Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle CD4E repair saga.....

Well, it seems that you have been able to rule out the electronics and you state that you feel, what feels like, three gear trying to go in, but it wont.

Given that, I'm wondering if your Forward/Direct drum is cracked. I know the 95 CD4E had a problem with a defective weld, which would cause a crack in the hub and drum. This crack would allow pressure to leak through the Forward clutch packs to the direct clutch packs. Sometimes, you would only see no 3rd gear engagment, other times there would be no forward movement at all.

I know you have 98 and should not have the defective weld there, but your pump could have spiked sometime in the past causeing this crack.

It's going out on a limb, so I will see what else I can find also.

To me, if you feel it shift into third and then slide out.....I'd say there is a good chance your clutches and/or steels are worn....that's why i'm thinking if you could add a friction modifier for slipping, etc. and it the atx works better you have imo worn clutches/steels and it is time for a rebuild....

I agree.

Thanks Guys. I'll try the additive. Any specific suggestions? Something I can pick up at Autozone or Advance?

I've heard some good things about using Lucus.....


http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3648

Awesome troubleshooting and research Greg!

BTW, watch out when changing the TSS. The newer model has a very low output when compared to the original. (You may not be affected due to your 98+ model.) The magnet strength was dropped by about a factor of ten.

There was an older post with a ton of info on the TSS redesign.

Later,
Ben

I don't know guys. The additive didn't seem to make a difference. (Lucas) with a little Ford friction modifier for positrac units to increase band to drum grab. I know one thing, when I go into limp mode and loose my EPC function, I have to baby it out of the red lights. It feels like it's going to snap a half shaft in two. THe friction additive is definately working on that #2 band! It barks the tires like my old '69 fastback in high school.
Wanted to add real quick. I can run the thing up to 60-65 mph (in second cause that's all I have), let off...the TCC unlocks and I coast (as it should). RPM's drop to nearly an idle, now as I pass down through say 55mph, I can tip the OD cancel button. Within a second, I have SOLID engine braking in what I am sure is a third gear ratio, but then 2-3 seconds later, 2nd gear comes in everytime. It has to be something in the 3rd gear oil circuit. Maybe a cracked drum like suggested before. I can't imagine anything in the valve body. I stroked and wiggle tested all the spool pieces during the rebuild and they all seemed to have little if any wear. I just may be doing my own picture story rebuild. AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!

ANyone know the answer to this:

3) Does the Ztec 4cyl motor have a rev limiter when in Park or Neutral? Because when I rev up in N or P, it hits 4000 RPM and bounces there at 3800 to 4000 as if electronically limited.

It sounds like it is rebuild time. Don't forget not only could it be clutches/steels it could also be worn pistons that do not hold pressure...as well as cracked drum.

Yes, we have rev limiters in that RPM range. Nothing to worry about.

I also agree that it is just time for a rebuild. I am wondering though, if it could also be a leaking seal. Still, that can only be fixed by rebuilding though, so... best of luck and of course you know that if you do, you are more then welcome to chronicle it here.