taurus transaxle warning light

[mwt47]

Originally Posted by HEdwards2007

I've got a 2002 Taurus with 260,000+ miles on it and I get the same thing with the flashing transaxle warning light at random times. What also is confusing is that when I stop at a red light or stop sign the car will start stuttering like it is trying to die and the RPM gauge will start jumping up and down slightly. If I let it sit and idle like this it will eventually start running smooth and then go back to doing it. It does not do this when it's in Park or Neutrel and also does the same thing when in reverse. I've already replaced the fuel pump and filter, transmission filter and fluid, 2 of the O2 sensors, and the IAC valve. I have a throttle positioning sensor on hand but had a hard time removing it because I couldn't get the two retaining screws loose with a regular screwdriver. If someone else possibly has any ideas it would be greatly helpful. I really don't have the funds to take it some place and get a diags test ran on it but will do it if that's best at this point. Thanks for any help.

Do you have the Vulcan OHV engine?

It could be the camshaft position sensor.
The car doesn't have a distributor and the sensor tells the ECM what position the camshaft is in.

Mike

[mwt47]

On the Taurus if the torque converter fails it usually takes the front pump with it.

That will require a complete overhaul.

Mike

[HEdwards2007]

We had our mechanic hook up a scanner to it and it wasn't giving him any codes. Are you talking about a ODC computer or whatever it is?

[shorod]

Does your mechanic's scan tool have transmission software or just the engine software? An ordinary engine scan tool usually won't be able to read tranny codes. If the transaxle light has been on since codes were last cleared, there will be a stored code.

-Rod

[one_luckie_gal]

When I am in park for a few minutes and the car is idling something the transaxle warning light comes on but after I drive 15' it goes off. This only seems to happen after I have been in idling for a few minutes. It seems to happen only in P and not if I leave it in OD. What does this mean?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

I'd suggest you start by checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid. If the fluid is healthy and full, then you probably should find a trustworthy shop to pull the transmission codes. The local parts store will most likely not have the proper tool to read transmission codes. This takes a specialized, professional scan tool.

-Rod

[ithaclies]

I have the same problem. The light only comes on during highway driving, and the RPMs do not change. You wouldn't even think anything was wrong if not for the blinking light. My fluid is also fine, no burnt smell, a few bubbles, regular color. Its so frustrating. Also, i forgot to mention its a transmission from a 2004 taurus, because the one that came with my 2002 sable died. Its the same modle though (A4XN).

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Have you checked the transmission fluid level and condition? Are you pretty confident the overdrive is functioning properly at highway speeds?

-Rod

[cpaulconover]

I have a 2005 ford taurus that seems to have similar problem(s). At Freeway speeds of 70 to 80 mph the transmission light/message will come on saying "check transmission." Only at this time has it come on, not during stop and go traffic.

Without the message on, accelerating from a stop it seems to take an extra second to change from 2nd gear to 3rd ( I think that is right- it is usually around 40 mph) even from slowing to make a turn then speeding back up it does this.

The car has 120k miles on it. and is a 2005 Ford Taurus 3.0L 182CI V6 FI VIN: U - OHV.

Any thoughts would greatly be appriciated

[shorod]

The first thing to check is the level and condition of the transmission fluid. If the fluid has a strong odor or is no longer pink in color, consider having the pan dropped and the fluid and filter changed. I would not suggest paying extra to have the transmission flushed. Several folks have experienced severe issues after a transmission flush, and the thought is the flush loosens contaminants and gets them circulating again where they can lodge between valves and clog passages.

If you know someone with a professional grade scan tool, have them pull the transmission diagnostic codes. If you're lucky, it will point to a speed sensor that is not functioning reliably.

Also, have you noticed if when the transaxle light is on, the engine speed (tachometer reading) is higher than usual? At highway speeds, does turning the overdrive (OD) off have any effect on engine speed?

