91 Taurus Trans problems

My grandfather has a 91 Taurus Wagon and the automatic transmission has started to slip so bad that car won't move. Let it sit for a while and will go for a block or two before slips again. Checked oil and fine, had radiator replace two months ago. Any ideas anyone, or is it overhaul time. Car has 70K.

Did you ever think to check the tranny fluid it may be low or check the color of it. If it is discolored then it needs to be changed otherwise try to shift it manually from first to second to third. try those then if not your on ur own

Did check oil level and was fine and color was fine. The tranny won't shift at all when slips. Tried drive, overdrive, first and reverse and same thing. Let the car sit and will go block or two.

I don't know how good you are with cars but "Oil" has nothing to do with the transmission. The transmission has its own dipstick and it is usually red and the fluid should be red. So if your checking your oil I hope its fine or you engine would be knocking to. I would suggest next time it moves drive it to a shop because it sounds like the bands in your transmission are shot.

I'm sorry I don't have suggestions but if it helps you decide your case, the '91 is THE worst year for Taurus transmission problems and have a very high rate of premature failure.

If the transmission fails on a 14 year old vehicle can it be called "premature"?

If the transmission fails on a 14 year old vehicle can it be called "premature"?
Well... 70,000 isn't exactly a lot of miles, and since there isn't a whole lot to a transmission other than metal, I would expect it to hold up over 14 years. I've seen/had plenty of 14-year-old Fords with fine transmissions at 100K or more miles.