What transmission does a Crown Vic have?
The Crown Victoria uses a four-speed automatic transmission. In most civilian models, Ford’s 4R-series four-speed automatics powered the car from the mid-1990s onward, while earlier examples used the older AOD/AODE family. The exact unit varies by year and trim, with police-era variants following the same general pattern but often receiving upgrades for durability.
Overview of the transmission lineage
Across its production run from 1992 to 2011, the Crown Victoria’s drivetrain included several generations of Ford’s four-speed automatics. The civilian and police versions share the same basic layout, but the specific transmission model changed as Ford refined the lineup and boosted durability for high-mileage, high-torque use.
Transmission variants by era
Below is a concise guide to the main transmissions used in the Crown Victoria over its life. The exact unit depends on year, trim, and whether the car was a civilian model or a police package.
- AOD/AODE (early 1992–1995 civilian models; early years of the modular V8 Crown Victoria)
- 4R70W (mid-1990s through the end of the model’s run for most civilian CVs and police variants)
- 4R75W and related updates within the 4R-series family (late production years and some police packages)
In practice, most Crown Victorias you’ll encounter with substantial road time use the 4R-series four-speed automatic, with the exact designation depending on the year and trim configuration.
Notes for buyers and restorers
Understanding the transmission history can help when buying a used Crown Victoria or planning maintenance. Here are key considerations to keep in mind.
- Identify the model year and trim to determine the likely transmission variant (AOD/AODE vs. 4R-series).
- Check the transmission fluid condition and service history; signs of slipping, hard or rough shifting, or burnt fluid warrant a closer inspection or potential rebuild.
- Police package vehicles (CVPI) often received heavy-duty tuning and cooling considerations; their transmissions may have unique service histories or replacement parts compatible with the civilian 4R-series units.
Regular, appropriate maintenance—fluid changes with the correct spec, proper cooling, and timely solenoid or valve body service—can extend life for these four-speed automatics.
Summary
The Crown Victoria employs a four-speed automatic transmission throughout its production, with the majority of civilian and police models using Ford’s 4R-series automatics in later years and the earlier AOD/AODE units in the earliest period. The exact transmission varies by year and trim, but the four-speed automatic configuration is the constant thread across the Crown Victoria’s drivetrain.
What Fords have the 4R70W transmission?
4R70W usage in cars:
- 3.8 L V6 Ford Mustang.
- Ford Panther platform Cars: Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, Mercury Marauder and Lincoln Town Car.
Is the 4R75E a good transmission?
The Ford 4R75E transmission is generally considered a capable and reliable transmission, especially when well-maintained, with a reputation for smooth shifting and good performance. However, it is not without known weaknesses, particularly common issues with the overdrive band, solenoids, and internal hard parts like the sun gear shell, which can cause problems such as a loss of 4th gear or hard shifts if they fail.
Strengths
- Durability: It was designed to handle more power than its predecessors and is popular with truck enthusiasts for its ability to handle high torque.
- Smooth shifting: It's known for smooth shifts and has a torque converter lock-up feature that improves fuel efficiency.
- Improved components: It introduced improvements over the 4R70W, including a stronger ring gear and a vehicle speed sensor to enhance performance.
Common weaknesses and failure points
- Overdrive band: This is a common failure point, often leading to a loss of 4th gear.
- Solenoids: Solenoid failures can cause shifting problems.
- Internal hard parts: The sun gear shell and related planetary gears are prone to damage, often caused by a failing bearing inside the planetary gear set.
- Forward clutch drum: Wear on the forward clutch drum is a known issue.
- Heat generation: The transmission can generate a significant amount of heat, especially under heavy use like towing.
What to consider
- Remanufactured vs. rebuilt: A remanufactured transmission is often a better choice for reliability because it is fully disassembled and rebuilt with upgraded components to fix known weaknesses, whereas a rebuilt unit may only fix the parts that have already failed.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including using the correct transmission fluid, and promptly addressing issues like overheating can significantly extend the life of the transmission.
- Upgrades: Modifications like adding a transmission cooler or the "Jerry mod" are recommended by enthusiasts to improve longevity by reducing heat.
What transmission is in Crown Vic?
In 2006, a revised 4R75E transmission became standard on all Crown Victoria models.
What transmission does a 2006 Crown Victoria police interceptor have?
Second generation (1998–2011)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.6 L Modular V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4R75W automatic 4-speed 4R70W automatic |
| Dimensions |
