Talk:Ford AXOD transmission

Reliability?
This page really should serve as a warning that these models of automatic transmission are infamously unreliable and that people should steer clear of the taurus and any other vehicle that has been hopelessly hobbled by being fitted with one of these worthless examples of automotive engineering. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.7.59.159 (talk) 09:07, 2 March 2006 (UTC)

It should be noted that Mopar's automatic transaxles have been noted for poor reliability as well. The AXOD will give acceptable service if the fluid is changed every 30,000 miles, which very few people do. Sable232 21:57, 23 March 2006 (UTC)

Later model AX4S transaxles seem to be reasonably reliable provided they are maintained properly. The AX4S in my 2001 Mercury Sable is still operating flawlessly at 93,000 miles, with fluid changes at every 45,000 miles (less than Ford recommends). The fluid has been a cross between light-brown and pink whenever it's changed, and the mechanic has stated that he sees no indications that there is any damage or other problems with the transaxle. I should note, however, that I drive with overdrive OFF when in town, and I use OD only when on the highway. I've found that the AX4S has a bad habit of switching between OD and third gear far too often, which I suspect is one of the reasons they seem to have a less than stellar reliability history. Perhaps by putting in in Drive only in town, I'm sparing the transaxle a lot of wear and tear? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.246.4.79 (talk) 19:30, 15 February 2008 (UTC)

Reliability
Generally I agree with the comments. 87 AXOD failed at 85k miles. Overhaul relatively cheap at $2k including shift kit and motor mounts. Still functioning well at 152k miles. Repair shop stated failures were due to lack of lubrication. Shift kit and additional fluid resolved the problem. Auto transmissions do wear out regardless of make or service interval. My 05 Sable LS has the AX4N and is much improved over the AXOD. AXOD wasn't cptr controlled so does hunt on climbs. For traffic or long climbs use D and lock OD out. Safety and less wear and tear. The Duratec 30 and 4N has better manners and much more power. 4N service interval is 30k. I test for color comparison to new and dark or black isn't acceptable. I use 20k miles interval or less if indicated. The 4N has a large pan so is messy to drain - no plug. Big plus is reusable semi permanent gasket. I added 5 quarter sized 30lb pull magnets to the 2 inch Ford magnet to trap ferris debris. The filter is good for 100 micron debris my opinion. My 05 Accord doesn't have a servicible filter. It has a strainer for diagnostic purposes only. 3.5 qts per year for me and not the Honda normal 105k interval. —Preceding unsigned comment added by RogerB34 (talk • contribs) 20:26, 6 May 2008 (UTC)