I have done a lot of research on the CD4E ATX, which is found in
the 95-2000 Ford Contour & Mercury Mystique. I have done my best
to compile all the information that I was able to gather into one
location. I used the internet as my primary vehicle in gathering
this information. I will give credit and links to all the sources,
if applicable. I also used a 1998 Ford Service Manual, CD version.
This was used primarily to double check information and gather a
better understanding of certain subsystems. Also, I depended greatly
on the CDW27 web community! Without their input & questions,
this information would be much smaller and much more mundane.
Among most owners of the CD4E, there is a stigma that
surrounds it. Talk to any mechanic, that deals with ATXs very often
and all you will hear is complaining. It really makes me sick that
no one even wants to understand our trannys, much less our cars. If
you take your car to any shop, you will possibly see a few mechanics
running out the back garage door, when they see you pulling in.
Seriously! But with a little time, you can learn a great deal about
this complex subsystem yourself. Not that you would want to perform
your own rebuild, but you can easily gain enough working knowledge
of this transmission that will allow you to have an intelligent
conversation with a mechanic about it. Actually, if you were to take
all the information I have complied here on the CD4E - you will most
likely have more information then he does.