Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle cd4e trans + new tss question

Okay, any time I think about doing anything to the tranny or it's sensors, I cringe. So anyways--you addressed the problems that can be caused by the new tss. As far as things go, no one really iterated clearly what model years the 1-2 bang shift fix worked for.
I'd appreciate it if everyone who has done this fix would give the contour/'stique model year, engine type(even if it's extraneous info or not), and whether or not it worked. We need a dummy's guide for new-b's on this mod, so this gets resolved, and we can enjoy some extra life from our trannies. I appreciate everyone's input on this.

Well, that is one heck of a good question! And I will share with you what I know about this topic.

Let's start off by explaning what the TSS does in the first place - The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calculates torque converter clutch slip by comparing engine RPM to turbine shaft RPM. The PCM also calculates gear ratios by comparing turbine shaft RPM to the vehicle speed sensor signal. The result is that a bad TSS signal can cause both TCC (torque converter clutch) performance codes and gear ratio error codes. - From Gears Magizine Jan/Feb `02

Here is a picture of the new style sensor. Note it has a white body. The previous design has a black body.



Sometime in middle to late 2001, Ford started using a new style TSS. This new TSS has a much weaker magnetic feild and the single output voltage is lower. What does all this mean to "my" car? Well, it states later in the article that the main thing to watch out for when installing one of these newer style sensors is air gap and geartrain endplay. Keep this in mind if youâ??re unable to locate the previous design sensor. The maximum air gap shouldnâ??t exceed .030". You will not be able to check this air gap, I don't think. Becasue what they are talking about is the gap between the sensor and the tabs on the reverse drum.

Here are the part numbers ~

Old Style
F7RZ-7M101-AA or F3RZ-7M101-A

New Style
XS7Z-7M101-KA

It might be a good idea to check around at some of your local dealers to see if they actually have to older sensor in stock. I am sure that by now they don't, but it might be worth asking about.

What cars should be worried about ill effects?

Cars with very old CD4E's. Something in the area of `94 to `95, with a lot of miles on them and that have never been rebuilt. Rebuilding can get all the endplay adjustments back into check and this might allow for use of the new sensor. As far as I know, noone has had any problems using the new TSS on our cars. You can read through that thread 1-2 "Bang" Shift Gone to hear the tails of everyone's experience's and defeats.

CAUTION

Some guys have had a really hard time getting this dude out! So take you time and be patient. You might have to destroy the sensor in your car now, so be prepared to have replacment sensors. If you local dealers no longer have any of the older TSS's in stock, just run out to a junk yard and grab one off a Tour there. Not trying to scare anyone, just trying to let everyone know about this.

i have a 95 tour, 2.5, 137,000 miles. i just replaced the vb,tc, atx oil pump asym., and seals. i also replaced the range sensor and the TSS (the new one) i will let u know how well the TSS works in the car when i am finished! i broke my old one, so i hope it works!

Is there any way to mod the sensor to work in say a '98???

Nope. But why would you want to? I mean it is only 20 bucks or so.

Not just because the resistance is different, which I am sure there is a way to manipulate that through resistors. The main thing is the length of the magnet is different.

Need to go to the dealer to buy the TSS sensor.

That stinks... I really want to get rid of the horrible shifting without dropping a couple hundo on a chip. How did the tss mod even make it to this forum? It sounds like a bad idea from what you guys tell me.

Okay, I did some more reading, and examined the threads on the 1-2 bang shift. I've come to the conclusion that my last post was a little hasty. It sounds like the new sensor will work in mine, but I'd like to double check with everyone just to make sure. 1: I've got 60k on my car 2:My model year/engine is a '99 with a zetec 3: I haven't replaced the trans lubricant/filter yet(looking to take it in this weekend) Thanks for the input!

yes it will work to an extent. 2k zetec tour. My car was doing it bad and when i put the new tss the car was acting better.

I'm thinking I may do this soon, and just hope I have no trouble pulling the old sensor out. I got a bang 2-3 shift tonite,,, not cool. Though I think the problem is exaggerrated when it's cold out... girl I know has a protege with the CD4E and she said it bangs shifts every gear when it's cold but is perfect any other time.