Windstar And Taurus Spacer Plate Identification - ATSG AXOD Update Handbook

HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, OR FLARE ON 1-2 UPSHIFT
COMPLAINT:
Some 1995-Up Ford Windstar Vans may exhibit a harsh 1-2 upshift, either before and/or
after overhaul of the transaxle. Some 1995-Up Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable or Lincoln
Continental may exhibit a soft or flare on the 1-2 upshift either before or after overhaul.
CAUSE: The cause may be, a valve body spacer plate designed for the Taurus, Sable, Continental
passenger car family, has been installed on a Windstar Van, creating a harsh 1-2 upshift.
If the Windstar Van valve body spacer plate, is installed on the Taurus, Sable, Continental
family of vehicles, the result will be a soft or flared 1-2 upshift. Obviously these two spacer
plates are different. Refer to Figures 101 and 102, using the two holes over the 1-2 capacity
modulator valve area, for identification.
CORRECTION: Install the proper valve body spacer plate for the Ford family that you happen to be servicing
at this time. Refer to the illustration in Figure 101 to identify the valve body spacer plate for
the Windstar Van. Refer to the illustration in Figure 102 to identify the valve body spacer
plate for the Taurus, Sable and Continental family.
Special Note: The valve bodies and castings are exactly the same in the 1-2 capacity
modulator valve area, but the valve body casting and spacer plate changed again in 1999
in a different area (See Page 94). These same concerns may be encountered by changing
a complete valve body, that included a spacer plate, trying to fix a totally different concern.
Use Figures 101 and 102, using the two holes over the 1-2 capacity modulator valve area,
to identify the valve body spacer plates.
Technical Service Information
FORD AXODE (AX4S)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SERVICE GROUP
116
Copyright © 2002 ATSG