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Home >> Ford >> 2003 >> Thunderbird >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission >> Automatic Trans >> Automatic Transaxle/Transmission >> General Procedures >> Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Adjustment >> Adjust
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Transmission Range (TR) Sensor Adjustment: Adjust

  1. With the vehicle in the NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  2. Remove the RH front exhaust heat shield.
    Fig 1: Removing RH Front Exhaust Heat Shield
    G01528881Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove the LH front exhaust heat shield.
    Fig 2: Removing LH Front Exhaust Heat Shield
    G01528882Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    4. CAUTION: Index-mark (color paint) the bolts, washers, nuts and the flex coupling to the transmission flange to make sure they are installed in the same location. Components that are not assembled in their original locations can cause driveshaft imbalance.
    CAUTION: Do not remove the bolts retaining the flex coupling to the driveshaft.
    Fig 3: Removing Front Driveshaft Pinion Flange Nuts
    G01528883Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Index-mark the front driveshaft pinion flange. Remove the three nuts, washers and bolts.
  5. Slide the front shaft assembly rearward and support.
    Fig 4: Sliding Front Shaft Assembly
    G01528884Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    6. WARNING: Secure the transmission to the transmission jack with a safety chain. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
  6. Using a suitable transmission jack, support the transmission.
  7. Remove the transmission mount and lower the transmission enough to gain access to the digital transmission range (TR) sensor.
    Fig 5: Removing Transmission Mount Bolt
    G01528885Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever.
    Fig 6: Disconnecting Shift Cable From Manual Control Lever
    G01528886Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Loosen the screws.
    Fig 7: Loosening Screws
    G01528887Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    10. CAUTION: The digital TR sensor must fit flush against the case. Tightening one screw before tightening the other may cause the sensor to bind or become damaged.
    Fig 8: Aligning Digital TR Sensor
    G01528888Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Using the special tool, align the digital TR sensor and tighten the screws in an alternating sequence.
  11. Install the shift cable to the manual control lever.
    Fig 9: Installing Shift Cable To Manual Control Lever
    G01528889Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Raise the transmission up and install the rear transmission mount bolts.
    Fig 10: Identifying Tightening Torque Of Rear Transmission Mount Bolts
    G01528890Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Verify that the shift cable is adjusted correctly. For additional information, refer to SELECTOR LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT .
  14. Install the driveshaft by aligning the index-marks made during removal for correct driveshaft balance.
    Fig 11: Aligning Driveshaft Index-Marks
    G01528891Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    15. CAUTION: Install the bolts, washers, and nuts in their original position or driveshaft imbalance can occur. Install the driveshaft flex coupling bolts with the head of the bolt seated against the flange, and the nuts seated against the flex coupling.
    Fig 12: Driveshaft Nut Torque Specification
    G01528892Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Install the three nuts, washers and bolts.
  16. Install the RH front exhaust heat shield.
    Fig 13: Identifying Tightening Torque Of RH Front Exhaust Heat Shield
    G01528893Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. Install the LH front exhaust heat shield.
    Fig 14: Identifying Tightening Torque Of LH Front Exhaust Heat Shield
    G01528894Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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