1997 Taurus Transmission - No 1st - Slipping AXOD

Hi Guys - Having loads of fun with this one. Transmission lever (disconnected from shift lever to shift transaxle manually) will not shift into 1st, only all other gears. Also, intermittent slipping/shudder in all gears including reverse. Fluid smells a little burnt. Once on the highway it seems fine, the slipping is on acceleration. 110K miles. AXOD on the pan. Any clues? Thanks.

You mean the selector won't go into 1? The other problem, the AXOD is famous for dying.

Yes, the selector acts like 1st gear isn't even a choice, the transaxle mechanically will not shift into 1st gear at all. All other gears will mechanically shift as normal using the lever on the transaxle or with the shift lever rod attached. The other problem is slippage/shudder in all other gears. Is a toasted CV joint on the driven half axle a possibility? I see that the driver's side front wheel is cantered out about 1 or 2 degrees. I haven't checked the CV yet, I know it is a remote possibility if at all. The fluid isn't totally burnt or dark or full of debris, smells faintly burnt and light brown in color.

"The fluid isn't totally burnt or dark or full of debris, smells faintly burnt and light brown in color." Doubtful you'll see debris on the dip stick because the filter in the pan catches it. Mercon V is sort'a reddish-pinkish color and brown indicates way overdue for a tranny fluid flush.

I understand the fluid condition is bad, was trying to determine the cause. I am not sure if it really is the transmission, I am wondering if it could be the TRS (Transmission Range Sensor). I had a Contour that was exhibiting the same symptoms and the $45 TRS fixed the problem. It seems to have 2 unrelated problems:

1 - Intermittent shudder/slippage
2 - Mechanical failure to shift into 1st, as if there is no 1st gear.

I was trying to avoid taking it in for a scan or replace the TRS if it isn't the demon. I am trying to help a friend out is all. It slips from dead stop to start only, and shudders until it goes into gear. OD, D or Reverse. Sorry for the novel post, just wanting to be clear. Thanks for everyone's responses, I haven't been to a mechanic/dealer in 2 years thanks to this and other forums :)

I appreciate your being thrifty and if it is the sensor don't forget the burnt smelling, brown fluid indicates it is overdue for a fluid flush. I understand a dirty valve body can cause problems so get the flush and have the valve body cleaned. If the fluid hasn't been flushed in 110K miles then that could cause slippage and other problems because the fluid has lost all it's goodness.