Tranny problem 1996 Taurus

[Dotse]

The car starts great, goes into first gear great, but when trying to accelarate the car acts like it is netural. Manual shifting is not responsive. I can only get the car up to 15 miles/hr. Reverse is responsing well. Any suggestions?

[98FFV]

Check your transmission fluid and have your torque converter inspected. Sounds like it is not locking.

[Dotse]

I had the tranny flushed, new fluid and filter a couple of weeks ago.

[98FFV]

Was it acting like this before you took it in? Maybe they didn't put in enough fluid or the wrong kind.

[Dotse]

The car was have a bit of trouble shifting from second to third before I had the work done. After the fluild was changed I added transmission additive called PROLONG. I drained a small amount of the tran fluid yesterday and the fluild looked good and there is enough on dipstick.

[irish30]

You need to have the trans overhauled. The intermediate band is not engaging. After the forward clutch is engaged a shift solenoid will direct fluid to the valve body in the trans. This is supposed to engage the intermidiate band giving second and third/overdrive. It sounds like that is not happening.

[Dotse]

When you said trans overhauled, does that mean a rebuild/new transmission? What is involved and what is the cost?Thanks

[irish30]

A trans overhaul consists of disassembling the trans and replacing the clutches and possibly any gears that have been damaged. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a used trans and have it installed. It all depends on who and where you take it to for cost. In Ontario a trans rebuild can cost you upwards of $2000.00. Getting a trans from a scap yard and having it installed would be more like $800.00-$1000.00 dollars. There is less warranty but it is cheaper.

[mikeemon]

The problem of changing really old tranny fluid today is this... Too much fluid is changed and it is too good. All of the old gunk that was holding the thing together gets washed out by detergent bearing fresh fluid. Change it as advised in your manual or never change it at all.