| Author |
Message |
Margie Tremblay
Guest
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 Posted:
Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject:
95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Hi all,
I hope someone can help. My 95 Taurus has been shifting weird. It'll
seem like it slips to neutral sometimes while I'm driving....engine
revs, I push the pedal a couple of times and then it'll 'find itself'
and be okay. Then it also will downshift with a hard clunk as if I'd
hit the brake when I haven't. I'm afraid to take it too far and I'm
also afraid to take it to a transmission place because frankly I don't
trust any of these 'specialty shops' especially since we're new in the
area and haven't learned where the trustworthy repair people are yet.
We changed the throttle position sensor last week and that didn't make a
difference. Any suggestions...we want to know what we're talking about
when we take it to a repair guy.
I've lurked here a couple times before and got help with a subframe bolt
recall just by reading here. Thought I was stuck with it and found out
it was Ford's problem thanks to you all!!!
Thanks for your time, I'll check back later.
Margie
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Backyard Mechanic
Guest
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| Posted:
Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Margie Tremblay opined in news:10189-41A206F2-140@storefull-
3335.bay.webtv.net:
| Quote: | Hi all,
I hope someone can help. My 95 Taurus has been shifting weird. It'll
seem like it slips to neutral sometimes while I'm driving....engine
revs, I push the pedal a couple of times and then it'll 'find itself'
and be okay. Then it also will downshift with a hard clunk as if I'd
hit the brake when I haven't. I'm afraid to take it too far and I'm
also afraid to take it to a transmission place because frankly I don't
trust any of these 'specialty shops' especially since we're new in the
area and haven't learned where the trustworthy repair people are yet.
We changed the throttle position sensor last week and that didn't make a
difference. Any suggestions...we want to know what we're talking about
when we take it to a repair guy.
I've lurked here a couple times before and got help with a subframe bolt
recall just by reading here. Thought I was stuck with it and found out
it was Ford's problem thanks to you all!!!
Thanks for your time, I'll check back later.
Margie
|
Did you check your fluid level? Engine warmed up, in Park.
What trans? look on the trans pan... if it says AX4S, it may be the
tranny.. it could be anyway...but if it says Ax4N or something "SHO" those
are better
Was your Cruise control working okay?
Check your VSS, and its connections - on the trans connected with the speedo
cable.
then
Change the trans fluid and filter.. buy a bottle of Lucas AT fix. fill trans
carefully dont overfill
See if your locale has a consumer watchdog list... these are published by
local people based on customer recommendations. Call the local paper, see if
they do a list like that. |
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Backyard Mechanic
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Tom Adkins opined
| Quote: |
Margie,
I read your post again. Try the Lucas as a Band Aid and also the VSS.
It sounds like
your trans is on its way out. These two things can't hurt.
I missed the part about "dropping out of gear on turns" IIRC Left hand
turns. I've
seen a lot of Tauri do that. Nobody has ever been able to tell me why,
but it is ALWAYS a harbinger of failure. BUT....Try the VSS and a
fluid\filter change just because. They will use the new VSS on the
rebuild.
Sorry for the bad news, Tom
|
Thanks, TOM! Thats what i was thinking. I did more research on Lucas and
the only BAD thing I read on the user forums was from guys that dont believe
in additives,,, and I dont either but I know this stuff works for SOME
faults.
oh... the 95 IS still mech speedo!
Margie... if you get Cruise set at 50 and it drops out or surges then your
VSS IS bad, if it doesnt that doesnt mean that's not the problem however.
I agree with what Tom said..changing the pan fluid and filter, add Lucas, and
change the VSS is about all you can do.
If it works, You bought some time.
So your trans must bean ax4s, I bet
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Tom Adkins
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Backyard Mechanic wrote:
| Quote: | Margie Tremblay opined in news:10797-41A293CD-114@storefull-
3337.bay.webtv.net:
Thanks for the response. What is a VSS? The fluid level is fine. Will
have to see what numbers/letters are on the transmission pan. Forgot to
mention that the problem doesn't start happening until I've gone a
couple of miles... after it's warmed up a bit. (Oh God...please don't
let it be the transmission!!) Our son has been encouraging us to get
the fluid changed. Guess that will be next....even though I've heard
horror stories about having that done.
Thanks again
Margie
Sorry..
Vehicle Speed Sensor COULD affect shifting
I dont really know all that much about trans... but it Dont look good...
