Ford AXOD transmission

Infobox Automobile
name=AXOD
aka=AXOD-E
AX4N
AX4S
production=1986–2001
manufacturer=Ford Motor Company
class=4-speed transverse automatic transaxle
successor=6F
similar=GM 4T65-E
Chrysler A604/41TEThe AXOD was a 4-speed automatic transaxle for transverse front wheel drive automobiles from the Ford Motor Company. It was introduced in the 1986 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable (with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" V6). The AXOD and its successors are built in Ford's Van Dyke Transmission plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Production of the final member of the family, the AX4N, ended in November 2006.

This has a code letter of "T" on the data plate.

Applications:
* 1986–1990 Ford Taurus
* 1986–1990 Mercury Sable
* 1988–1991 Lincoln Continental

AXOD-E

The AXOD was updated with electronic controls in 1991 as the AXOD-E. The electronic shifting and torque converter controls were integrated with the Taurus's electronic control module for smoother shifts.

This had a data plate code of "T" for 1991 and 1992 models, and "L" for 1993.

Applications:
* 1991–1993 Ford Taurus
* 1991–1993 Mercury Sable
* 1991–2002 Lincoln Continental

AX4S

The AXOD-E was renamed AX4S in 1994. In addition to the name change, improvements in the lubrication of the gearset and capacity upgrades were made. A centrifugal piston assembly was implemented in the intermediate clutch position to improve 1st-2nd and 2nd-1st shift quality and an increase in the clutch's durability was made on some models. High energy friction materials were also introduced. A new twin piston torque converter clutch (TCC) was introduced with the AX4S and the AX4N on some models.

The data plate code for this transmission is "L."

Applications:
* 1994 Lincoln Continental
* 1994–2003 Ford Taurus
* 1994–2003 Mercury Sable
* 1995–2000 Ford Windstar

AX4N (a.k.a. 4F50N)

The AX4N is an improved version of the basic AXOD, and is more reliable. This transaxle shifts non-synchronously (as indicated by the "N" in AX4N) resulting in improved shift quality over the previous AX4S. It was used in the later Taurus SHO models, but also found its way into some 1994 and newer Vulcan-powered models. It was standard on Duratec-powered models. It became standard with both engines in 2003. It was renamed the 4F50N in 2001.Applications:
* 1996–1999 Ford Taurus SHO
* 1994–2007 Ford Taurus
* 1995–2000 Lincoln Continental
* 1994–2005 Mercury Sable
* 2001–2003 Ford Windstar
* 2004–2007 Ford Freestar
* 2004–2007 Mercury Monterey

The data plate code is "X."

Reliability issues

Earlier AXOD and AXOD-E models have a poor reliability record due to internal lubrication problems. These were mostly smoothed out by 1995. These transmissions require fluid changes every 30,000 miles to maximize service life.

Intermediate clutch failures resulting in poor 1-2 shifts or slipping are common on all AX family members.

Failure of the "Neutral to Drive Accumulator" causes hard shifts into a drive gear (R, OD, D, 1). from "N" or "P". This can become quite violent. Reason for this part's failure: Piston stuck, seals or springs—damaged, missing. Correction for this problem: Check for damage. Replace as required (located inside the transmission, recommended that a transmission shop do the repair, but a full rebuild of the transmission is NOT required).

ee also

* List of Ford transmissions

External links

* [http://www.taurusclub.com/encyclopedia/Features/AX4S.html Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia: AXOD-E/AX4S ]

* [http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?scid=100&did=564 Center for Auto Safety: Poor AXOD/AX4S/AX4N Automatic transmission reliability ]