Operation

The transmission operations, provided by seven operator-selected positions of the selector lever, are as follows:

P, R and N — same as other Ford automatic transmissions.

(D) (overdrive) — Normal driving position. Selection of this position provides all automatic shifts including the application and release of the torque converter clutch. The transmission may also be shifted manually between all forward ranges.

D (drive) — Selection of this position provides all automatic shifts, including the application and release of the torque converter clutch, except the shift into overdrive. This position can be used when overdrive is not wanted such as hilly or mountainous terrain or when towing a trailer.

2 (manual second) — Selection of this position provides only second gear operation regardless of vehicle speed. It is useful for start-up on slippery surfaces or to provide engine braking on downgrades.

1 (manual low) — Selection of this position at start-up or when selected at lower speeds provides only low (first) gear operation. Selection of this position at higher speeds results in a downshift to second gear. An automatic downshift to low will occur when vehicle speed decreases to approximately 48 km/h (30 mph), depending on axle ratio and tire size. Once in low, the transmission will stay in low until the selector lever is moved to another position.

When operating in the overdrive (D) position, the transmission will automatically shift gears from first to second and from second to third and third to fourth gear overdrive. The shift into overdrive decreases engine rpm by 25 percent and occurs when the vehicle approaches the desired cruising speed and the driver eases up on the accelerator pedal. The torque converter clutch is applied after the shift into overdrive. The torque converter clutch and overdrive applications are based on both engine speed and vehicle speed by combined transmission hydraulics and on-board Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The torque converter clutch can be applied in third gear in the D position, and in fourth in the (D) position. Because of this feature, the transmission may be sensed as executing as many "shifts" (in the overdrive (D) position) as would a five-speed transmission.

Two functions have been incorporated in the A4LD transmission for times when the driver requires acceleration or more power for negotiating grades or driving into very strong headwinds. They are:

• Disengagement of the torque converter clutch to achieve added acceleration from the resultant increase in engine speed.
• A part throttle 4-3 (overdrive to direct drive) downshift for further acceleration.

These events can also occur during cruise control operation when more power is required to maintain the selected speed.

While driving at highway speeds, four different engine speeds can be obtained by transmission operation in:

1. Overdrive with the torque converter clutch engaged (lowest engine speed for best fuel economy).

2. Overdrive with the torque converter clutch disengaged (slightly higher engine speed for improved acceleration).

3. Third gear (direct drive).

4. Full throttle in second gear for maximum acceleration.

Gaskets and Seals

All automatic transmissions are equipped with high temperature resistant seals. This includes those seals used on the manual and kickdown levers, the O-rings and oil pan gasket. Under no conditions should older design seals be used on the transmissions.