CAUTION: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified could result in
transmission failure.
If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube. Do not overfill
the fluid. For fluid type, refer to the specification chart.
Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color this may indicate coolant in the transmission. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.
6. If fluid contamination or transmission failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the fluid pan, the transmission must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the
torque converter and cooler tubes. The oil- to-air cooler will need to be installed.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments. Refer to Diagnosis By Symptom in this section. Klj . 3 ba
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Leakage Inspection
CAUTION: Do not try to stop the fluid leak by increasing the torque beyond specifications.
This may cause damage to the case threads.
Check the fluid filler tube connection at the transmission case. If leakage is found here, install a new
grommet.
Check the VSS plug or VSS sensor O-ring (model dependent). If leakage is found install a new O- ring.
Check fluid lines and fittings between the transmission and the cooler in the radiator tank for
looseness, wear, or damage. If leakage cannot be stopped by tightening a fluid tube nut, install new
parts. When fluid is found leaking between the case and cooler line fitting, check for missing or
damaged O- ring, then tighten the fitting to maximum specification.
If the leak continues, install a new cooler line fitting and tighten to specification. The same procedure
should be followed for fluid leaks between the radiator cooler and the cooler line fittings in this section;
refer to Section 307 - 02 .
Check the engine coolant in the radiator. If transmission fluid is present in the coolant, the cooler in the
radiator is probably leaking.
The cooler can be further checked for leaks by disconnecting the lines for the cooler fittings and
applying no more than 345 kPa (50 psi) air pressure to the fittings. Remove the radiator cap to relieve
the pressure buildup at the exterior of the oil cooler tank. If the cooler is leaking and or will not hold
pressure, install a new cooler.
If leakage is found at the transmission range selector lever, install a new seal.
If leakage is found at the transmission internal harness connector, install a new O- ring. 4R70W External Sealing SECTION 307-
01: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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Fluid Leakage in Torque Converter Area
In diagnosing and correcting fluid leaks in the front pump support and gear and torque converter area,
use the following procedures to locate the exact cause of the leakage. Leakage at the front of
transmission, as evidenced by fluid around the torque converter housing, may have several sources.
By careful observation it is possible, in many instances, to pinpoint the source of leak before removing
the transmission from the vehicle. The paths which the fluid takes to reach the bottom of the torque
converter housing are shown in the illustration. The five steps following correspond with the numbers
in the illustration.
1. Fluid leaking by the front pump seal lip will tend to move along the impeller hub and onto the back of the impeller housing. Except in the case of a total seal failure, fluid leakage by the lip of
the seal will be deposited on the inside of the torque converter housing only, near the outside
diameter of the housing.
2. Fluid leakage by the outside diameter of the front pump seal and front pump body will follow the same path that leaks by the inside diameter of the front pump seal follow.
3. Fluid that leaks by a front pump to case bolt or pump gasket will be deposited on the inside of the torque converter housing only. Fluid will not be deposited on the back of the torque
converter.
4. Fluid leakage from the converter drain plug, (model dependent) converter seal weld or converter to flexplate stud weld will appear at the outside diameter of the torque converter on the back
face of the flexplate and in the converter housing only near the flexplate. Fluid leaks from the
torque converter will leave a ring of fluid around the inside of the torque converter housing.
5. NOTE: White facial tissue paper may aid in determining the color (red is transmission fluid) and
source of the leaking fluid.
Engine oil leaks are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as transmission pump gasket leaks. The 22 7D273 Fluid tube connector
23 87650-S2 Converter drain plug Klj . 3 ba
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following areas of possible leakage should also be checked to determine if engine oil leakage is
causing the concern.
a. Leakage at the engine valve cover gasket may allow oil to flow over the torque converter housing or seep down between the torque converter housing and cylinder block causing oil to
be present in or at the bottom of the torque converter housing.
b. Oil galley plug leaks will allow oil to flow down the rear face of the cylinder block to the bottom of the torque converter housing.
c. Leakage at the crankshaft rear oil seal will work back to the flexplate, and then into the torque converter housing.
d. Leakage at engine oil pressure sensor.
Leak Check Test 1. Remove the fluid level indicator and note the color of the fluid. Original factory fill fluid is dyed red to aid in determining if leakage is from the engine or transmission. Unless a considerable
amount of makeup fluid has been added or the fluid has been changed, the red color should
assist in pinpointing the leak.
2. Remove the torque converter housing cover. Clean off any fluid from the top and bottom of the torque converter housing, front of the case and rear face of the engine and oil pan. Clean the
torque converter area by washing with a suitable nonflammable solvent and blow dry with
compressed air.
3. Wash out the torque converter housing, the front of the flexplate and the converter drain plugs. The torque converter housing may be washed out using cleaning solvent and a squirt- type oil
can. Blow all washed areas dry with compressed air.
4. Start and run the engine until the transmission reaches its normal operating temperature. Observe the back of the cylinder block and top of the torque converter housing for evidence of
fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle on a hoist; refer to Section 100 - 02 and run the engine at fast
idle, then at engine idle, occasionally shifting to the Overdrive and Reverse ranges to increase
pressure within the transmission. Observe the front of the flexplate, back of the cylinder block
(in as far as possible), and inside the torque converter housing and front of the case. Run the
engine until fluid leakage is evident and the probable source of leakage can be determined.
