Auto Trans not shifting into 4th gear

My auto transmission is acting up, wondering if anyone has a clue why.

Ford Escort ZX2 2000. 96,000 miles.

It does not automatically shift out of 1st unless I let off the gas, then it shifts.

It will not shift into 4th (overdrive) unless I let off the gas, but shifts back into 3rd when I press the gas again, even lightly.

I had the trans fluid and filter changed (flushed the fluid to ensure all of it is new). No change.

Before the "lack of 4th gear" it would enter 4th, the drop to 3rd, then back to 4th, etc...pulsing.

Is this something I could fix myself (I am an electirican, and can do routine maintenance on cars)?

Thanks!

I am posting in the ZX2 forrum also, since it is an Escort ZX2, so ignore any crossposts...

I will try this tonight. I also wanted to add one more thing I noticed:

If I leave the car in D, it acts normally with the exception of not shifting out of first unless I release on the gas.

If I put the car in OD, it has the first gear problem, but also will not shift into fouth. When I release the gas, it shifts into fourth, and the RPM drop to 1000 (idle speed) until I press the gas again, at which point it shifts back into third and revs back up.

I will let you know what I find with the solenoids after I check.

THANK YOU for the reply!

This info is for a 97, but I think it is the same for yours. The solenoid wire colors are light green and blue to solenoid 1 (controls 2nd gear) The pink and black controls solenoid 2 (controls 3rd gear). The orange and green control solenoid 3 (controls 4th gear) The gray and white wire controls the solenoid that locks up the torque converter. The ground wire is light green and black and the orange wire is the transaxle fluid temperature sensor.


Thank you VERY much for the info. I was having problems finding the right wires.

They all checked out fine. Had a friend of mine who knows MUCH more about transmissions than I ever want to know take a look. Found out the rivets holding it together pulled apart, and caused a severe mess inside. He recommends a complete rebuild, since it is apart anyway (and has about 96,000 miles on it). I will let him rebuild it.

It is nice having a friend who thinks rebuilding a transmission is more fun than going to Disneyland. :)

Thank you for the replies!