
(1)Transmission is in "D" range.
Selector Lever PositionElements In Use
"P" (Park)Low-Reverse Brake
"R" (Reverse)Front Clutch & Low-Reverse
Brake
"D" (Drive)
First GearRear Clutch & One-Way
Clutch
Second GearRear Clutch & Brake Band
Third GearFront Clutch & Rear Clutch
"2" (Intermediate)
First GearRear Clutch & One-Way
Clutch
Second GearRear Clutch & Brake Band
"1" (Low) First GearRear Clutch & Low-Reverse
Brake
"N" (Neutral)All Clutches & Bands Released
o r In effect ive
NOTE:DO NOT hold throttle open longer than 5 seconds. Shift to "N" and allow engine to idle for at least 2
m inutes between tests to cool transaxle. If engine speed exceeds specification, release accelerator
im m ediately as clutch or band slippage is indicated.
Page 9 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
...

LINE PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS (ASPIRE)
LINE PRESSURE TEST SPECIFICATIONS (ALL EXCEPT ASPIRE)
LINE PRESSURE CUT-BACK TEST
1. Connect oil pressure gauges to line pressure and governor pressure ports. See Fig. 6
. Position gauges so they can be seen from driver's
seat.
2. Connect a hand-held vacuum pump to vacuum modulator. See Fig. 6
. Position vacuum pump so it can be operated from driver's seat.
With shift lever in "D", gradually increase engine RPM and observe pressure gauge readings. Record results.
3. With shift lever in "D", gradually increase engine RPM, and apply 8 in. Hg to vacuum modulator. When line pressure reading suddenly
decreases, observe the governor pressure gauge. Refer to LINE PRESSURE CUT
-BACK TEST SPECIFICATIONS .
4. If governor pressure gauge readings are not within specifications, ensure rod in vacuum modulator is installed. If a rod is installed, rod
length may be incorrect or vacuum throttle valve is sticking. See VACUUM THROTTLE VALVE DIAPHRAGM (MODULATOR)

under TESTING.
LINE PRESSURE CUT-BACK TEST SPECIFICATIONS
GOVERNOR PRESSURE TEST
1. Attach oil pressure gauge to governor pressure check port. See Fig. 6
. Position gauge so that it may be seen from driver's seat. Shift
transaxle into "D" and road test vehicle.
2. Accelerate vehicle smoothly and record governor pressure readings at 20, 35 and 55 MPH. See GOVERNOR PRESSURE
SPECIFICATIONS . If pressure gauge readings are not within specifications, check for fluid leakage in line pressure hydraulic circuit
and/or governor pressure hydraulic circuit. Also check for a faulty governor.
GOVERNOR PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
See the appropriate TRANSMISSION REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - A/T article in this section. Refer to the following menu:
TORQUE CONVERTER
The torque converter is a sealed unit and cannot be serviced. Check for cracked or worn ring in seal area. Measure bushing in converter boss.
If I.D. is larger than 2.090" (53.08 mm) on Aspire, 1.302" (33.075 mm) on Festiva and Tracer, replace torque converter. If metal particles are
found in ATF, replace torque converter. To clean torque converter, flush with solvent, drain and flush with ATF and drain ATF.
TRANSAXLE DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove torque converter. Attach transaxle to appropriate holding fixture. Remove park/neutral switch, kickdown solenoid and vacuum
modulator with rod. Remove oil dipstick and tube. Remove speedometer driven gear retaining bolt and lift out gear assembly. Remove
oil pump drive shaft and turbine shaft.
2. Remove oil pan. Remove valve body. DO NOT lose check ball and spring. Position transaxle with oil pump facing downward. With
flat-blade screwdriver inserted in wide slot between front clutch drum and sun shell, pry down on front clutch drum. Do this seve r a l
times as you rotate assembly 2 complete revolutions.
3. Using a feeler gauge, measure front clutch drum end play. See Fig. 7
. Check clearance of small slot between front clutch drum tabs and
Applicationpsi (kg/cm2 )
At Idle
"D"46-54 (3.2-3.8)
"2 "150-166 (10.5-11.7)
"R"76-95 (5.3-6.7)
At Stall Speed
"D"141-157 (9.9-11.0)
"2 "150-166 (10.5-11.7)
"R"251-262 (17.6-18.4)
Applicationpsi (kg/cm2 )
At Idle
"D"43-57 (3.0-4.0)
"2 "114-171 (8.0-12.0)
"R"57-110 (4.0-7.0)
At Stall Speed
"D"128-156 (9.0-11.0)
"2 "114-171 (8.0-12.0)
"R"228-270 (16.0-19.0)
Vacuum Pump ReadingGovernor Pressure psi (kg/cm2 )
0 in. Hg (Atmosphere)14-23 (.98-1.6)
8 in. Hg6-14 (.42-.98)
Applicationpsi (kg/cm2 )
Aspire & Festiva
20 MPH13-21 (.9-1.5)
35 MPH25-35 (1.8-2.5)
55 MPH58-70 (4.0-4.8)
Page 10 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
...

sun shell slots. Record measurement for reassembly reference. End play should be .020-.031" (.5-8 mm).

