1999 Mercury Sable Transmission Issue

"Engine service soon" light came on indication transmission problem according to the local mechanic who checked the computer code. Car runs fine except at high speed "service engine soon" light comes on. Mechanic told me converter issue.

According to him there is another gear after over drive at high speeds that most people don't know about. (If I understood him right) There is where the problem is according to his computer code check. He recommended rebuilding my transmission. One day job.

Rebuild transmission for $1,200. Car has 70,000 miles on it and runs fine. Seems to be shifting O.K. (Other then the warning coming on only after driving for a while at high speed, then the light may go off on it's own when I'm driving in the city)

Do you think the assumption of the mechanic is correct ?? Is the $1,200 seems fair ??

Thank you for your opinion,
John

If it is the DOHC Duratec 24V engine, then that is a good price for the trans rebuild. Make sure they give some type of warranty. My 98 I had the trans rebuilt at @ 90,000 miles and it went all the way to the current 300,000 when the engine blew. (Still sitting in the driveway, I really hate to part with it). They charged $1800, but there was a lot that was wrong with the trans at the time. Usually that price is based on what they know, they might open it up and find more wrong, which will up the price. As far as warranty, when my Escape had to have the trans rebuilt, they were offering a lifetime warranty for an extra $100, I paid it and 6 months later the welds on the casing that holds the clutches came apart. Another rebuild at no cost to me.

Thank you for your reply.

No, the car is a standard Sable with a 3.0L V-6 and I'm not sure if I really need a complete rebuild. Right now the car runs fine, no problem with transmission. The "service engine soon" light is not even on.

Only the "service engine soon" light comes on after I drive the car for a period of time at highway speed (65-70) Then when I'm back for city driving after 2-3- days the light goes off. The technician who checked the code off the computer said that the transmission needs to be rebuild without any detailed info. to me. I am scaptical.

Any opinion ??

Engine service Light!
I would consider a new filter and ATF change 1st.
Does the car go into Over drive?