Zombie13, in a previous thread you posted this:
"I just purchased it, and do not know the service records. It's a 2003 with 123k miles. I'm not noticing any problems, but I am guessing that it's old fluid and just needs to be changed." BINGO! Give that man a Ceegar! It needs all the fluid 'flushed' and replaced, not a 'change' which dumps about 6 quarts out of the pan when the tranny & torque converter holds 15 qts and to get a flush you must find a shop with a good flush machine. Ford dealer and most tranny shops have them, flush usually runs around $130.00 where a change is $60.00
We aren't noticing any problems, but then in this thread; "It's a 2003 with 123k miles. What defines slippage? Or better asked: How would I know if my tranny is slipping? I don't think I am having issues, but I want to make sure."
What defines slippage? Not talking down here, just trying to answer your question. The engine produces power/torque that goes through the tranny to the rear wheels and if the tranny is malfunctioning the power the engine produces does not ALL get to the rear wheels because the clutches in the tranny are slipping. Slipping clutches = friction, friction = heat that overheats the clutches and fluid making it lose its lubricating properties. So if you continue to drive it slipping the problem escalates and gets worse and worse until you throw down for a tranny rebuild. Put your nose on the dip stick and if it smells burnt there is a good chance it is slipping and at some time or another overheated. BUT, a flush and new fluid can make a world of difference, so I'd go there first.
No service records so no idea when or if the tranny fluid was ever flushed or changed. Bada-bing! Red light! The fluid is brown and not reddish-pink.
Red light again!
Before we do diagnoistics why not simply put first things first and have the tranny fluid flushed which replaces the old yucky stuff with brand new Mercon V. Mind you, it MUST have Mervon V and nothing else or the tranny will shudder and be subject to other problems. When they flush the tranny have them clean the valve body then see how she performs. I believe Zombie13 and his Taurus tranny will be happy, happy, happy and still have a few bucks on the hip to take the favorite gal friend out to dinner and a movie.
