2001 Taurus Acceleration Problem

We have a 2001 Taurus with the 24-valve engine (automatic transmission) and have started re-experiencing problems with the accelerator, especially between 20mph and 40mph.

Here is a synopsis. You will be driving as usual, then without warning or other indication, the transmission will disengage and the tach will jump up to 4,000, (or higher), as if the clutch has been depressed in a stick shift. The car then slows as power is no longer going to the wheels. A few moments later, the engine will re-engage and the car will lurch forward a bit and then continue on as usual. The cycle continues, especially as the speed increases.

This problem occurred a year or so ago, we had it in the Ford shop and they couldn't find anything wrong. The problem is now back, and my neighborhood mechanic can't find anything wrong either.

Any advice or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

How's the fluid level?

Ironically, the fluid level was above the "full" line.

The mechanic got back to me and said the third gear is fried and the tranmission needs to be replaced. He estimates about $2,800, ($2,200 for the trani, $600 for labor). Does that sound right?

Also, should a third gear fry in an engine with only 45,000 miles? Note that the car is driven by my wife so it has been abused and has had regular maintenance.

45K is VERY unusual. Perhaps unusual enough that I might consider lobbying Ford to pay for at least part of it.

Here is acheaper solution: Get a used same year and make of tranny from a wercked one (junkyard) and have it installed. Should cost you less than half. I've done it on a T-bird, lasted a min. of 70000 miles, when I sold that car, it was still working fine. Transmission repairs and rebuilds are too often a hit-or-miss.

Thanks to all.

My local mechanic found a used trani for $1,000, vs. $2,200 for the one Ford was pushing, and will put it in for about $600 more. Not what you want to pay on a 2001 with 45K, but better than it could have been.

It should last until the fall when we can trade it in for a new minivan. No offense to any Ford owners, but this time I think we'll go with a Honda. ;-)

It should last until the fall when we can trade it in for a new minivan. No offense to any Ford owners, but this time I think we'll go with a Honda. ;-)

No problem; your loss. Ask the dealer to kiss you after you sign the paperwork for your new import.

My loss? You must be dense.

My transmission craps out with only 45K miles on it and you think I should be happy?

Instead, maybe I should ask the Ford dealer for a "reach around" when I pay the $3,000 he wants for the repair.

My loss? You must be dense.

Go to the Honda forum. Search. Be amazed at the problems you find. Because they never have problems.

First of all, you either have a lemon transmission, or it was beat on remarkably hard. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume the former. I have never EVER witnessed a person get 45K out of a transmission on ANY make or model, and there are plenty of people in these and other forums getting 150K-250K out of Gen III and later AX4Ns and AX4Ss. But since you had a problem with your transmission, that means all Tauruses--oh, wait; all Fords, as you put it--are less desirable than Honda vehicles.

Secondly, I can't imagine why you would pay the dealer $3000 to do this job.

Next, when your Accord breaks down, I'll be there to say "I told you so" when your repair bill makes you wish you had bought domestic.

Two Gen II Sables have been in our family, and both were also superb vehicles for their time. My parents currently own a '96 Grand Marquis, and not a damn thing has gone wrong with that car. (Different drivetrain, yes, but it's still a Ford Motor Co. vehicle.)

In fact, I just bought a used Gen IV Taurus, and it's an excellent vehicle. I also know from shopping around that a comparably equipped--except for the four-banger "powerplant"--Accord would have cost me approximately $4,000 more than I paid.

Next time, try responding without the namecalling.

sfontain - you're absolutely right, the name calling was uncalled for (excuse the pun) and I apologize.

As for the reliability of Japanese cars vs. domestic, even in the Ford forum, we'll have to agree to disagree. (BTW, overcharging by dealers is a standard across the industry, foriegn or domestic, and I've owned both)

As you suggest, we must have gotten a lemon transmission because although my wife may be accused of many things, but being an aggressive driver is not one of them. ;-)

No hard feelings.

I wasn't disputing that the dealer will charge you $3000. What I meant was I would never have them perform a repair like that.

I don't remember the specifics but there has been a specific problem that some of the GEN IV trannys have and several people have got Ford to cover it.

You might want to google Taurus Forums and see what you can find.

Mike
:smokin: