Which Trans do I have?

Question

I need to replace the VSS on my 99 Taurus LX 3.0 V6. The guy at AutoZone asked which trans I have (AX4N or AX4S) I don't know, how can I tell?

Answer 1

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Taurus
Info from link above
AX4S
The AXOD-E was renamed AX4S in 1994. In addition to the name change, improvements in the lubrication of the gearset and capacity upgrades were made. A centrifugal piston assembly was implemented in the intermediate clutch position to improve 1st-2nd and 2nd-1st shift quality and an increase in the clutch's durability was made on some models. High energy friction materials were also introduced. A new twin piston torque convertor clutch (TCC) was introduced with the AX4S and the AX4N on some models.

The data plate code for this transmission is "L."

Applications:

1994 Lincoln Continental
1994–2003 Ford Taurus
1994–2003 Mercury Sable
1995–2000 Ford Windstar

[edit] AX4N
The AX4N is an improved version of the basic AXOD, and is far more reliable. This transaxle shifts non-synchronously (as indicated by the "N" in AX4N) resulting in improved shift quality over the previous AX4S. It was originally used in the Taurus SHO, but found its way into some 1994 and newer Vulcan-powered models. It was standard on Duratec-powered models. It became standard with both engines in 2003. Applications:

1993–1999 Ford Taurus SHO
1994–2007 Ford Taurus
1995–2000 Lincoln Continental
1994–2005 Mercury Sable
2001–2003 Ford Windstar
2004–2007 Ford Freestar
2004–2007 Mercury Monterey
The data plate code is "X."


[edit] Reliability issues
Early AXOD and AXOD-E models were known for poor reliability due to internal lubrication problems, and these were mostly smoothed out by 1995. These transmissions require fluid changes every 30,000 miles to maximize service life.

Intermediate clutch failures resulting in poor 1-2 shifts or slipping are also common on all AX family members

Answer 2

Count the bolts on the transmission pan. The AX4S has 17 and the AX4N has 19. Hope for the AX4N. It's a stronger, more durable transmission.

Answer 3

Look on the bottom of the trans pan most of the time it is marked on the psn or you could call a trans shop and give them the vin # and they could tell you or the dealer.