Ford Taurus AX4N Transmission Issues

[lachie]

Hi everyone, I have a 1996 ‘Ford Taurus Ghia'(an imported version of your common Taurus) DOHC with just over 110000k’s(68350 miles) and the infamous AX4N transmission/axle. After about 10 kilometers(or 6.2 miles), the O/D(overdrive) light in the dash board will start to flash, if i park for a few minutes and restart the engine, the light will turn off but come once again further down the road? also every time i drive it, it seems to slip and change gears erratically when in Drive(D) but when i pull the gear selector to 2nd gear it seems to hold gears better, however it does seem to be ever so slightly slipping. And then i will only select D when i need to change up to 3rd or 4th(overdrive) which will not always engage. I am told that in these cars the O/D light will flash when there is a malfunction in the transmission or a code for the transmission in the computer. I am going to take the car to be scanned for codes when i get enough money because here in Australia, NO ONE will check for and read codes for free, it will cost 60+ dollars.But in the mean time, i was wondering if their was anything i could try to rectify the problem as i have the tools and a garage to do it. On another note, the car will hesitate when under mid to high range load, usually when setting of from lights, but i think that’s an engine problem.

Any guidance with any of the issues will be greatly appreciated and once again Thanks for listening everyone!

Cheers from Lachie, in Sydney Australia

Topic

[george gonzalez]

Oh dear. The internet seems to say that this tranny is a real lemon, perhaps as bad as the ones in the Acura TLs of 2000-2004. Lots and lots of problems of many different kinds. It’s like this transmission was rushed into production before they got all the bugs out.

You have to judge whether it’s worthwhile putting another $2,000 to $3,000 into this vehicle. A good upgraded rebuilt transmission might last another 100,000 miles, maybe, so think of it that way, it’s an extra 2 or 3 cents a mile, if you drive it another 100,000 miles. Then again if the car is not in great shape in the body, brakes, or engine departments, and those parts are not likely to last that long, it may not be worth investing more money into it. Avoid the temptation to sell it without full disclosure or have it accidentally catch on fire. Insurance companies are pretty smart.

[college man]

If its slipping check the fluid level and condition.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems

[Bill]

Hey Mate…Those transmissions did have their issues but several other things can cause the trans to act up. Low fluid level will make the OD light flash but I’m wondering if the hesitation problem is linked to the trans problem. A failing throttle position sensor could be the cause of both your complaints.
I guess you won’t know until you have it scanned.

[lachie]

Thanks very much for the failing TPS suggestion, it sounds pretty plausible. As for the fluid level, if anything the level might be a bit high, could this cause my issues?

[college man]

under or over is not a good condition. It can affect shifting.

[lachie]

UPDATE!
I have finally had the Taurus scanned for codes and it came back with 3, a P0734(Transmission gear #4 incorrect) a P1761(shift solenoid C performance) and a P1469(Rapid A/C cycling).
Now that i have nailed down what the issues are, is there anything that i can do to fix it?

[EricTheCarGuy]

Honestly, it sounds like it may be time for a new transmission. Anytime I see an ‘incorrect gear ratio’ code it usually means the transmission is slipping and not due to an electronic issue. Most times it ends up being an internal failure and the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-transmission-problems

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Author]

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