Clicking on the links to the left will open a list of frequently asked questions or advice for the category you select. Clicking on some categories will also open sub-categories designated with an -.
Q. Which transmission is better, the AOD or the AODE?
The AOD was a good transmission in it's day, but the newer AODE and 4R70W have many improvements. The AODE has a thicker, simpler, and much more reliable valve body that is much less likely to warp than the thinner more complex AOD valve body. The AODEs also all came with the 2 inch wide overdrive band and an A (largest Diameter) Overdrive servo. The input shaft is also much stronger on the AODE than the AOD. Lastly, the AODE has a lockup converter clutch rather than a mechanical, gear dependent lockup. What this means is that with the AODE you can have 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear locked or unlocked. No longer do you have to decide between streetability and performance. You can have your lockup for efficiency, and unlock the converter for better acceleration.
The 4R70W offers all of the above benefits with the addition of a lower first and second gear ratio to help initial acceleration. Beginning in 1998, the 4R70W also has the Mechanical Diode intermediate one way clutch, and an even better direct input shaft. Certain models also have hardened gears, such as the 1998 and later 5.4 trucks.
Back to TopQ. How do I make my AOD TV linkage work with a carburetor?
You will need a special cable and bracket manufactured by Lokar (865-966-2269).
Cable: KD2AODHT
Bracket: SRK4000
Q. How do I adjust the TV pressure on an AOD transmission?
See our page on AOD TV Linkage Adjustment.
Back to TopA throttle position sensor can be retrofitted to your carburetor fairly easily. The TCS will provide all of the necessary electrical connections for TPS operations. For a description with pictures of one way to add a TPS to your carburetor see our TPS retrofit page.
Back to TopA. The Baumannator TCS is a stand-alone controller, and was originally intended for retrofit applications. It can be used on originally equipped vehicles, but steps must be taken to insure the engine continues to operate properly. Ford uses one PCM (Powertrain Control Module; a. k. a. processor, computer, etc.) to run both the engine and the transmission. To install the Baumannator TCS, the wires that went to the Ford EEC PCM for the transmission functions must be cut. Without the input from and output to the transmission, the EEC PCM may run the engine using “failure mode” strategies, causing driveablity problems.
Some ways to overcome this include using an aftermarket “chip” to ensure that the engine continues to run normally, or if available, switching to an EEC PCM for the same model car with a manual transmission. Swapping PCMs, however, is not simple on all cars because of the PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) now being used by Ford, which requires that the EEC PCM must match the key for the engine to start. The anti-theft system can be reprogrammed by the dealer, but you may want to call ahead and be sure that your local dealer has the necessary equipment. Also, some models (e.g. Crown Victoria) never had a manual transmission option, making the processor swap less feasible.
We are also developing new solutions that employ additional circuitry to “fake out” the original EEC PCM, allowing it to operate normally, despite the missing signals. We will provide this additional circuitry in a special, application-specific TCS unit. Another advantage will be the ability to quickly bypass the Baumannator TCS and run with the stock electronics for testing. This can be beneficial in some circumstances for troubleshooting and comparison testing.
Once this solution is available, we will post installation diagrams on our web site. Since each application is a little different, we will release these systems as they are developed and tested, starting with the 1994-1995 V8 Mustang application.
Back to TopThe valve body kit is intended to change the behavior of a properly functioning transmission, and cannot cure recently developed problems. Recently developed problems are generally the result of wear, and the valve body kit will not correct it. If you have recently purchased your vehicle, and are unsure if the behavior is normal, please contact us and we will be happy to help you determine if you have a transmission problem, or if your transmission is operating as the factory intended.
Back to TopFor kits RK-AODE, and RK-AODE-2 the gaskets are completely stock. For kit number RK-E4OD-2 you must add a hole at location X as shown in the diagram in the manual. For kit number RK-AOD you must add a hole at location A as shown in the diagram in the manual.
Back to TopQ. I found a small plastic piece with a stem and an o-ring in my transmission pan, where does it go?
This piece is a factory dipstick hole plug and it can be installed in the nearest trash can. When the dipstick tube is installed the plug is just pushed in the transmission pan, where it rides until the first fluid change.
Back to TopQ. Are your product installation manuals available online?
Our TCS installation manual is available online, however our valve body kit installation manuals are not. Replacement manuals for the Valve Body kits are available by calling 864-335-9365, with your original invoice number. If we are able to look up your purchase in our computer system then you will not need your original invoice number.
Back to TopQ. What are your hours for technical help?
We are available for technical assistance by phone Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may also e-mail your technical question, or check out the rest of our Technical help section online.
Back to TopBaumann Electronic Controls, LLC
702 South Mechanic Street
Pendleton, SC 29670
Phone: 864-335-9365
Fax: 864-335-9055
All information, text and graphics contained within this site are the exclusive property of Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC and may not be used or reproduced in any form without the express written consent of Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC.
Last updated on June 28, 2004
AOD