Transmission Slippage?

[zombie13]

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.

Z.

P.S. Forgive the stupid question, especially if it's already been asked...

Z.

[way2old]

Slippage would be when you depress the gas pedal and the transmission will not move the car with movement of the pedal. Usually you will hear the engine rpm's go up, but the car does not move accordingly.

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by way2old

Slippage would be when you depress the gas pedal and the transmission will not move the car with movement of the pedal. Usually you will hear the engine rpm's go up, but the car does not move accordingly.

What about driving at speed and the vehicle seems to slow down almost like being hit with a head wind gust, but the RPM's don't change at all (according to the tach)?

Z.

[shorod]

What year is your Taurus? If 1996 or newer, try to locate someone in your area with a high-end scan tool that can monitor the transmission control computer. The sensors you'll want to monitor are the Input Speed Sensor, Output Shaft Speed sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and possibly the TCC slip yes/no (if this is available on your car).

If the speed sensors all seem to respond appropriately, you may have a misfire. Or, you may be driving around with your air conditioning on and the impression of slip is caused by the increased load of your A/C compressor engaging.

-Rod

[zombie13]

Originally Posted by shorod

What year is your Taurus? If 1996 or newer, try to locate someone in your area with a high-end scan tool that can monitor the transmission control computer. The sensors you'll want to monitor are the Input Speed Sensor, Output Shaft Speed sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and possibly the TCC slip yes/no (if this is available on your car).

If the speed sensors all seem to respond appropriately, you may have a misfire. Or, you may be driving around with your air conditioning on and the impression of slip is caused by the increased load of your A/C compressor engaging.

-Rod

It's a 2003 with 123k miles. I notice it mostly with the A/C on, but from time to time I notice something when the A/C not on, but it may also be just the way the car handles, since it's new to me I don't know all the bumps-and-shimmies yet.

Z.

[way2old]

If it does it mainly with the a/c on, check the current draw on the clutch when it engages. If current draw is high, it could cause the feel you describe when the clutch engages. If you can duplicate it in park at idle, clean or replace the Idle Speed Control motor.

[Huney1]

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.

[zombie13]

Huney1, I don't know if I have any problems yet, largely because I am paranoid and don't know the car yet. The 'head wind gust' slow down occured quite a bit in my old car before second gear went the way of the dodo, so I am probably just oversensitive to it. I know that I need the tranny flushed and hope to get that done this week. I just haven't found a good garage yet to do it since my last one stopped being a garage and became a used car lot (I have issues with some of the Ford dealers in the area... ) I really was asking more for information than specifically looking for diagnosis at this point.

Incidently, your post was very detailed and technical. Really, exactly what I was looking for.

Z.

[Huney1]

"Incidently, your post was very detailed and technical. Really, exactly what I was looking for." Weeeelll Doggies! Now that was mighty nice of you Sir and I appreciate the kind words. I can help some but I have no practical experience with newer cars and I take a back seat to brokenantimatter, shorod and way2 who old are the experts.

Yup, get 'er flushed and I think you'll see a difference.
OK, got'ta go to work so have a nice day and please don't you be no stranger in these here parts.