Leak Check Test With Black Light Used With 12 Volt Master UV Diagnostic Inspection Kit
Oil soluble aniline or fluorescent dyes premixed at the rate of 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) of dye powder to
0.235L (1/2 pint) of transmission fluid have proved helpful in locating the source of fluid leakage. Such
dyes may be used to determine whether an engine oil or transmission fluid leak is present, or if the
fluid in the fluid cooler leaks into the engine cooling system. A black light must be used with the
fluorescent dye solution. Klj . 4 ba
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·
Seals, piston damaged ·
Inspect for damage. Repair as required. ·
Check ball missing or
damaged ·
Friction elements damaged
or worn Low/Reverse Band
·
Band, servo, anchor pins
damaged or worn ·
Inspect for damage. Repair as required.
Engagement Concern: Harsh Reverse Possible Component Reference/Action
203 —
ELECTRICAL ROUTINE Powertrain Control System
·
Electrical inputs/outputs,
vehicle wiring harnesses,
PCM, TFT sensor, EPC
solenoid ·
Carry out Self-Test; refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions
Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual for diagnosis and testing of the
Powertrain Control System. Carry out engagement test, EPC test
and Go To Pinpoint Test B or
Go To Pinpoint Test D . Check idle
speed. Repair as required. Clear DTCs, road test and repeat Self-
Test. 303 —
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL ROUTINE Fluid
·
Incorrect level ·
Adjust fluid to correct level. ·
Condition ·
Inspect condition of fluid. Engine Driveline
·
Looseness in the
driveshaft, U- joints or the
engine mounts ·
Repair as required. Shift Linkage
·
Damaged or incorrectly
adjusted ·
Inspect and repair as required. Verify transmission shift cable
adjustment; refer to Section 307 - 05 . Adjust transmission shift
cable as necessary. After repairing transmission shift cable, verify
that the digital TR sensor is correctly adjusted. Adjust the digital
TR sensor as necessary. Incorrect Pressures
·
High line pressure, high
EPC pressure ·
Check pressure at line and EPC pressure taps; refer to Line
Pressure Chart for specifications. If high, check the following
components: main controls, oil filter and seal assembly. Fluid Filter and Seal
Assembly
·
Plugged or damaged ·
Install a new filter and seal assembly. ·
Filter seal damaged Main Controls
·
No. 6 shuttle ball, No. 5
check ball, manual valve,
main regulator valve stuck,
damaged or missing ·
Inspect for damage. Repair as required. ·
Bolts not tightened to
specifications ·
Tighten bolts to specifications. Klj . 6 ba
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Shift Linkage, Digital TR Sensor
·
Damaged or incorrectly adjusted ·
Inspect and repair as required. Verify transmission shift
cable adjustment; refer to Section 307 - 05 . Adjust
transmission shift cable as necessary. After repairing
transmission shift cable, verify that the digital TR sensor
is correctly adjusted. Adjust the digital TR sensor as
necessary. Park Mechanism
·
Output shaft ring, parking brake pawl,
parking pawl return spring, park rod
guide cup, parking pawl shaft,
parking pawl actuating rod, manual
lever detent spring damaged or
assembled incorrectly ·
Inspect for damage or incorrect assembly and repair as
required.
Other Concerns: Overheating Possible Component Reference/Action
257 —
ELECTRICAL ROUTINE Refer to Routine 240/340, Torque Converter Operation Concern: No Apply
357 —
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL ROUTINE Fluid
·
Incorrect level ·
Adjust fluid to correct level. ·
Condition ·
Inspect condition of fluid. Other
·
Damaged, blocked or reversed cooler lines or
restriction in the transmission oil cooler ·
Inspect for damage and correct
installation. Repair as required. Vehicle Concerns Causing Engine Overheating
·
Refer to the appropriate engine
cooling section. Main Controls
·
Drain back valve, torque clutch control valve, converter
limit valve stuck, damaged or assembled incorrectly ·
Inspect for damage and repair as
required. Torque Converter Clutch
·
No apply ·
Refer to Routine 240/340. Klj . 30 ba
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Manual Transmission and Clutch
Inspection and Verification
It is important to get an accurate description of the concern before any diagnosis can be carried out.
Ask questions as to whether it occurs when hot or cold, during shifting, driving at a particular speed or
in a particular gear. If possible, have the customer demonstrate the concern.
zWith the vehicle at a complete stop, shift through all the gears and evaluate the noise at
different engine rpm. Check for any noises in NEUTRAL at different engine rpm.
Symptom Chart SECTION 308-
00: Manual Transaxle/Transmission and Clutch — General
Information 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual Symptom Chart
Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Clutch slippage zClutch pedal
sticking.
z Pressure plate
diaphragm
spring damaged
or weakened.
z Clutch pressure
plate damaged.
z Clutch disc
facing damaged
or worn
excessively.
z Clutch disc
facing surface
hardened or oil-
coated.
z Clutch release
hub and bearing
binding.
z Flywheel glazed
or damaged.
z loose pressure
plate to flywheel
bolts z
Go To Pinpoint Test A .
z Clutch chatter or shudder zLoose or worn
engine mount.
z Loose pressure
plate to flywheel
bolts
z Oil on clutch
disc facing.
z Clutch pressure
plate damaged z
Go To Pinpoint Test B . Klj . 1 ba
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