95 Escort Trans Problems

My friend has a 95 escort with the 1.9L auto (not sure trans id). The car will only move in the L positon and reverse. There is sufficient fluid in the trans that looks pretty good, i really didnt look at it. Any ideas what's wrong with the trans? Worse comes to worst, what years and engines trans will fit on this car? Thanks for the help. By the way, i have rebuilt transmissions before (and they worked) but never this trans. Out of curiosity what special tools are need for this one?

I would start out with a visit to the local Ford parts counter, and ask for some printed exploded views of the transmission.

I don't think the Escort tranny is very friendly to a rebuild ... but there is one repair that is fairly simple: the low-high servo piston seals. The servo is fairly accessable, on front of the tranny ... kinda under the air cleaner and air intake area. This servo may be your problem.

The servo cap is held in place by a large round spring clip. There is a small female screw hole nearby that allows a bolt and washer to be used for an "anchor point" ... add a wrench for leverage against the cap, and the clip can be popped out with a flat screwdriver.

Good luck!