AXOD Vs. AX4N
Wondering what the compatibility is between the AXOD and AX4N transmissions. I have a 2000 Windstar with 3.8 and the AXOD. The boy some how managed to get the transmission physically stuck in 2nd gear so I picked up a 2001 Windstar with a 3.8 for parts thinking I could swap the transmission only to discover while it looks close, is different. So far the only plug/sensor I see that is different is the one down by where the drivers side axle goes in, but I haven't had time to compare the to side by side yet.
In input? Thanks!
The AX4N is NOT a direct replacement for the trans now in your Windstar. You'll need to swap the trans, the halfshafts, the wiring harness, and the computer. There may be more, but those are the pieces I know are different.
Other issues such as locking and/or breaking the parking "pawl" occurs in these transmissions primarily due to owner negligence in not operating the parking brake properly, or not using the parking brake at all. If the vehicle is allowed to "roll back" onto the pawl with heavy force (such as when parking on a steep incline), the pawl may break off or seize the gears so that either the vehicle rolls away, or when the owner starts the vehicle and attempts to put the vehicle in gear, they are unable to move the shift lever from Park. This creates a compound issue in which the shifter linkage or cable can break due to excess force. The vehicle's owner guide states the appropriate procedure is to engage the parking brake before shifting to Park, rather than relying on the pawl, as the pawl is a last line of defense to prevent the vehicle from moving unintentionally. If the parking pawl breaks off or bends, serious transaxle damage can occur.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_AXOD_transmission











