98 Escort delayed shift when cold

[Cbierniat]

My friend has an escort that is having this problem. Seems like the trans does not want to shift out of first or second when its cold. Soon as its warm it is fine getting out of first and second.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[AzTumbleweed]

I have a manual tranny but generally speaking on automatic tranny' I'd suspect a bad modulator or dirty fillter.

[discnik]

Has your friend checked for any trouble codes ?

If there is a P0712 code the "Transmission Fluid Temperature" wire could be pinched causing the symptom. The wire is clipped to the valve body in the tranny.

Hope this helps.

[Cbierniat]

im sorry but it is an automatic kinda would have been smart of me to put automatic. So what do you guys suggest I do? Looking for a way to diagnose it cheap and quick. I personally was thinking it was some kind of sensor. If a trans is bad its bad and will always do it. I'll recommend trans filter but what else should we do?


Thanks

[Davescort97]

It could be the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) If it is out the PCM (power control module) will not get the signal that the Escort's going fast enough to shift out of low. If your speedometer is not working properly it is a sign the VSS is faulty. If not the problem it could be the ATF (automatic transmission fluid) congealing. A test to determine if the ATF needs to be changed is to put a few drops of cold fluid onto a paper towel. If the fluid spreads out the fluid is all right. If it doesn't spread out well......................Change it.

[AzTumbleweed]

Originally Posted by Cbierniat

im sorry but it is an automatic kinda would have been smart of me to put automatic. Thanks

No apology needed. I think we all knew what you meant.