Fig. 7: Measuring Front Drum End Play

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove oil pump. If oil pump is difficult to remove, tighten band adjusting stop bolt 106-133 INCH lbs. (12-15 N.m) and then remove
oil pump. Remove brake band adjustment stop bolt, lock nut, band strut and band. See Fig. 8
. Store band partially closed with a piece
of wire.
5. Remove front clutch assembly. Remove rear clutch needle bearing and rear clutch drum. Remove front ring gear. Remove needle bearing
and rear clutch hub assembly. Remove thrust bearing and sun gear spacer from front planetary gear. Remove planetary gear carrier.

Fig. 8: Exploded View Of Transaxle Housing & Primary Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Remove the sun gear, spacer and connecting sun shell. See Fig. 8
. Using "C" clamp and socket, compress servo piston with and remove
Page 11 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
...

snap ring. Release the "C" clamp and remove the servo piston. See Fig. 2 . R e mo ve go ve r n o r c o ve r a n d p u l l go ve r n o r fr o m t r a n sa xl e
case. Remove transaxle case-to-torque converter housing bolts. Separate case halves.
7. Remove differential assembly. Remove oil pipes and parking pawl assembly. Remove drum hub assembly. Remove one-way clutch inner
race assembly. See Fig. 8
. Remove rear planetary carrier with needle bearing and thrust washer. Before disassembling one-way clutch,
measure and record clearance between one-way clutch and low-reverse brake retaining plate. Clearance should .032-.041" (.8-1.05
mm).
8. Remove snap ring, one-way clutch and low-reverse brake retaining plate. Remove low-reverse brake plates. Compress low-reverse brake
piston with appropriate compressor. See Fig. 9
. Remove snap ring with screwdriver and remove low-reverse brake hub and springs.
Apply air pressure to low-reverse oil passage to remove piston. See Fig. 10
.
9. Remove output bearing and idler support assembly by lightly tapping on idler shaft with a soft-faced hammer. Drive out idler gear roll
pin and remove idler gear from output bearing and idler support. See Fig. 11
. Remove output gear assembly, press out bearing race
from output bearing and idler support and save adjusting shim for reassembly.

Fig. 9: Removing Snap Ring & Low
-Reverse Brake
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Page 12 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
...

Fig. 10: Identifying Transaxle Oil Passages
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 11: Torque Converter Housing Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
COMPONENT DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY
BAND SERVO
Inspection
Remove seal rings and inspect piston for damaged or worn piston. Ensure spring free length is 1.890" (48.00 mm). If less than specified,
replace spring. Install new seal rings on piston and servo retainer.
DIFFERENTIAL
Disassembly
1. Remove ring gear retaining bolts and ring gear. Using hammer and pin punch, drive out roll pin. See Fig. 12. Push out pinion gear shaft.
Remove pinion and side gears, with washers, from differential housing.
2. Using appropriate puller, remove side bearings from differential housing. DO NOT remove speedometer drive gear unless damaged.
Removal will damage speedometer drive gear.
Inspection
Check all gears for signs of excessive wear or damage. Check differential gear case for cracks or other damage. Replace as needed.
Reassembly
1. Reverse removal procedure to reassemble. Measure side gear and pinion gear backlash by inserting drive shafts into differential side
gears and supporting shafts in "V" blocks. Position dial indicator with plunger resting on teeth of pinion gear. See Fig. 13
. Measure
backlash. Repeat procedure with plunger on other pinion gear.
2. Backlash readings should be less than .004" (.10 mm). If backlash is not within specification, adjust backlash by changing thrust
washers. Thrust washers are available in .079" (2.00 mm), .083" (2.10 mm) and .087" (2.20 mm) thicknesses. Use thrust washers of t h e
same thickness on both sides whenever possible.
Page 13 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
...

Fig. 12: Exploded View Of Differential Assembly

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 13: Measuring Pinion Gear Backlash

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
DRUM HUB
Disassembly, Inspection & Reassembly
Remove parking gear spring from park gear. Push in the parking gear retaining pins with screwdriver and remove parking gear. See Fig. 14 .
Remove snap ring and lift internal gear assembly from drive hub. Check gear for excessive wear or damage and replace if needed. Reverse
disassembly procedure to reassemble drum hub.
Page 14 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
...