89 Escort Auto Trans problem

Hello, I bought my son a 89 Escort,and have slowly fixing problems with it.Has been running good, engine light came on a few weeks ago, but still running fine.But now all of a sudden he was driving along came to stop and took off again and now automatic transmission won't shift anymore it seems to be stuck in low.Tried shifting from low to drive, no luck.linkage is adjusted correctly etc.Will one of the sensors cause this? like Map sensor or egr sensor?? What am I missing?? Thanks in advance for any help!!Also Tranny fluid and filter has been changed few months back.

Not sure about this specific transmission but look for a vacuum line running from engine to transmission. Make sure it's hooked up and not broken. If you find this and it's hooked up and in good shape then follow it to the transmission. It will hook up to the 'vacuum modulator'. This is likely the problem then. Any parts place should have one. Should be one bolt holding it in.

PS I've been to Bardstown. A couple years ago I was living in E-Town and working at Fort Knox.

Not sure about this specific transmission but look for a vacuum line running from engine to transmission. Make sure it's hooked up and not broken. If you find this and it's hooked up and in good shape then follow it to the transmission. It will hook up to the 'vacuum modulator'. This is likely the problem then. Any parts place should have one. Should be one bolt holding it in.

Hey, thanks for the info,will check it out. Just talked to my brother and he suggested the same thing.*** I used to work for Naval Ordnance in Louisville,had several friends working at Fort Knox also! Thanks for the reply!!!

Hey, thanks for the info,will check it out. Just talked to my brother and he suggested the same thing.*** I used to work for Naval Ordnance in Louisville,had several friends working at Fort Knox also! Thanks for the reply!!!
Well No modulator valve on this transmission,changed Throttle position sensor still not shifting. Anybody have any other ideas?

Rippyrat: Your escort has a atx transmision that uses throttle pressure to shift it not a vacuum modulator, thus no vacuum line. If your transmission will not upshift and the engine goes back to a idle when you let off on the gas then you have a govenor problem. On the backside of the transmission there is a 3 1/2 inch diameter cover with a 1/8" wire spring holding it on. Pop the spring off and remove the govenor by pulling straight up. There are 2 thing to check. There is a finishing nail looking pin that holds the counterweights together, if the pin is there then look at the gear on the bottom of the govenor. It should be straight. If the teeth on the gear are smaller in diameter in the center than on each end then you have a set of worn gears. The one on the govenor and the one on that drives it on the differential. I know this sounds like a lot but with a lift it can be done in a hour and a half.

Well No modulator valve on this transmission,changed Throttle position sensor still not shifting. Anybody have any other ideas?
Have You looked at the Kickdown Linkage and the Rod to see If the Transmission Kickdown Grommet(Ford #7F480) is missing? It's on the right side of the engine when the hood is up or the same side as the driver is on(left side when inside the car), Mine wouldn't shift either, I found out the two needed to be together, So I put the Rod in the smaller of the two holes of the Linkage and wired the two together with some really stiff large guage wire with rubber insulation and sure I can't go above about 4200rpm anymore, But My 1988 Ford Escort LX 2dr hatchback will shift up and down now. Sure It's not the same as the real deal, But hey until It's made by the aftermarket, It's better than nothing at least. :grinyes: