1996 Ford Crown Victoria Shifting

When was the last time you had the fluid and filter changed? This trans should be done every 30,000. Is it shuddering as the torque converter locks up?

TSB 97-10-6 has a repair procedure for this ysmptom:

Vehicles equipped with an AODE or 4R70W transmission may experience a torque converter clutch shudder or vibration. This occurs under light to moderate acceleration above 56 km/h (35 mph) while in 3rd or 4th gear. This may be due to either transmission fluid breakdown and/or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.

Verify that bulk fluid does not have moisture contamination. If suspected, use quart containers of MERCON®. Refill transmission with the proper amount of Motorcraft MERCON® Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) (XT-2-QDX).

NOTE: DO NOT USE MERCON® V.

Check emissions decal to verify vehicle has the latest calibration. If it does not, reprogram the PCM to new calibration level using Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS) or New Generation Star (NGS) Tester with May 1997 CD-ROM or later. Refer to the PCM Calibration Chart found at the end of this article for proper application.
NOTE: VEHICLES SHOULD BE DRIVEN A MINIMUM OF 480 km (300 MILES) TO WORK THE NEW FLUID INTO FRICTION MATERIAL.

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PCM CALIBRATION CHART Application Old Calibration Old Part Number (-12A650-) New Calibration New Part Number (-12A650-) 1996 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis 49S/Canada/High Altitude 6-18F-R05/R11 F6AF-AE 6-18F-R11 F6PZ-DJA 49S/Canada/High Altitude 6-18H-R05/R11 F6AF-BE 6-18H-R11 F6PZ-DKA Mexico 6-18H-R05/R11 F6AF-KE 6-18H-R11 F6PZ-DMA Police 6-18I-R05/R12 F6AF-CF 6-18I-R12 F6PZ-DLA California 6-18M-R05/R11 F6AF-DE 6-18M-R11 F6PZ-DNA California 6-18N-R05/R11 F6AF-EE 6-18N-R11 F6PZ-DPA