Go to auto parts store.. Get that LUCAS Transmission Fix
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=29&catid=2&loc=show
Cant hurt, might help..I know for a FACT it stops slippage a good amount
|
Margie,
I read your post again. Try the Lucas as a Band Aid and also the VSS. It sounds like
your trans is on its way out. These two things can't hurt.
I missed the part about "dropping out of gear on turns" IIRC Left hand turns. I've
seen a lot of Tauri do that. Nobody has ever been able to tell me why, but it is
ALWAYS a harbinger of failure. BUT....Try the VSS and a fluid\filter change just
because. They will use the new VSS on the rebuild.
Sorry for the bad news, Tom |
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Tom Adkins
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Margie Tremblay wrote:
| Quote: | Thanks for the response. What is a VSS? The fluid level is fine. Will
have to see what numbers/letters are on the transmission pan. Forgot to
mention that the problem doesn't start happening until I've gone a
couple of miles... after it's warmed up a bit. (Oh God...please don't
let it be the transmission!!) Our son has been encouraging us to get
the fluid changed. Guess that will be next....even though I've heard
horror stories about having that done.
Thanks again
Margie
Hi Maggie, |
Back in the day, as a tech, I wouldn't change the fluid and filter on a trans with
more than 60-70,000 on it because it "could"cause problems. I've dealt with it and
been there. Since the late 80's I don't know if this holds true. I changed the fluid
in my 84 MK-VII at 120K with no
problem. There were some problems with Taurus transmissions in the 80s thru 90s but
yours sounds like MAYBE a Vehicle Speed Sensor problem. IIRC it can be reached from
under the car, or even down past the engine. From the driver side, behind the motor,
directly below the passenger side rear of the motor (assuming 3.0 motor). It takes
strong nimble fingers and a 10mm wrench\socket to remove the retainer bolt.. It plugs
into the transaxle about 6 inches inboard of the right (pass side) axle, on top of the
housing. (On my 88 Taurus it could only be reached by lowering the cradle.) different
model. IMHE the VSS is often stuck in place due to corrosion. On pre 96 models there
is room to finagle it, on later models (my 88)the trans has to come out to fight with
it. On your 85, I believe the speedometer is still cable driven, a bad VSS may not
show up on the speedo. On later models, when the VSS failed the speedo would jump or
not work at all.
I believe a new VSS is about $25.00. It's worth the chance to avoid a $1.5K rebuild.
Tom Adkins |
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Backyard Mechanic
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Margie Tremblay opined in news:10797-41A293CD-114@storefull-
3337.bay.webtv.net:
| Quote: | Thanks for the response. What is a VSS? The fluid level is fine. Will
have to see what numbers/letters are on the transmission pan. Forgot to
mention that the problem doesn't start happening until I've gone a
couple of miles... after it's warmed up a bit. (Oh God...please don't
let it be the transmission!!) Our son has been encouraging us to get
the fluid changed. Guess that will be next....even though I've heard
horror stories about having that done.
Thanks again
Margie
|
Sorry..
Vehicle Speed Sensor COULD affect shifting
I dont really know all that much about trans... but it Dont look good...
Go to auto parts store.. Get that LUCAS Transmission Fix
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=29&catid=2&loc=show
Cant hurt, might help..I know for a FACT it stops slippage a good amount |
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Margie Tremblay
Guest
|
| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
|
|
Thanks for the response. What is a VSS? The fluid level is fine. Will
have to see what numbers/letters are on the transmission pan. Forgot to
mention that the problem doesn't start happening until I've gone a
couple of miles... after it's warmed up a bit. (Oh God...please don't
let it be the transmission!!) Our son has been encouraging us to get
the fluid changed. Guess that will be next....even though I've heard
horror stories about having that done.
Thanks again
Margie |
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Margie Tremblay
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 10:42 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Thanks guys...that's a lot of info!! I'll try the cruise (I've only
used it on trips back and forth to Mass. from Delaware). Then I'll run
these suggestions by my son...he's auto body but has played around with
lots of mechanicals. Then I'll talk with the one repair guy we've had
good luck with around here. I think he's honest enough to not take us
for a ride.
Margie |
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Repairman
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 5:22 pm Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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On my '94 the symptoms of the VSS where erratic shifting and power steering
going hard/soft as this car has the speed sensing steering.
Didn't try the cruise at the time but that will be affected if the VSS is
bad.
The VSS is the cheapest thing to try and will make the trans. act like it's
on the way out.
The VSS is a known wear out part, mine lasted 125k miles though.
It's a pain to change but the results will be immediate if yours is bad.
Good luck.
