Transmission won't shift

I have a 1996 Mercury Villager with an automatic transmission that won't shift out of 1st gear. It works normal for the first 5 minutes or so, but then it stops working, and won't shift. The computer says a problem with the speed sensor and an incorrect gear ratio in 4th gear. Any suggestions on how to fix this????

First off get yourself a HAYNES manual from the auto parts nearby...(I'd call to make sure they have one)........That'll show you where the speed sensor is and how to check it.....

Did you check your fluid level?...otherwise, you might have something seriously wrong with the transaxle...Now the dealer would have something to actually check the tranny's codes (this is different than the regular OBDII codes that you mentioned) or you can try this site

http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/nissan1a.htm

but I would still bring it in.....good luck

[QUOTE=jroberts10]I have a 1996 Mercury Villager with an automatic transmission that won't shift out of 1st gear. It works normal for the first 5 minutes or so, but then it stops working, and won't shift. The computer says a problem with the speed sensor and an incorrect gear ratio in 4th gear. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

no suggenstions, but i have a 1997 and it wont shift out of 2 nd after warming up. Have You gotten your fixed? what was it

no suggenstions, but i have a 1997 and it wont shift out of 2 nd after warming up. Have You gotten your fixed? what was it[/QUOTE]

I did get it fixed. I pulled the oil pan to check for clogged ports, and didn't find any. However, when I was putting it back on I noticed the wiring harness going to the second speed sensor was rubbing on the drive line and had a hole in it. So it was shorting out. I fixed that and the problem went away.

Thanks for the reply, I had a guy at the Ford place check it today He said that he checked the tranny while driving it today and the computer was trying to shift at the proper time but still no codes. He suggest that there is a mechanical problem and says sell it.

There are two reasons that I know of from previous problems. You may have a bad throtle position sensor TPS or a bad soliniod not sure of the spelling on that one but these are not major enought tosell your trusty van. My tranny did not shift at all from first till I had the TPS changed at the dealer. I also had a 3 gear shift problem code that went away since then. My suggestion is that you locate the TPS and unplug it while the car is off, then start the van and move it a few feet in foward. This will trigger codes and the dealer can search from there. I know the techs are smart but some of them just know how to change parts and if they get no code they say it is ok. A good old school new school mechanic is the way to go. Find yourself one.