I have a 01 Taurus 6 cyl. A light came on in the instument panel and is staying on. It looks like a gear w/ a exclamation point inside. What does that mean? Thanks!

That means the transaxle has recognized an issue. It could be as simple as a shaft speed sensor, but you'll probably have to have the transaxle codes read to determine why the light's on. The regular scan tool like what the parts stores will use to read codes for free won't be able to read transaxle codes unfortunately. That will take a professional-grade tool.

-Rod

I have a 01 Taurus 6 cyl. A light came on in the instument panel and is staying on. It looks like a gear w/ a exclamation point inside. What does that mean? Thanks!

From the Service Manual:
The Check Transaxle Light will flash when the transaxle has overheated 149°C (300°F). Other transaxle faults will also cause the Check Transaxle Light to flash.

Do you have any other symptoms or driveability issues? Is the Check Engine Light on? What is the color and level of the transmission fluid?

If the computer has stored a generic Pxxx code, a store like Autozone would be able to read the code. However, With the transaxle fault light on, I would not suggest driving very much until the problem is repaired.

Bob

The light went out already. But I do notice that when I turn the steering wheel I heard a slight noise that wasn't there before. I'm gonna check the power steering fluid.

The light went out already. But I do notice that when I turn the steering wheel I heard a slight noise that wasn't there before. I'm gonna check the power steering fluid.

I would still have the codes read. Addressing a potential problem at this point can save money and aggravation down the road.

From the Service Manual:

Do you have any other symptoms or driveability issues? Is the Check Engine Light on? What is the color and level of the transmission fluid?

Bob

The check engine light was on for another problem (P0174 code), but fixed it.
The transmission fluid color is normal and at the right level it should be and doesn't seem to smell as if it was burnt. The light will come on and flash off & on when I use the car for a long period of time. After I turn off the engine and turn it back on the light isn't blinking anymore.

As the main function of the transaxle light is to warn of overheating, it appears that your problem of the light coming on after long periods of use would point to a probable overheating issue. If left uncorrected, major transmission damage can occur. Just my :2cents:

I got my Taurus to a Ford dealership to get the tranny codes read. Code P1744. Also said torque convertor clutch slippage and found fluid full & burnt.
Vehicle has internal failure and recommends replace unit.
So to fix it would cost me $1400 -2800 which I don't have. Local junkyard tranny would cost me $400. I have replaced trannys before in other cars some years ago. My question is about how long would a Ford tranny take to replace?

That will depend on you facilities, tools, and patience. Also how many willing friends and how many trips you need to take to the liquor store to keep said friends motivated.

Have you ever replaced a FWD transmission, and will you be able to safely get the car high enough to drop the subframe?

-Rod