The AX4S transaxle installed in some 1998 vehicles will have a blue "PRIOR TO REPAIR" tag on the lower pan (Figure 1). The blue tag refers to this TSB and provides a toll-free telephone number to be used by all U.S. and Canadian dealers for further service direction. (Not applicable outside the U.S. or Canada.)

ACTION:
Prior to 8/31/98, do not disassemble these tagged AX4S transaxles. Perform the following Diagnostic Procedure, record your findings and contact Ford Motor Company at (800) 331-5112 if there is a concern involving one of these blue tagged transaxles. After 8/31/98, follow the Service Manual diagnosis and repair procedures.

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

If there is a service concern involving one of the blue "Service tagged transaxles" call the toll-free number between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:30PM EST Monday through Friday (a recorder is on 24 hours per day), after conducting the following diagnostic procedure.

Use the following procedure when servicing the blue tagged transaxles:

1. Check and record the transaxle fluid level.

a. It low, fill with Motorcraft MERCON(R)V (new fluid for 1998 AX4S transaxles) to the proper level and check for a leak.

b. If a leak is the only concern, call the toll-free number prior to the repair.

2. Check the vehicle harness connectors for proper installation at the Transmission Range (TR) sensor, Turbine Shaft Speed (TSS) sensor, Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) and transaxle top connector.

3. Perform EEC system Quick Test and record all codes.

4. If no fault codes are present, go to Step 5. If fault codes are present, perform the required pinpoint tests as directed in the 1998 Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Service Manual for any fault codes received. Repair all NON-transaxle codes and verify if transaxle symptom still exists.

5. If the transaxle symptom exists, install Rotunda Transmission Tester (007-00085) and follow the appropriate tester instructions to determine if the concern is internal to the transaxle.

6. If the transaxle requires service, call Ford Motor Company toll-free at (800) 331-5112 (all U.S. and Canadian dealers only).

NOTE:
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE ANY TRANSAXLE PRIOR TO CALLING THIS TOLL-FREE NUMBER.

All diagnostic information (fluid level, EEC codes, transaxle tester results, transaxle concern, and transaxle tag information) must be recorded before calling Ford Motor Company.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

980411A Check Transaxle Fluid And 0.2 Hr.
Service

980411B Check Transaxle Fluid And 0.5 Hr.
Check Connectors

980411C Check Transaxle Fluid, 0.9 Hr.
Check Connectors, And
Perform Quick Test

980411D Check Transaxle Fluid, 1.3 Hrs.
Check Connectors,
Perform Quick Test, And
Perform Internal Transaxle
Test

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7000 42

OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 503300, 504000, 510000, 590000

A/T - AX4S Blue Service Tag Service procedure