AX4N Teardown Inspection, Part one

[@jamiekrebs9208]

Gary took the clutches out on 3rd piston out top part then put air to it no push feel the air around it . Granddaughter thought it was out of the tower but with every thing off could find it better. Believe the air trick worked thanks for the help

[@bryanbond7804]

I work for the manufacturer of the AX4N and AX4S transmission castings. I stacked a many of those onto pallets.

[@garyjenkins6629]

Great video, looking forward to watching more. I will be rebuilding a high mileage Ford Freestar transmission soon.

[@GaryFerraro]

ok, What is the problem with the trans?

[@garyjenkins6629]

@@GaryFerraro 286,000 and it leaks. It's working OK for now. I have a low mileage engine so I am willing to do the transmission.

[@CubasAutomotive]

one suggestion is to move the camera slightly closer to the trans and work performed. Maybe little additional light on trans too... I think you did a great job on your 1st video (series). Looking forward to more... I found the video very imformative, pointing out possible mishaps if not paying attention, & very articulate and clear. Just Great. I couldn't ask for a better breakdown.

[@GaryFerraro]

+Cuba Rodriguez Thank you very much. Gary

[@RC-Heli835]

Hey Gary! Man you've done a lot of vids since you helped me with my AX4S in my 2000 Windstar last year. Its still going strong. Hope all is going well.

[@GaryFerraro]

Hello, All is well here, shop still very busy thanks for asking. Hope all is well with you, Have you done any more transmission jobs since yours?

[@RC-Heli835]

I've had a few opportunities to work on transmissions but without a scanner of my own to check codes first I didn't fool with them. Is it true that if a transmission doesn't have forward or reverse the tranny has to come out?

[@GaryFerraro]

Hello, Well if the car doesnt move in either direction, could be pump, pressure regulator , filter or converter problem. One way to tell is to check the fluid, if the fluid looks way over full then your pump is no good. I actually had an issue(one time) where the filter was faulty causing a no move condition. Most of the time the trans will have to come out.

[@Eric-bc7lt]

New fluid and filter about a month before problem started and def checked the level is correct. Thanks

[@GaryFerraro]

ok, at this point you will have to look inside the unit, If the other gears are ok, im thinking that the low intermediate clutch may be the problem

[@jimcarey160]

Hi Gary, i have a 2004 Freestar that i think has a transmission problem. My wife had told me there was a clicking sound up by the left front (drivers side) of the car when driving. I suspected a bad cv axle so I got under the van. The cv axle and boot looked great, no tears, no leaks, clamp tight? So I got in and drove it around and I occasionally heard what sounded like a grinding noise. The next day my wife drove the van and she lost power to the wheels. The car engine was running and the RPM's went up when she stepped on the gas, but the van was moving forward on it's own power. A little research on the internet and I found out that this van transmission has the problem with the pump shaft splines in the torque converter grinding off. This van transmission already had a recall for the problem but Ford just put in the same parts that went bad the first time. I am told there are upgraded parts now (a better pump shaft & torque converter) so I am tempted to do this repair but I can't find any video's on how to pull the transmission. Can you offer any advice? Once I get the transmission out I would like to do the rebuild as you show here.

[@GaryFerraro]

I think they have harden splines for the converter, Do you have reverse? Where are you located?

[@jimcarey160]

We're out here in California. I will have to check on the reverse (I took the battery for another car - had to get to work). Anyway, if it has reverse, does that mean it isn't the torque converter spline issue? A neighbor of mine, who works on cars a lot, said it may actually camshaft or crankshaft position sensor (not sure which one he said). Ever heard of this causing this type of issue?

[@moneygrip4464]

Absouluty amazing.... I would be hesitant every bolt. U are the shit!!!!

[@GaryFerraro]

Thanks for watching

[@jailson44]

Yes this is the same here in Brazil it is difficult to find this whip to buy

[@aiymankhan7222]

Yes sir I do have a tube that goes into the orange seal on the differential support(the drum that supports and locks the differential using a snap ring) that tube also has a second tiny jet outlet that sprays on the differencial.

[@GaryFerraro]

Ok, i always replace that tube, they tend to wear at the bottom were it fits into the seal and also wear at the small o-ring.

