I heard that it's a mixture of two different oils in the rear differential. What are they and where can I get them? Volvo dealer? (It's a Volvo drive train in that model).

Also "AWD Malfunction" text on dash with the Traction control light on. Is it safe to drive? Low oil in diff? I've researched this everywhere without finding an answer. No, I don't want to just change parts and hope it goes away.

 

There is a TSB on the AWD system. Ford says to replace a Pressure/Temperature Sensor ($280.00). If that doesn't fix the problem, the TSB says to replace the small pump ($500.00) on the rear differential. If neither of those fixes it, they say to replace the DEM, or Differential Electronic Module ($1,000.00). It sounds a lot like a Ford Authorized "Shotgun" procedure to me.

I removed the drive shaft on my Five Hundred and the Malfunction message went away.

 

The Part Number is XL13 and a Ford Dealer is supposed to stock it. It's an 8 ounce tube that's supposed to do a fill for the AOD Coupling.

Sorry, I forgot to answer your question, but got focused on the AWD Malfunction.

 

[QUOTE=timmytaurus;92702]I heard that it's a mixture of two different oils in the rear differential. What are they and where can I get them? Volvo dealer? (It's a Volvo drive train in that model).


There's no mixing. There are two different units back there. I just re-read your post. The XL13 in the front and the 80W-90 Gear Oil in the Right Angle Drive Differential.

 

Going to the pick your own part junk yard. Thinking of pulling the sensor off a junker, but have no Idea where its located. Pictures on the internet offer no clue.


Have to make the trip worth it because the junk yard is in a real bad neighborhood in Detroit.

 

Too bad we're not closer. I just found out the Power Transfer Unit (Front) on mine has been dry for a while. The wife said, "I thought it was a little noisy."! I'm putting the Hub assembly and wheel (without the drive axle) on and winching it on my trailer and away to the junk yard she goes! The PTU lists for $2266.60 and the car has 241,000 miles on it. I think this car is too "exotic" for Northern North Dakota.

 

I decided to just take it to the dealer. It ended up costing me $900 for a new oil pump for the differential. Now I can't even eat for two weeks and the house payments gonna be late. I asked for the old part and it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes, for $900.

 

If I had to do it over, I'd just pay to have them pull the code, and then do it myself.

 

Just got work done on my Freestar at a real good trans shop. I asked him about the Five Hundred. He said to get rid of the Five Hundred and it's AWD CVT as fast as I can. The trans fails, and its a $5,000 job to replace. ($2,200 on any other ford with a normal trans). THATS not including the rear differential with it's onboard computer, oil pump, temp sensor, or two different oils. He said that car is a disaster when it comes to the drive train.

 

Ford Parts .com shows a reman CVT/CFT-30 at around $6,500.00, if memory serves. Another case of few parts available, but the drive chain is $1,000.00 !! ZF, in Germany, has stopped manufacturing the CVT and is concentrating on development of 6, 9 and more gear automatics. NISSAN, Honda and others still have them, as far as I know. Great idea, bad implementation. We ended up with an '05 Taurus SE, Flex Fuel, with 93,000 miles, new tires, brake Pads, Battery and recently serviced automatic trans. It is NOT AWD. I told the wife just not to drive on treacherous ice. I'll take standard 4WD, but no more AWD. All that stuff turns all the time. At least the 4WD stuff can be "turned off" when not needed.