transmission range sensor

rode51 · 10-04-2009, 05:41 AM

I have been told I most likely need a new transmission range sensor for my 1994 V-6 Cougar. I'm getting too old, and stiff to crawl under the car if I don't have to. What transmission do I have. I've been told everything from a C3 with overdrive to a AL4D, 4R70W, and AODE. The gearshift indicator only shows 3 gears, but it has overdrive. I assume this sensor is bolted to the outside of the tranny. I hope! I first tried to fix the problem by changing the fluid, and filter. The local parts store gave me the right parts the first time, no problem. I'm just too lazy to crawl underneath it to look if I don't have to. If there's any inside information for changing this thing, I'd be grateful.

RickMN · 10-04-2009, 11:25 AM

My pro manual says you have either a 4R70W (16 pan bolts) or CD4E (14 pan bolts) transmission. The Trans Range Selector on this vehicle is called the Manual Level Position Sensor and the book says it is mounted on the rear left side of transmission. Never worked on one of these myself though.

rode51 · 10-07-2009, 07:29 AM

Thanks a million, that helps a lot

theoldwizard · 10-07-2009, 09:12 AM

Without knowing the model and year of your vehicle it is impossible to say what kind of transmission you have and where the TRS would be mounted.

On some front whel drive Ford products it is fairly easily accessible from just under the hood.

rode51 · 10-17-2009, 10:26 PM

I haven't looked under it yet, but the catalogs I've looked at say it's a 4R70W. Are there any tricks to installing this. I've heard you have to line up neutral, any special tools???

mmerlinn · 10-18-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickMN

My pro manual says you have either a 4R70W (16 pan bolts) or CD4E (14 pan bolts) transmission. The Trans Range Selector on this vehicle is called the Manual Level Position Sensor and the book says it is mounted on the rear left side of transmission. Never worked on one of these myself though.

First year for the CD4E transmission in the Cougar was 1999.

1994-1997 Cougars have a 4R70W. Range sensor is bolted to side of transmission where manual control lever goes through the case.

Last year for the C3 in a Cougar was 1986. A4LD was not used in Cougars. One reference I have shows that AODE was used in Cougars 1992-1993 but on the next page shows it was not used at all - go figure.

blue beast · 10-18-2009, 03:49 PM

I just ran inot a problem with one of these the parts store told the guy to replace it(for $85.00) But I said whoa whoa whoa, Let me take a look first. It was on a oldsmobile(I don't care as long as I get paid!!) The spot where it was at made it vulnerable to splash from the front wheel and we had just got done with torrential rains for like a week. I pulled the connector and it didn't look too bad but some contact cleaner and a guitar string to clean the contacts and a liberal dose of dielectric and it never gave him trouble again!