2001 Taurus Transmission Question

I have a 2001 Taurus which "jerks" more than seems normal, only when moving from neutral to drive. Otherwise, shifting seems smooth and no problem. Can anyone suggest possible reasons - and/or solutions? My 2000 Lincoln LS did something similar, if I remember correctly, and they reprogrammed ("flashed") the PCM to solve that. Could that possibly apply to the Taurus too? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 2001 Taurus which "jerks" more than seems normal, only when moving from neutral to drive. Otherwise, shifting seems smooth and no problem. Can anyone suggest possible reasons - and/or solutions? My 2000 Lincoln LS did something similar, if I remember correctly, and they reprogrammed ("flashed") the PCM to solve that. Could that possibly apply to the Taurus too? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

It is a possibility but no guarantee; you may be developing a transmission problem. You can call your dealer to find out, but there is very likely new firmware available for your PCM.

Thanks for reply, sfontaine. Am having dealer check it out. Appreciate your response.

Just for the record - I had a dealer change the transmission fluid and reprogram (flash) the PCM. (There was a TSB for reflashing) It seems to have corrected the problem. Will post again if it comes back. Thanks for your help.

Just for the record - I had a dealer change the transmission fluid and reprogram (flash) the PCM. (There was a TSB for reflashing) It seems to have corrected the problem. Will post again if it comes back. Thanks for your help.
Excellent; I think you took the right course of action for this. Out of curiosity, what did they charge you to reprogram the PCM? Frankly I think this should be free any time you have the car in considering how bad they are sticking it to you in the first place. All they have to do is plug in a computer to the port and press a couple buttons.

Out of curiosity, what did they charge you to reprogram the PCM?


They didn't charge me - but maybe it was because I suggested it when they were floundering about what was wrong - lol. They should
have been aware enough to find it themselves, I think. Anyway, we will see how it goes.