Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2001 Mercury Villager BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Transaxle Disassembly
NOTE:
For identification and location of thrust bearings and thrust washers, See Figure
.
- Ensure outside of transaxle is thoroughly clean. Mount transaxle on stand. Remove and drain torque converter. Remove drain plug from transaxle if fluid was not drained before removal. Remove oil cooler tube from case. Set manual shift linkage rod to Park position. Remove TR sensor switch.
- Remove oil pan. Remove and discard oil filter. Remove valve body bolts "A", "B" and "C". See Fig 1 . Remove spring clip from valve body wiring harness grommet. Push wiring harness into case.
- Remove valve body from case. Remove D-R accumulator spring. Apply compressed air to D-R oil passage to remove accumulator piston. See Fig 2 . Remove spring.
CAUTION:
Transaxle oil pan magnet location must be marked to ensure magnets are returned to original location during reassembly. Magnetic field created by oil pan magnets can affect solenoid operation.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.