Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Torque Converter Diagnosis
Prior to the installation of a new or remanufactured torque converter, all diagnostic procedures must be followed. This is to prevent the unnecessary installation of torque converters. Only after a complete diagnostic evaluation can the decision be made to install a new or remanufactured torque converter.
Begin with the normal diagnostic procedures as follows:
1. Preliminary inspection.
2. Know and understand the customer's concern.
3. Verify the condition - carry out the torque converter operation test.
4. Carry out diagnostic procedures.
- Carry out on-board diagnostics; refer to Diagnostics.
- Repair all non-transmission related DTCs first.
- Repair all transmission DTCs.
- Rerun on-board diagnostic to verify repair.
- Carry out Line Pressure Test. For additional information, refer to Special Testing Procedures in this section.
- Carry out Stall Speed Test. For additional information, refer to Special Testing Procedures in this section.
- Carry out Diagnostic Routines. For additional information, refer to Diagnosis By Symptom in this section.
- Use the Diagnosis by Symptom Index to locate the appropriate routine that best describes the symptom(s). The routine will list all possible components that may cause or contribute to the symptom. Check each component listed; diagnose and repair as required before changing the torque converter.
Torque Converter Operation Test
This test verifies that the torque converter clutch control system and the torque converter are operating correctly.
5. Carry out Quick Test with scan tool. For additional information, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual. Check for DTCs.
6. Connect a tachometer to the engine.
7. Bring the engine to normal operating temperature by driving the vehicle at highway speeds for approximately 15 minutes in (D) position.
8. After normal operating temperature is reached, maintain a constant vehicle speed of about 80 km/h (50 mph) and tap brake pedal with the left foot.
9. Engine rpm should increase when brake pedal is tapped, and decrease about five seconds after pedal is released. If this does not occur, see torque converter operation concerns. For additional information, refer to Diagnosis By Symptom in this section.
10. If the vehicle stalls in (D) or manual 2 at idle with vehicle at a stop, move the transmission range selector lever to manual 1 position. If the vehicle stalls, see torque converter operation concerns. For additional information, refer to Diagnosis By Symptom in this section. If the vehicle does not stall in (D), refer to Diagnosis By Symptom in this section.
11. If the vehicle exhibits a vibration during the road test, complete the Road Test Evaluation Form.
This form will aid the technician in determining the source of the vibration.
NOTE: The following is a list of common vehicle concerns that have been misdiagnosed as torque converter clutch shudder. For diagnosis of the following items refer to the appropriate sections of the workshop manual and the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
- spark plugs - check for cracks, high resistance or broken insulators
- plug wires
- fuel injector - filter may be plugged
- fuel contamination - poor engine performance
- EGR valve - valve may let in too much exhaust gas and cause engine to run lean
- vacuum leak - engine will not get correct air/fuel mixture
- MAP/MAF sensor - incorrect air/fuel mixture
- HO2S sensor - too rich/lean air/fuel mixture
- fuel pressure - may be too low
- engine mounts - loose/damaged mounts can cause vibration concerns
- axle joints - check for vibration
Torque Converter Road Evaluation Form |
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1) Does the Torque Converter Engage/Disengage? | Yes | GO to Step 2. |
No | REFER to Diagnosis By Symptom - Torque Converter No Apply Routine 240/340 and Always Applied Routine 241/341 in this section for further diagnosis information. Repair as required, verify converter operation and then continue. | |
2) Does vibration occur during 3-4 or 4-3 shift at: light, medium, or heavy throttle? | Light | May be torque converter clutch shudder. GO to Step 3. |
Medium | May be torque converter clutch shudder. GO to Step 3. | |
