Transmission Reving

I have a 98 Ford Taurus that recently started having transmission problems. I'm fine on the highway and once I get going but at times the engine will rev too high after stopping and starting. Yesterday getting on the freeway it did this to me and the speedometer stayed at 0MPH even though I was going about 50 once it went into gear. Then at about 70+ it kicked in and the speedometer adjusted to the correct speed. The problem seems to happen most frequently though in city traffic after stopping at a light. I usually have to let the RPM's go back down and then try going again...

Any ideas? I've read a lot of problems with the trans on the 98 and was looking for some feedback..

just wanted to thank everyone for looking but not helping.

It sounds like the tubine shaft speed sensor is faulty. But I am not a trans specialist. Try to shift the trans manually. start off in second and see if you have the same results as before. By putting it in second you engage different clutches inside the trans. This helps to diag things like torque convertors. If the engine rpm goes up and the speed does not increase you could have a torque convertor problem.

I have a 96 with the same problem, I have been told that if the computer senses that a shift hasn't occured then it will signal the trans pump to up the fluid pressure to force the shift, which causes it to "thump" into the next gear.The cause of the problem is a worn or sticking shift solenoid. A fluid and filter change does not cure tha problem nor does any of those expensive additives, I've tried both. For now I've learnt to live with it, but one day I'll replace the solenoids.