99 Taurus Tranny Follow Up Problem

[90jetta]

I posted about an O/D Off light a few weeks ago and it was suggested I check the VSS. Well I haven't done that since the light never came on again and all has been well.

But now I think the tranny is slipping. When I'm rolling up to a stop, not coming to a complete stop, and then engage again, sometimes it slips.

Is this slipping and the original VSS concern related?

It has 78k miles on it, looks great and other wise runs well. So fix it, ditch it, trade it in?

Thanks

[Smith1000]

I used to have a 91 Taurus that always seemed to down-shift rough, for instance, after turning a corner and slowing a bit. It was always abrupt when the transmission down kicked. I think that was kind of normal for the Taurus. I never liked the way it shifted. I always tried to work the gas so that it was smoother. My transmission never went out, although I heard many others talk about buying 1 or 2 transmissions for the same car. From what I recall, the early signs of it going out, were slippage as they were pulling up to a red light, or stopping for some reason. One gal told me that if you get it in to the shop when it first starts doing it, it is cheaper to repair then if you wait until it completely goes out. I put 162,000 on the Taurus I had. The transmission always worked fine, but I changed the fluid and filter about every 20,000 miles because I heard of others with bad transmissions. In addition, I always dumped in a bottle of Slick 50 transmission fluid treatment because they talked about it on Car Talk. Maybe that helped, I don't know. The guy who bought it 2 years ago is still going in it...no transmission problems so far.

[gamesman]

The slipping you are experiencing is probably caused by a faulty VSS. The fact that you have experienced erratic spedometer readings in the past would further point to this as the likely problem.
I would suggest replacing the VSS as a first step. I paid $64 Canadian for mine from Ford and replaced it in about 15 minutes. Make sure you get the right one for your transmission (AX4S or AX4N). My slipping problems were immediately cured.
If this solves the problem, I would also recommend checking the transmission fluid and replacing it (including draining the torque converter) if it is off colour or smells burnt. A slipping transmission can easily overheat and contaminate or damage the fluid.

[90jetta]

Thanks for your help.

I appreicate the prompt replies.