[@aiymankhan7222]

Yes sir you are right that line is worn out at the inlet side but no one has it in stock I have tried many transmission part suppliers even the Ford dealer doesn't have it they say the car is too old to keep Parts in stock, transtar carries an update kit which replaces my current double stepped tube to a single tube and adding another fifth tube and also it replaces the differential support which also was pretty expensive I didn't pick it up thinking that I still need a double Step tube which I realized later I should have as my transmission has an empty spot by the rear lube tube. I have used the old line with new orings, what would you recommend me now to put in the update kit or replace the current tube which I can always do it later. What difference does the update kit have and is is necessary to update those tubes and differential support

[@GaryFerraro]

Its actually been awhile since i did a 99 windstar, im actually not awhere of this update kit, let me speak to my transtar rep and get some info on this, if by chance that tube is available i will get the part number. Gary

[@billusry8902]

Thanks for the video. For a 2005 Sable with AX4N what are the chances that a P0734 code is caused by a bad shift solenoid 3? Recently it hasn't been routinely shifting into 4th gear. Occasionally it does shift into 4th especially when warm.

[@aiymankhan7222]

Hi Gary i found my line pressure around 75-100 and found 0 at epc tap? If you remember my transmission is not going past 2nd gear. I never checked the pressures on the previous Transmission that I had rebuilt but looks like I had the same problem on that. It can or cant be that both Transmissions had the same problem. But can you tell me where to begin my diagnosis. Please and thanks

[@GaryFerraro]

ok, so this trans stays in first correct? and you swapped another transmission and same problem?

[@aiymankhan7222]

Gary Ferraro yes sir shifts from 1 to 2 fine then no 3 4 ... No codes

[@aiymankhan7222]

Gary Ferraro maybe the recent Transmission I put in also has a faulty valve body??

[@RC-Heli835]

Hey Gary, they finally found the leak on my F250. A weld on the Torque converter was leaking. Remove transmission for 5th and hopefully last time.

[@GaryFerraro]

+ILTSYC Those studs leak alot, the key to knowing that, is the whole bellhousing is wet on the inside from the oil slinging around.

[@RC-Heli835]

You might have found it quicker had you had it. LOL! Today makes 3 months they've had it and I think that's a bit ridiculous. I got the battery and air box installed in my Windstar then put the oil in my tranny last night and when I hooked up the battery I heard a loud click. I didn't think much of it but thought it very unusual. The starter bendix had pulled in and stayed in. In a few more minutes I found out I had ran my positive battery term to the starter switch on the starter solenoid which eventually burned out my starter solenoid coils in a cloud of smoke and noise. I had even marked on the solenoid where everything went but couldn't see the one marked POS with the starter installed. As many times as I've installed a starter in my life time and do this, it just blows my mind man. So no test drive yet.

[@GaryFerraro]

LOL, at least its done.

[@RC-Heli835]

Hey Gary, I just crunk the van, I have 1, 2 and Drive but no reverse. Do you suppose it'll take a minute to get oil in there to the reverse piston? I haven't road tested it yet.

[@GaryFerraro]

There shouldnt be a delay, the feed for that is the smallest tube in the filter area, First make sure its full.

[@aiymankhan7222]

hi Gary short question how important is the new updated rear lube tube for the 99 Ford Windstar transmission I currently have a double stepped rear Lube Tube

[@GaryFerraro]

Do you have the tube that fits inside of the final drive support, is there an orange seal on the support?

[@uawsux]

As far as I'm concerned the most typical problems I've seen with this Transmission in the Taurus as well as in the Continental which it never should have been in the Continental is the torque converter goes bad you should carry a torque converter in the trunk of your car as well as speed sensors out of all these speed sensors I would like to know how to replace them troubleshoot them at cetera

[@GaryFerraro]

To trouble shoot speed sensors, if you have a scanner that shows live data you could see if your getting a reading on the scan tool

[@EliteMobileSolutions]

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar with AX4S TRANSMISSION and while driving at a constant speed on the interstate it all of sudden stopped moving checked for leaks(they are none) won't go into gear but had fluid.... Any ideas... Striped shaft? Blown clutches? Should I rebuild or buy.... Please help, pretty please 🥺😔🙏 lol 😁

