A/T - Harsh Torque Demand Downshifts

89Ford22

TRANSAXLE-AXOD-3.8L-HARSH TORQUE DEMAND DOWNSHIFTS
Article No. 89-15-10
FORD: 1989 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1989 CONTINENTAL, SABLE
ISSUE: Harsh 3-2 and 2-1 light throttle downshifts between 10-20 MPH (16-32 km/H) may be caused by throttle valve linkage that is out of adjustment.

ACTION: Check and adjust the throttle valve (TV) control linkage. Refer to the appropriate Shop Manual, Section 17 and use the TV control pressure service procedure.

NOTE: THIS PROCEDURE REQUIRES THE USE OF A TV PRESSURE GAUGE WITH HOSE (0-60 PSI). USE ROTUNDA TOOL T86L-70002-A OR EQUIVALENT. THE RESULTS OF THE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE DEPENDS ON THE ACCURACY OF THE PRESSURE GAUGE.
The pressure gauge must be checked every six months or when the following conditions occur.

^ The needle will not return to zero with no pressure applied.

^ The needle goes past zero (negative side) with no pressure applied.

^ The pressure gauge has been bumped or dropped.

If the service tool is not available, use a 1/8" NPT (National Pipe Thread) "Hansen" quick connect fitting and calibrated 0-60 psi pressure gauge with a male quick connect. Make sure there is enough flexible hose to make the gauge accessible while operating the engine.

Figure 1:

LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT USING TV CONTROL PRESSURE

NOTE: PLEASE REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SHOP MANUAL, SECTION 17-15 FOR GENERAL THROTTLE VALVE LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE.

1. Remove the screw securing the air cleaner assembly to the support.

2. Swing the air cleaner assembly toward the rear of the engine compartment.

3. Locate the TV pressure port which is directly above the transaxle cooler lines, Figure 1.

4. Remove the 7/16" hex TV pressure port pipe plug from the transaxle and install the pressure gauge and hose (T86L-70002-A) or equivalent.

5. Proceed to take a pressure gauge reading.

a. Bring the transaxle to normal operating temperature (about equal to 15-20 miles of city driving).

b. Tap the accelerator pedal to allow the engine to return to curb idle.

c. Hold the gauge in a vertical position.

d. Read and record the TV pressure as indicated. (The TV pressure specification is 12-16 psi.)

Figure 2:

6. If the pressure is not within specification, proceed as follows:

a. Turn off the engine.

b. Unclip the TV cable from the right hand side of the intake manifold.

c. Locate the throttle body primary lever, Figure 2.

d. Rotate, by hand, the lever to the wide open position, then release.

e. Install the cable on the intake manifold clip at the top position.

7. Start the engine and check the curb idle with the transaxle in the park position.
8. Check to see if the gauge reading is between 12-16 psi. Proceed as follows:

^ If the pressure is less than 12 psi, go to step 10.

^ If the pressure is greater than 16 psi, go to step 9.

^ If the pressure is between 12-16 psi, stop engine and remove gauge. Install TV port plug and tighten to 6-11 ft.lbs. (8-16 N-m) and reinstall the air cleaner assembly.

9. If the pressure is greater than 16 psi, proceed as follows:

a. Turn off the engine.

b. While carefully wiggling the white threaded shank on the TV cable adjustment, push the shank toward the throttle body or the rear of the engine compartment.

c. Try to move the shank one tooth at a time. (A one tooth movement is equivalent to about two and one half psi reduction in TV pressure.)

d. Start the engine and check the TV pressure.

e. When within specification, remove the gauge and install the TV port plug. Tighten it to 6-11 ft.lbs. (8-16 N-m).

f. Reinstall the air cleaner assembly.

NOTE: IF THIS CABLE ADJUSTMENT REDUCES TV PRESSURE BELOW 12 PSI, THE CABLE MUST BE ADJUSTED BY THE PROCEDURE DESCRIBED IN STEP 10.

Figure 3:

10. If pressure is less than 12 psi, proceed as follows:

a. Turn off the engine.

b. Unclip the TV cable from the intake manifold bracket.

c. Span the space between the two adjuster spring rest segments with a large screwdriver or socket extension rod, Figure 3.

d. Compress the spring by pushing the screwdriver or socket extension rod toward the throttle body.

e. With the spring compressed, push the threaded shank into or toward the spring. The threaded shank should "Pop-Up" in the adjuster and be fully extended.

CAUTION: DO NOT PULL ON THE CABLE SHEATHING.

11. Locate the throttle body primary lever, Figure 2. Rotate the lever by hand to the wide open position and release. The threaded shank should "ratchet" into the spring rest.

12. Clip the TV cable to the intake manifold bracket.

13. Start the engine and read the TV pressure gauge. Repeat the steps as required to bring the TV pressure between 12-16 psi.

14. When within specification, remove the gauge and install the TV port plug. Tighten it to 6-11 ft.lbs. (8-16 N-m).

15. Reinstall the air cleaner assembly.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 89-4-5
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
891510A Adjust TV Linkage 0.8 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7F042 07
OASIS CODES: 5300