NO.9 SHIFT CONCERN: FEELS SOFT/SLIPPING [LA4AX-EL (CD4E)]

9	Shift concern: feels soft/slipping
POSSIBLE CAUSE	• ATF • Powertrain control system malfunction • Internal or external shift linkage malfunction • Improper pressure • Control valve body malfunction • Oil pump malfunction • Oil filter and seal component malfunction


STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	ATF • Are there any problems with the following? - Level - Condition (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (ATF) INSPECTION [LA4AX-EL (CD4E)].)	Yes	Service if necessary
1		No	Go to the next step
2	Powertrain control system • Are there any malfunctions with the following? - Electrical input/output - Vehicle wiring harness - PCM - Electrical pressure control (EPC) solenoid - Transaxle fluid temperature (TFT) sensor - Throttle position (TP) sensor - Mass air flow (MAF) sensor	Yes	Run OBD Tests, Perform DTC troubleshooting (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION [LA4AX-EL (CD4E)].)
2		No	Go to the next step
3	Internal or external shift linkages • Do any of the following malfunctions exist? - Damage - Misadjustment - Misassembly (See SELECTOR LEVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.)	Yes	Service if necessary
3		No	Go to the next step
4	Improper pressure • Is the line pressure low? (See Line Pressure Test.)	Yes	Inspect the line pressure If the pressure is low or there is softness/slippage in all shift positions, go to step 6 If the pressure is normal and there is specific softness/slippage in a shift position, refer to the following chart:
		Yes
		No	Go to the next step
5	Control valve body • Do any of the following malfunctions exist? - Bolts are not tightened to the specification - Gaskets are damaged - Main regulator valve, line modulator valve are stuck, damaged, or misassembled, or springs are missing, tangled or damaged - Electrical pressure control (EPC) solenoid is stuck or damaged - Separator plates are damaged or blocked - Pressure tap plate/gasket are damaged, or missing	Yes	Service if necessary
5		No	Go to the next step
6	Oil pump • Do any of the following malfunctions exist? - Bolts are not tightened to the specification - Gaskets are damaged - Porosity/cross leakage	Yes	Service if necessary
6		No	Go to the next step
7	Oil filter and seal component • Do any of the following malfunctions exist? - Filter/seal is damaged, plugged, or missing - Recirculating seal is damaged or out of position	Yes	Service if necessary
7		No	The problem is not in the automatic transaxle Go to the engine symptom troubleshooting (See ENGINE SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING [YF (2.0L Zetec)].) (See ENGINE SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING [AJ (3.0L Duratec)].)
8	• Verify the test results. - If normal, return to the diagnostic index to service any additional symptoms. - If the malfunction remains, inspect the related Service Bulletins and/or On-line Repair Information and perform repair or diagnosis. • If the vehicle is repaired, troubleshooting is completed. • If the vehicle is not repaired or additional diagnostic information is not available, replace the PCM.