[@EliteMobileSolutions]

Someone said possible bad shifting solenoids

[@GaryFerraro]

@@EliteMobileSolutions Sounds to me like the converter spline is stripped out if this happened suddenly

[@EliteMobileSolutions]

@@GaryFerraro literally out of no where.... That or the plates is my next guess.... Because when I hooked up the scan tool I could engage and disengage solenoid, so I can hear it do I assume it's working.... It works in 2nd weirdly but nothing else, no reverse, 1st or drive

[@GaryFerraro]

@@EliteMobileSolutions ok, so the car moves in 2nd, then not a stripped converter. If it happened suddenly then something broke or stripped

[@EliteMobileSolutions]

@@GaryFerraro what should I do, or what can I do to further diagnose it

[@chadboling6075]

Hey Gary, got a 2003 ford Taurus AX4N. Has good 1st and 2nd and reverse but feels like neutral when its goes to third. Any thoughts on what it might be and also when you remove valve body where are check balls and will they fall out?

[@GaryFerraro]

Chad Boling Hello, what I'm thinking with this, is you actually may have a problem with a cracked intermediate piston. Second gear is the primary gear in this trans and without second you won't have third or fourth. If you pull the valve body there is one check all in the pump and about 5 in the valve body, no check balls will fall out if you remove the valve body, when you take off the separator plates you will see the check balls.

[@chadboling6075]

Gary Ferraro The intermediate piston is in the low intermediate drum? How do you get those drums apart? I watched your videos and I thought you said you used a press to compress them so you could get the rings out?

[@GaryFerraro]

Yes, to get to the pistons, i have a foot press, that will depress the springs to get the snap ring out.

[@chadboling6075]

Hey Gary, Hope you and your family had a good holiday. I got my AX4N(4F50N) apart and the intermediate clutch was burnt friction and steels. One of the steels had turned and binded on the hub and I had to beat it off. Do you know what might have caused this and what else to look for? The low/intermediate piston looked good as did all other parts.

[@GaryFerraro]

I would change out those pistons, 2nd gear is the weak point in this unit, also look for ring grooves on the inside drum(where the 5 rings ride)Also, in the channel plate there are the accumulators change those o-rings and the one by the filter too. Gary

[@powermoveschris9891]

Hey Gary, quick question. Check transmission light comes on on my Ford Taurus 2005 and code says P0733 gear 3 incorrect ratio. Changed the fluid and filter thinking that may be an issue. Changed the input sensor. The transmission surges and revs at high rpm then i hear a popping sound when i finally brake at a stop sign. Car has 78k miles on it. Seemed to be a lot of metal in the pan. First time changing tranny fluid ever but what was in there seemed like quite a bit. Trying to find direction. When driving in 1st and 2nd gear it’s fine unless i give it too much has. 3 it slips but gradually picks up speed. Can go the usual 70 mph on freeway. And even more. So it’s weird. Can you give me some direction please!!! Is it a solenoid issue?

[@GaryFerraro]

This code is a mechanical code, Don't really see to many solenoid issues with these, i would say something is wrong with the 3rd or direct clutch pack. Does it slip all the time when the car is cold and hot?

[@powermoveschris9891]

Gary Ferraro yes it’s a continuous thing now. No matter the conditions.

[@GaryFerraro]

@@powermoveschris9891 Ok, sounds like something with a clutch pack, how is the 1-2 shift? 2nd clutch is the weak point on this trans and without 2nd you will not have 3rd or 4th

[@powermoveschris9891]

Gary Ferraro i would imagine that’s correct. There was so much metal in the pan. At least a quarter inch or more thick. Shifts fine in 1 and 2. That 3rd gear is where the slippage occurs. I notice the tranny surging and that’s when the gear ratio code came about. Car would just take off and accelerate randomly and elevate the rpm

[@GaryFerraro]

@@powermoveschris9891 Internal for sure, may have hard part damage

[@garretlake9883]

Any video on the transmission putting it back together

[@GaryFerraro]

