November 2002 Issue
Issue Summary:
Ford introduced a new-design sun shell with tabs added to the center of the sun-shell slots in the 4R100 as a running change during the 2000 model year.
Starting with the 2000 model year on all AX4N transaxles and 2001 on all AX4S transaxles, Ford Motor Co. introduced a new-design pump bearing that includes an integrated seal.
When the bolts attaching the pump to the converter housing in the Ford A4LD, 4R55E, 5R55E, 5R55N or 5R55W are being tightened, the threads in one or more of the bolt holes may strip out, requiring repair using the Heli-Coil® method.
Beginning in the 2000 model year, as a running change to the A670 (31TH) and A604 (41TE), DaimlerChrysler introduced a new-design final-drive cross-shaft retainer and eliminated the retaining pin.
Load-Testing Solenoid Circuits
The last thing I want to do is put you to sleep with an article on performing electrical tests and Ohm’s Law. What I want to show here is something that I think is really exciting: load-testing solenoid circuits with an ammeter! Using an ammeter and a calculator can save time, LOTS OF TIME. How would you like to check the power distribution, ignition switch, external and internal wiring, solenoids, computer and computer grounds without putting the vehicle on a lift or even raising the hood?
Have You Seen My Drainback Ball?
When you unscrew the cooler-line fitting you notice that oil comes pouring freely. You now remove the cooler-line fitting, and lo and behold, there’s no #$^&*! checkball in the fitting.
Ford’s New M5R4: A Radical Design Change in Rear-Wheel-Drive Manual-Transmission Technology
In 2002 Ford introduced a new four-door model of the venerable Explorer and its sister, the Mercury Mountaineer. The manual-transmission option for the new four-door model is a five-speed fully synchronized unit designated the M5R4 or M5OD-R4. The M5R1 transmission we all know and love has been replaced by a radical new design built by Mazda. This unit bears no resemblance to the M5R1.
The SB or SSV – What’s The Difference?
Often, DTCs related to the solenoid switch valve (SSV) in any 41TE or 42LE transmission are misinterpreted as a problematic solenoid body (SB). This may be attributed to the use of the word “solenoid” in the code definition. Code 37 is the solenoid switch valve stuck in the TCC position, and 47 is the solenoid switch valve stuck in the L/R position. Either of these will place the transmission in “limp mode.” The solenoid switch valve is not in the solenoid body but in the valve body (see Figure 1).
It’s a Game of Tag, and You’re It!
In many instances, during the repair process it is necessary for us to disconnect the battery or the computer. Sometimes this is all it takes to create a problem in the vehicle that was not there before.
Let’s take a look at some of these “disconnect”-related problems and how to correct them should this happen to you.
Code 47/633 in E4OD/4R100
Many technicians are familiar with the problem of early shift scheduling on the 4L80-E transmission. This prob¬lem is caused by a 4×4 low range signal being sent to the computer at an inappropriate time. Vehicles equipped with the E4OD/4R100 transmission may also have this type of problem. A code 47/633 is usually your first clue in identifying this condition. Since Ford uses the same wiring harness in both 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive vehicles, you may find code 47/633 in both types of vehicles.
A Case of Hide and Seek
One of the many automotive animals that technicians have to wrestle with is finding the definitions for the ever-increasing number of diagnostic codes. And then, of course, their definitions are being represented by a seemingly endless list of acronyms associated with that code. TCC, VSS and TPS are just a few recognizable acronyms in our industry today.
Handling 6-Speed Heavyweights
The present trend toward larger and heavier-duty pickups has now brought the ZF S6-650 6-speed manual gearbox onto the scene. This 6-speed transmission was introduced in 1999 in the Ford F 250, F 350, F 450, F 550 and stripped-chassis models. It has been used behind diesel engines from 1999 to current production and behind gasoline engines starting in 2002 models. GM adopted the S6-650 transmission for use in its 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pickups behind both gas and diesel engines in the 2001 model year.
October 2002 Issue
In This Issue
1987-90 Acura Legend: Controller Locations
When a code is stored in 1987-90 Acura Legends, there may be confusion in locating the A/T controller to read the blinking light for codes. In many cases the technician has mistakenly located the engine controller or is trying to find and jump a diagnostic connector that doesn’t exist.
The State of the Union on Standard Transmissions
In days gone by, cars were built with manually shifted transmissions as standard equipment, and automatic transmissions were an extra-cost option. This gave rise to the term “standard” as a reference to the stick-shift transmission. Along the way, automatics have steadily gained market share and now make up about 80% of the market in the United States. In Europe the opposite is true. Automatics are slowly gaining popularity, but just a fraction of the cars on the road are self-shifting.
Part II – More 4L30 E Problems (Lots More)
Problems and Fixes for the 4L30 E transmission.
