Diagnostic Codes PO734, PO761

Hi,

I am new to this forum, but have been lurking for a little while. I purchased a 1996 Ford Taurus LX last year.

Recently I have been having problems with OverDrive O/D light blinking and when it is blinking it seems like it doesn't want to downshift. But when I turn the car engine off the problem goes away. So I decided to take it to a Ford Dealership and they did an engine diagnostic and came back with the codes of PO734 & PO761.

I researched the codes and found out that they have to do with the Shift Solenoid on the transmission. But the dealership said that I need to replace the entire transmission at the cost of $3200.

Now I don't know much about this car, but why would I have to replace the entire transmission when it only states that it is a Solenoid which i think only cost between $25 and $100?

Can Someone please help clear this up? Thanks!

I found this in the Sable site-This sounds like what you are experiencing can be fixed with a clip. To read all about it see http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t148517.html

Re: Re: SAble '96 Overdrive light blinks when the overdrive tries to kick in (Post #5)

Quote:
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Originally Posted by qfisok2me
OK, thanks. And this will fix the overdrive light? I will have to do that. What is the specific name of the part I need?
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A/T - AX4N No 4th Gear/DTC's P0734/P0761/648 Set
Article No.
98-10-7

05/26/98

^ TRANSAXLE - AX4N - NO 4TH GEAR AND
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0734
AND/OR P0761 FOR 1996-98 TAURUS/SABLE AND
1995-98 CONTINENTAL, AND DTC 648 FOR 1994-95
TAURUS/SABLE

^ TRANSAXLE - AX4N - RETAINING CLIP FOR
FORWARD CLUTCH CONTROL VALVE - SERVICE
TIP

FORD:
1994-98 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1994-98 SABLE
1995-98 CONTINENTAL

ISSUE

No 4th gear operation (no 3-4 shift) and Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0734 and/or P0761 or 648 may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by a broken retaining clip in the valve body that secures the forward clutch control valve and spring in place.

ACTION

Replace broken forward clutch control valve retaining clip with revised forward clutch control valve retaining clip. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE





1. Inspect for a broken retaining clip by removing the valve body and then the valve body separator plate. Inspect the forward clutch control valve, spring, retaining clip, and valve body casting for damage (Figure 1).






2. If the clip is broken and the forward clutch control valve and/or valve body casting is damaged, replace the main control. The retaining clip has just been revised to prevent the chance of breakage. The revised Retaining Clip (F8DZ-7F194-AA) has circular cutouts on the side of the clip in place of the square cutouts on the previous design level clip (Figure 2).

3. Inspect the new main control (if required) before installing it and replace this retaining clip for the forward clutch control valve and spring if it's not the new design (Figure 2).

4. Any time service is required on any AX4N transaxle main control, inspect the retaining clip for the forward clutch control valve to be sure it is the latest design level, and replace the retaining clip if it is not. The revised clip is larger and will remain centered in the valve body casting groove.


PART NUMBER PART NAME

F8DZ-7F194-AA Forward Clutch control valve
F8DZ-7F194-AA Retaining Clip

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

981007A Inspect/Repair/Replace 2.4 Hrs.
Main Control Valve Body

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7F194 01

OASIS CODES: 501000, 502000, 503000, 503300, 503400, 504000