Heavy | Not torque converter clutch shudder - converter does not engage due to PCM strategy. REFER to Section and Diagnosis By Symptom - Noise/Vibration Routine 254/354 in this section for further diagnosis. | |
3) Is the problem vehicle speed dependent (operating at steady speed, i.e. 64 km/h (40 mph) regardless of transmission range. Verify by manually selecting 2nd, OD cancel, and OD. | Yes | Not torque converter clutch shudder - REFER to Section and Diagnosis By Symptom - Noise/Vibration Routine 254/354 in this section for further diagnosis. |
No | GO to Step 4. | |
4) Is the problem engine-rpm dependent? (Occurs at the same engine rpm independent of transmission gear. Verify by holding same rpm in each transmission gear.) | Yes | Not torque converter clutch shudder - REFER to Section and Diagnosis By Symptom - Noise/Vibration Routine 254/354 in this section for further diagnosis. |
No | GO to Step 5. | |
5) Does the problem occur in coast, steady speed, or reverse range? | Yes | Not torque converter clutch shudder - REFER to Section and Diagnosis By Symptom - Noise/Vibration Routine 254/354 in this section for further diagnosis. |
No | GO to Step 6. | |
6) Does vibration occur during extended light brake application? | Yes | Not torque converter clutch shudder - REFER to Section, Section and Diagnosis By Symptom - Noise/Vibration Routine 254/354 in this section for further diagnosis. |
7) If one of the driving modes in Step 2 identifies
a vibration which was not present in Steps 3-6,
then there is a strong possibility that the vibration
is caused by the torque converter clutch function.
Carry out the repair procedures as found under Disassembly/Assembly. |
No | GO to Step 7. |
Visual Inspection
This inspection will identify modifications or additions to the vehicle operating system that may affect diagnosis. Inspect the vehicle for non-Ford factory add-on devices such as:
- electronic add-on items:
- air conditioning
- generator (alternator)
- engine turbo
- cellular telephone
- cruise control
- CB radio
- linear booster
- backup alarm signal
- computer
- Vehicle modification:
These items, if not installed correctly, will affect the powertrain control module (PCM), or transmission function. Pay particular attention to add-on wiring splices in the PCM harness or transmission wiring harness, abnormal tire size, or axle ratio changes.
- Leaks; refer to Leak Inspection.
- Correct linkage adjustments; refer to Section.
Shift Linkage Check
Check for a misadjustment in shift linkage by matching the detents in the transmission range selector lever with those of the manual lever in the transmission. If they match, the misadjustment is in the indicator. Do not adjust the shift linkage.
Hydraulic leakage at the manual control valve can cause delay in engagements and/or slipping while operating if the linkage is not correctly adjusted. Refer to Section for shift linkage adjustment.
Check TSBs and OASIS
Refer to all technical service bulletins (TSB) and OASIS messages which pertain to the transmission concern and follow the procedure as described.
Carry Out On-Board Diagnostics (KOEO, KOER)
After a road test, with the vehicle warm and before disconnecting any connectors, carry out the Quick Test using the scan tool. Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
Shift Point Road Test
This test verifies that the shift control system is operating correctly. 1. Bring engine and transmission up to normal operating temperature. 2. Operate vehicle with transmission range selecto ...Diagnostics
Special Tool(s) Transmission Fluid Pressure Gauge 307-004 (T57L-77820-A) Air Test Plate, Transmission 307-246 (T92P-7006-A) Alignment Gauge, TR Sensor 307-35 ...Other materials:
Power seats
WARNING: Never adjust the driver’s seat or seat back when the
vehicle is moving.
WARNING: Before returning the seat back to its original
position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped
behind the seat back.
The power seat control is located
on ...
Inspection and Verification
1. Verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the
condition.
2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage. Refer to the
following chart.
Visual Inspection Chart
Mechanical
Engine coolant leaks
...
Brake Disc Machining
Special Tool(s)
Gauge, Clutch Housing
308-021 (T75L-4201-A)
Dial Indicator Gauge with
Holding Fixture
100-002 (TOOL-4201-C) or
equivalent
Material
Item
Specification
Metal Surface Cleaner
F4AZ-19A536-RA or equiv ...