'95 Auto Trans Slips how fix

[rdague]

Just about every time it's put in O-Drive or Drive, there is a second or 2 pause before the car will accelerate after the gas is applied. It doesn't seem to be a problem if I shift directly into first. If I wait several seconds after shifting, the trans will go into gear on its own. What is the cause? Just change filter & new fluid? Thanks for your help.

[hamram64]

I can't really provide you with any answers, but I am wondering if maybe you can help me. I am running into a similar problem with my 93 Escort, but these transmission problems didn't pop up until we had some work done to the engine. Have you had engine repairs done lately? Is the engine warning light on too? Does the engine sputter or try to stall when the car is in overdrive or drive? I am leaning towards an electrical or sensor problem. My car is still in the shop, and I don't really trust the work they do, but if it gets fixed 100% this time, I will let you know what was done and maybe the info will help you.

[rdague]

I didn't find a solution to my automatic trans problem before I spun out on an icy bridge & totaled the car 3wks ago. But to answer your question I really haven't had engine problems ( I also have a '95 Excort w/ manual trans & 217k miles). Sometimes the "check engine light comes on both cars, for a few miles then goes off. I couldn't find anything except for sometimes the antifreeze fluid reservior is low. Sorry no help.

[hamram64]

Well at least the problem is not a problem for you anymore. I am still waiting to hear back about my own car......maybe I will take it for a drive on a bridge too.

[Team otr]

But to answer your question I really haven't had engine problems ( I also have a '95 Excort w/ manual trans & 217k miles). Sometimes the "check engine light comes on both cars, for a few miles then goes off. I couldn't find anything except for sometimes the antifreeze fluid reservior is low. Sorry no help.


How the hell does thaT ANWSER THE ORIGINAL QUESTION? but to anwser your question you shift linkage is bent. a mechainic will fix it for like 150

[sector95]

FWIW dept:...auto trans problems can be simple or tricky (read "expensive"). The trans on the Escort appears to have a kickdown cable; it drops the trans into a lower gear in response to mashing on the gas. I say "appears" because it could also be a TV cable (as in "throttle valve"). If the adjustment on a kick down cable is out of wack it's no big deal; you just won't get the correct downshift when stomping the gas. If it is a TV cable, then it directly controls the main valve in the tranny which controls how it shifts, when it shifts and the amount of hydraulic pressure applied to the clutch packs. Correct adjustment of a TV cable is crucial to the llife of the tranny. Problem is, my Haynes manual essentially leaves all auto trans stuff "to the experts" who are just as liable to say your trans is junk and you need a new one as they are in actually making a simple adjustment. Does anyone know for sure what this trans cable is....kick down or TV?

Then of course it could be something as simple as not enough trans fluid.....have you correctly checked the level?...engine hot (not freeway hot, just 20 mins of normal driving hot), car sitting level and motor idling, shift thru all gears and place in "PARK" then go read dipstick. Is it in the normal range? Too low or too high and you have problems: add or remove fluid. What does fluid look like? Should be pinkish. What does it smell like? Should smell like hot trans fluid as opposed to burnt trans fluid....usually if it is burnt (overheated) it will appear dark in color. The owners manual requires the fluid and filter to be changed at 60K...has that been done or is this the orignal fluid and filter?. To do the job right, *all* the fluid needs to be replaced. When draining the pan and replacing the filter you only relpace a fraction of the fluid; the fluid in the converter, cooler and lines is trapped and not dained. There are shops that offer a complete purge of the trans fluid and that would be something to consider.....make sure the service includes changing the filter.

If the engine is not idling correctly....too low...then the hydaulic pump in the trans isn't making enough pressure at idle to engage the clutch packs fully and you have a delay when shifting into drive.

[fridayyet]

Any reply ideas/help is appreciated. I have a slipping trans on a 95 Escort Wagon. Lately it's acting up more. It will do any combination or separate symptoms as follows. It will hesitate to grab I guess I could say, or it will hesitate, then surge/jerk forward quickly, or it may just surge/jerk quickly without any noticeable hesitating or slipping. Sometimes from a dead stop it'll shift normal through 1st, 2nd and 3rd/drive gear. Other times it'll hesitate from a dead stop, then surge/jerk, surge/jerk again going into 2nd, maybe not as much into 3rd/drive gear. Sometimes it acts normal, but seems to lately always act up a few times in 5 to 10 minute city driving, stop and go. I'm hoping it's a less expensive adjustment, than a trans swap/rebuilt. Happy Trails To All, Bob....fridayyet....bobbesch1@yahoo.com....please no spam