Attachment III - Technical Information

OVERVIEW

This procedure details the inspection of a date code stamped on the transaxle chain cover of the affected vehicles. On Taurus/Sable equipped with a 3.0L 2-valve Vulcan engine, the left lower transaxle mount must be unbolted from the transaxle to view the date code.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION
On Continentals, turn off the air suspension switch before raising the vehicle.

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist.

2. If equipped, remove the lower air dam.

NOTE:
On Taurus/Sable equipped with a 3.0L 2-valve Vulcan engine, proceed to step 6.





3. On Windstar, Continental, and on Taurus/Sable equipped with a 3.0L 4-valve DOHC engine, locate the date code stamped into the left front side of the transaxle chain cover, approximately two inches below the transaxle cooler line attachment point. See Figure 1.

NOTE:
Read the date code from top to bottom.





4. If the code matches one listed in the Date Code Chart as shown, the transaxle must be replaced. Refer to the appropriate Workshop Manual for removal and installation procedure.

5. If equipped, install the lower air dam. Tighten the bolts to 8 Nm (70 lb-in). On Continentals, turn the air suspension switch on.

NOTE:
On Taurus/Sable equipped with a 3.0L 2-valve Vulcan, engine the left lower transaxle mount must be loosened to view the date code. The following steps are for the Taurus/Sable equipped with the 3.0L 2-valve Vulcan engine only.

6. Remove the left front wheel and tire assembly

7. Remove the left front inner splash guard from the wheel well.

CAUTION
Do not support the transaxle from under the oil pan or damage to the pan and transaxle will result.





8. Place a tall jackstand, with a block of wood, under the left front corner of the transaxle and support the transaxle. See Figure 2.

9. Place a tall jackstand, with a block of wood, under the left front corner of the transaxle and support the transaxle. See Figure 2.

10. Remove the five (5) bolts attaching the left lower transaxle mount to the transaxle.

11. Position the left lower transaxle mount out of the way and locate the date code on the left front side of the transaxle chain cover, approximately two inches below the transaxle cooler line attachment point.
NOTE:
Read the date code from top to bottom.

12. If the code matches one listed in the Date Code Chart, the transaxle must be replaced. Refer to the appropriate Workshop Manual for removal and installation procedure.

13. Position the left lower transaxle mount back into its original position.

14. Install the five (5) bolts that attach the left lower transaxle mount to the transaxle. Tighten the bolts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).

15. Install the nut that attaches the left lower transaxle mount to the frame. Tighten the nut to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).

16. Remove the jackstand and wood.

17. Install the left front inner splash shield into the left front wheel well.

18. Position the left front wheel and tire and install the lug nuts. Tighten the nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft).

19. If equipped, install the lower air dam. Tighten the bolts to 8 Nm (70 lb-in).