I do not have one, sorry. Will keep that in mind with the next one I get. Thank you for watching

[@aiymankhan7222]

I did finish put back my transmission and started up the van let it warm up for an hour with putting in around 12.5 quarts of mercon v it moved in drive and reverse I was very happy to see it accomplished but as soon I picked up speed the rpm went to around 3000 rpm but it didn't change gear and went to neutral I had to manually put it in 1st and bring it home now here is the deal I am positive I put back everything perfectly except I didn't rebuild the valve body (opened it up to replace the check valves and the plastic balls only) also my buddy damaged the pin connector plastic when jacking up the transmission and the speed sensor clips were broken I will check that tomorrow after I come back from work, also I did wash the shift solenoids with gas do you think that damages the solenoids. where you think I might have went wrong ? should I just replace the whole valve body and if so is it accessible to do it without removing the transmission I appreciate your help

[@GaryFerraro]

can you tell me if any codes are present. Couple things to check before you get back into this trans, but lets start with codes

[@aiymankhan7222]

yes I found 4 codes 1st was P0715 rest were for the egr and cylinder 3 misfire . I did find the pins on the speed sensor were oily and dirty so I did clean them with brake cleaner. remove and reset the battery terminal and tested it it was doing the same I drove it for 15 min and the codes still didn't show up again.

[@GaryFerraro]

Ok, the 715 code is input speed sensor, this sensor is near the left side axle near the side cover, is this the one you looked at?

[@aiymankhan7222]

yes sir that's the one I looked at

[@GaryFerraro]

Do you have a scanner that shows live data, wanted to check some things before we tear into this trans again. some things to check are, the position switch(this tells the computer what gear your in, like reverse, drive or neutral, this can read incorrectly and the computer will think your in manual one and not shift, also check make sure you do have input speed in park at an idle, this should be the same as engine rpm. If all that looks ok, you may have a problem with your 2nd clutch pack, if there is a problem with the 2nd clutch pack it wont have 2nd,3rd or 4th.

[@aiymankhan7222]

Gary Ferraro hi after a while I got time to play with my Windstar looks like the PCM is bad, I did test the wiring and pins on the PCM according to my alldata and found open circuit at the PCM between pin 6 -- to 71,24,25,51,76,77,91and103 This test was for the TSS turbine/transmission speed sensor test at the PCM which other pinpoint tests were good. If you remember I had rebuild the transmission and it never shifted then put in another from the junkyard and did the same. What would you suggest. Any further tests? And should I buy a used or new PCM if available from the dealer and probably they can program it without the vehicle. I tried looking but I didn't see any burn marks but I will still try to further check this PCM. Still I will appreciate your advice. Thanks

[@GaryFerraro]

Can you give me the year, make and model and engine size of your car, i would like to look at a wiring diagram as well

[@aiymankhan7222]

Gary Ferraro 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8 engine

[@GaryFerraro]

ok, let look at a diagram and get back to you, may need a day or so shop is very busy

[@aiymankhan7222]

Gary Ferraro sounds great thank you very much

[@GaryFerraro]

i looked up a wiring diagram, pin number 6 is the output speed sensor. Are you getting any codes?

[@jamiekrebs9208]

Have a ax4n burn 3rd clutch pack seals and piston looks good solenoid is good would it be the valve body or what have you seen

[@GaryFerraro]

could have a problem with the EPC solenoid, i replace them every overhaul

[@jamiekrebs9208]

Would it have a code the guy that hooked up said solenoids where good

[@GaryFerraro]

@@jamiekrebs9208 If the solenoid is mechanically clogged, you won't know, computer looks for correct current draw. 3rd gear burn up is not common for this trans, 2nd clutch burn up is. make sure the double drum has no ring grooves where the orange sealing rings ride. Are you overhauling the trans?

[@jamiekrebs9208]

Used a snap on

[@jamiekrebs9208]

Trying to do a patch job

[@jamiekrebs9208]

The part one part I thought was the piston was not just part of it I guess

[@GaryFerraro]

may not be, I did these videos early on when you tube would only allow me 10 or 15 minutes pew video

[@RC-Heli835]

Hey Gary, turns out the inner lip seal was rolled downwards all the way around.

