2003 Marquis BLOW TORQUE CONVERTER!!!

[pcmos]

Recently we noticed a shutter or vibration around 30 - 40 MPH after accelerating or lightly tapping the brake to induce a shift on our 2003 Grand Marquis. Upon taking the vehicle to a local ford dealership they determined that the torque converter has failed and since we now have 40k miles on the car, they are pinning the expense on us. Personally I drive a 2000 Buick LeSabre, the 03' marquis is my fathers car and I am not as familiar with the various gremlins that plague these ford vehicles. I do know, however, that many people complain about the torque converter failure on the grand marquis, but why would we have a problem with a 2003? I am wondering if any of you ford experts out there can tell me exactly what aspect of the torque converter assembly fails. I am familiar with torque converters and especially lock-up torque converters in general, but not specifically the failure that occurs commonly on these marquis? Any information would be helpful, thanks!

[fredjacksonsan]

Couple things: what powertrain warranty did your father get? If the 5/50K one that was offered from FoMoCo, I'd try a different dealer as they owe you a torque converter.

It sounds like what mine (86 MGM and 93 Crown Vic) were doing, a slight shudder as the converter came in and out of lockup at that speed. I ended up leaving them in 3 and not using overdrive unless going more than 50mph for a length of time. Good luck with the dealer.

[gold mercury]

did you change the tranmission oil at 30K miles


Pawlo

[lou2004]

Try Dr. Tranny instant shudder fix at NAPA. If not in stock they should be able to get it the next day. A lot about this at flatratetech.

[pcmos]

Actually the Ford dealership finally went into arbitration with us and replaced the torque converter at a price of 100 dollars. They claimed the torque converter clutch (TCC) was worn excesively. My problem with that diagnosis is that I see that as the end result of another failure. For a clutch to wear out only after 40k miles of normal use requires the existance of abnormal application by the computer or solenoid. Something in the system is wrong to cause that problem, and the new one will probably fail early as well. Essentially Ford had no interest in rigorously diagnosing the problem and my father is happy because to him if the car starts and drives its fine. If it were my car I would have looked into doing some electrical diagnosis, at least to make sure all transmission wire harness connections were good and that the harness was not shorting out anywhere to cause flaky TCC engagement. Fortunately I own a Buick, the transmission is built well. Thanks for all of your input though.