-Rod

[cpaulconover]

Of course the check transmission message has not shown up since. The tranny oil looks just ok. Could it have to do with the drive axle? I noticed a "thump" when I was turning to the right. I turned multiple times to the right and the same thump happened. I still notice trouble shifting like it takes an extra second to shift from say 2nd to 3rd gear.

Thank you in advance.

[shorod]

Nope, a problem with a drive axle would not cause a transaxle diagnostic code to be set. A binding drive axle could possibly cause an ABS light to come on though.

If the transmission is taking 1 second or more to shift, you have a problem. Assuming you just mean there seems to be a long delay when shifting from 2nd to 3rd relative to a normal shift, that could be due to several things. Getting the transaxle diagnostic codes read is probably the next logical step. Some transmission shops may provide this service free of charge, I'm not sure.

-Rod

[mojokabobo]

Hello all,

I have read through this thread as I have recently been having the same problem with my mother-in-law's Taurus. I am currently borrowing my mother-in-law's taurus because my wife crashed our only car last Friday.

So, here's the question I have to ask. This light has been coming on for me for the past few days, and it has me concerned.. I am planning a vacation next weekend where I will be driving about 1000 miles total.

Should I make sure that my mother-in-law gets this fixed before my trip, or is this not a horribly serious problem? What kind of damage could happen if I go ahead with my trip?

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

The only right answer is, yes, you should have this checked and possibly remedied, before driving the car on such a long trip. It might be as simple as a low fluid level or a transmission in need of a fluid and filter change, but it could be something much more serious. If you set out on such a long trip knowing that there's an issue, you're only asking for further damage to be done. A well-equipped shop with a professional scan tool should be able to read the diagnostic code for the transaxle and give you a reasonably good recommendation on the likely source of the code.

It's not up to me or the forum to judge whether your mother in-law should fix this issue or whether you should help out with it, but if you're concerned about the cost to fix it now, just think what the cost will be to have it towed several miles and pay whatever price the place it's towed to charges to fix it and the additional damage that will likely be incurred. For far less you could probably rent a car for the trip.

-Rod

[UCMVP2007]

Hi,
I'm experiencing a flashing "check transaxle" light on my Taurus and was hoping someone might be able to help narrow down the cause before I take it into a shop.
It's a 2000 SE wagon with the 3.0 Flex Fuel engine. Currently at around 150k miles. Had a A/C clutch failure and had the compressor and clutch removed and bypassed on the belt about 3 weeks ago, been running fine, put on about 1200-1500 miles with no issues until this.
The light came on after backing out of a parking spot and shifting into drive. Engine was at normal operating temp, been running off and on consistently for several hours (I work delivery). Hoped it was a fluke, parked, let it rest about 5-10 minutes and started up, light came on after a few seconds as well as the check engine light. Seems to be in restricted shifting mode like the manual indicates when the light is on, seems to stay in 2nd gear.
Ran it over to autozone and had them run the codes and got the following:
P0743 - TCC solenoid circuit condition.
P0750 - Shift solenoid 1 circuit condition.
P0755 - Shift solenoid 2 circuit condition.
P0760 - Shift solenoid 3 circuit condition.
P1451 - EVAP system canister vent solenoid circuit malfunction.
P0412 - Secondary Air injection system fault.
P0135 - HO2S11 heater condition (heated oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 1)
P0141 - HO2S12 heater condition (heated oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 2)
P0155 - HO2S21 heater condition (heated oxygen sensor bank 2 sensor 1)
P0161 - HO2S22 heater condition (heated oxygen sensor bank 2 sensor 2)

All these sensors and circuits triggering all at once leads me to suspect (and hope) that I may just have some faulty wiring or a bad ground or something. Any ideas? Have never had to deal with transmission issues before (my first ford). Disconnected the battery to reset the trouble codes, transaxle check light came on right away, the check engine light again a few minutes later. Going to run it to another autozone in the morning to see if the same trouble codes pop up again.