[@GaryFerraro]

+ILTSYC Good Deal, you found the problem, careful putting that piston back in. Sorry for the late reply, shop is crazy busy.

[@RC-Heli835]

Thanks for all your help man, I've learned a lot this time around. I have a long ways to go, I suppose that's what makes transmissions so exciting to me, its the challenge.

[@GaryFerraro]

ILTSYC Your Welcome, I love the challenge as well. Gary

[@RC-Heli835]

Do you suppose I blew the inner lip seal out with too much air or I rolled it installing it? If you can picture the top outer edge of that seal, that corner was at the bottom where the lips seal should be all the way around and at a glance you'd think it was installed correctly.

[@GaryFerraro]

+ILTSYC Its possible it was not seated correctly, then with the piston working for reverse it rolled. Here is a rebuild tip when working with lip seals, after the piston is installed, you should be able to turn the piston farily easy, if the piston doesnt rotate or seems very hard, then the lip seal is not in properly. Gary

[@tteuvky]

it would better if you turned lights ON

[@GaryFerraro]

That was filmed during the day, i film at nite or early morning now

[@lwh7301]

Why is your video so blurry?

[@GaryFerraro]

was one of my first videos

[@lwh7301]

@@GaryFerraro OK....BTW, you look more like an accountant than you do a transmission guy.

[@tonyperea8378]

HI, GARY NEED MORE LIGHT FOR VIEW DETAILS BETTER

[@GaryFerraro]

+Tony Perea Yes you are correct, this was one of my first videos, also has to do with time of day, i usually film before sunrise to get the most out of the shop lighting. Thanks for watching. Gary

[@tonyperea8378]

ok gary is ok only make idea everytthing ok

[@tonyperea8378]

question can i mix aditive for transmission for problem of 1-2

[@GaryFerraro]

Tony Perea Just wondering, what additive do you have? Also, on this trans 2nd clutch is a weak point. Does it slip bad or flare on the 1-2. Gary

[@jamiekrebs9208]

Only 62000 miles

[@ErosCasinova]

My trans is stuck in first gear

[@GaryFerraro]

scan car to see if any codes are present

[@ErosCasinova]

P1747 epc short

[@jailson44]

Good afternoon, my friend, I need the solenoid whip of the valve body of the AX4N Cambio. How would you send one of these here to Brazil at my address? You tell me how much I paid

[@GaryFerraro]

Solenoid whip?

[@jailson44]

Sim isso mesmo aqui no Brasil esta DIFÌCIL ENCONTRAR ESSE CHICOTE

[@yomommaiscalling]

Hi Gary, thanks a million for posting this teardown it was a huge help! I had similar symptoms to Chad below on my 2002 Sable w/3.0L Duratec. Reverse and first gear seem fine and it shifts into second ok but then begins to slip when you give it gas and never makes it into third. I've got it apart now and sure enough, the intermediate clutch/drum is burned up. My question is, I ordered a "rebuilt" direct/intermediate drum from Rockauto and it is slightly shorter. I've looked at several supplier web sites and only see one part specified for my car. Is there more than one size for the direct/intermediate drums? They both appear slightly shorter. Here's a photo with the original (obviously overheated) on the left and the new one on the right: goo.gl/photos/nvCeYPjtSds318CVA Thanks! Mason

[@GaryFerraro]

I wouldn't use that drum, it looks shorter, there is an AX4N trans and also an AX4S trans,(same style unit but different) maybe take the foward drum off and look at the spline see if thats different.

[@yomommaiscalling]

Thanks for the quick reply! Yep, it's definitely shorter. Here's the original with the forward drum off side by side: goo.gl/photos/cFWzxpLKDFyZvmcz6. The invoice lists the correct part but now I see handwritten on the side of the box: "AXODE Direct & Int Drum, 3.8" so they sent me the wrong part. I guess it happens with used parts.

[@GaryFerraro]

Yes, thats what i figured, better call em up, any issues i can hook you up with my rep, he can ship anywhere in the U.S

[@yomommaiscalling]

Thanks, I appreciate it. If they can't get the right part I'll do that.

[@GaryFerraro]

Ok, let me know how you do