--
John
"anything you say can & will be misquoted & used against you"
'01 FLHR ''Red"
'04 MXZ 600ho
'99 XC700
BRC mem
"Margie Tremblay" <Mrsbuzzword@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:10189-41A206F2-140@storefull-3335.bay.webtv.net...
| Quote: | Hi all,
I hope someone can help. My 95 Taurus has been shifting weird. It'll
seem like it slips to neutral sometimes while I'm driving....engine
revs, I push the pedal a couple of times and then it'll 'find itself'
and be okay. Then it also will downshift with a hard clunk as if I'd
hit the brake when I haven't. I'm afraid to take it too far and I'm
also afraid to take it to a transmission place because frankly I don't
trust any of these 'specialty shops' especially since we're new in the
area and haven't learned where the trustworthy repair people are yet.
We changed the throttle position sensor last week and that didn't make a
difference. Any suggestions...we want to know what we're talking about
when we take it to a repair guy.
I've lurked here a couple times before and got help with a subframe bolt
recall just by reading here. Thought I was stuck with it and found out
it was Ford's problem thanks to you all!!!
Thanks for your time, I'll check back later.
Margie
|
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| Back to top |
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Scott M
Guest
|
| Posted:
Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:22 pm Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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Most tranny shops in my area will test drive the car and "scan" it with the
scan tool for free. If it is the VSS they can see it with the scan tool. GL
"Margie Tremblay" <Mrsbuzzword@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:10189-41A206F2-140@storefull-3335.bay.webtv.net...
| Quote: | Hi all,
I hope someone can help. My 95 Taurus has been shifting weird. It'll
seem like it slips to neutral sometimes while I'm driving....engine
revs, I push the pedal a couple of times and then it'll 'find itself'
and be okay. Then it also will downshift with a hard clunk as if I'd
hit the brake when I haven't. I'm afraid to take it too far and I'm
also afraid to take it to a transmission place because frankly I don't
trust any of these 'specialty shops' especially since we're new in the
area and haven't learned where the trustworthy repair people are yet.
We changed the throttle position sensor last week and that didn't make a
difference. Any suggestions...we want to know what we're talking about
when we take it to a repair guy.
I've lurked here a couple times before and got help with a subframe bolt
recall just by reading here. Thought I was stuck with it and found out
it was Ford's problem thanks to you all!!!
Thanks for your time, I'll check back later.
Margie
|
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| Back to top |
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Margie Tremblay
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:57 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
|
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Thanks Scott and John....I'm starting to feel a little better about it.
Will probably try the VSS this weekend.
Margie |
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Margie Tremblay
Guest
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| Posted:
Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:59 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem..one last question |
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Oh..one last question...in case anyone missed the part where I said we
changed the throttle position sensor last week. Tell me, is that
different from the VSS? they sound so similar...
Margie |
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Bob Urz
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
|
|
Margie Tremblay wrote:
| Quote: | Thanks guys...that's a lot of info!! I'll try the cruise (I've only
used it on trips back and forth to Mass. from Delaware). Then I'll run
these suggestions by my son...he's auto body but has played around with
lots of mechanicals. Then I'll talk with the one repair guy we've had
good luck with around here. I think he's honest enough to not take us
for a ride.
Margie
Here is a link to a transmission parts site. It has some information on |
diagnostic problems and possible causes that may be of some help.
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com/parts/DM/AXOD-E.htm
These are not DIY stuff, but the symptoms listed maybe similar to what
you have.
Bob
----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >100,000 Newsgroups
---= East/West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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Damaeus
Guest
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| Posted:
Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:42 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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In news:alt.autos.ford, Tom Adkins <newton5@remove.comcast.net> posted on
Tue, 23 Nov 2004 03:49:36 GMT:
| Quote: | I believe a new VSS is about $25.00. It's worth the chance to avoid a $1.5K rebuild.
|
A 1.5 K rebuild? My god, I just spent $1,133 having the valve body and
some gearshift solenoid replaced. How much of a rebuild consists of that?
I'm hoping I extended the life of my transmission another hundred thousand
by having that work done. |
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Damaeus
Guest
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| Posted:
Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:42 am Post subject:
Re: 95 Taurus shifting problem |
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In news:alt.autos.ford, Backyard Mechanic <pettyfog@Yaywho.com> posted on
Mon, 22 Nov 2004 16:33:42 GMT:
| Quote: | Did you check your fluid level? Engine warmed up, in Park.
|
Actually, after warming it up you have to shift it through all the gears,
then check the fluid level in Park.
Damaeus |
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