Help with transmission...

[avespdx]

Hey Folks,

We have a 1997 Escort LX wagon. it has 151k miles on it, automatic. Over all, it's in very good shape and has been running smoothly.

Lately (last month or so), it has been starting sluggishly when in O/D (over drive).

However, when I start in just 'D' (drive) one click further on the auto shifter, it starts great and zooms right around.

This weekend, it has ... started to not engage or drive when I have it in gear. If I put it in drive, and move forward when it's cold, it will get me to the end of the block. When I go to press the gas the car revs up but does not move. I shift back in to park, then in to 'D' drive and it starts and moves fine. It shifts and drives from all starts after it gets going. It seems, like it somehow needs to warm up for it to shift or work. Over all, it shifts in to gear fine, and shifts smoothly on at higher speeds. It's just when I'm first starting it out after it's sat for a period of time.

Would any one have an idea of what this might be an indication of?

- electronics? (solenoid, sensor?)
- transmission?
- adjustment?

The car has brand new transmission fluid in December and no leaks. 150k, auto transmission.

Any pointers or ideas of the problem (good news or bad) would be helpful.

Thanks,
aves

[Black2000Ranger]

New transmission filter?
Wrong fluid perhaps?

Mine did the same thing, I would just let it warm up because it would shift really hard, and be slow. After 5 minutes of driving it would shift pretty smooth. But then my transmission cracked and turned into a bigger problem, heh.

I'd change the fluid/filter just to be safe, and try some of that shift mechanic stuff.
-Scott

[Davescort97]

The pump which supplies pressure to the clutch packs is probably getting low on pressure. This could be from low fluid level to dirty screen. If you cycle the shifter into all drive modes before you start out, it will build up pressure and you will be all right as you pull out. Since you just put in new fluid I would rule out the low fluid level and dirty screen. Sometimes in trannys that have high mileage it's the muck in the fluid that keeps them going. You change the fluid and without the muck they will not shift properly.

[C. Cleve]

Hi, RE, Your 97 esscort trans, problem...Your symptoms explanation is very accurate, Thanks it helps a lot..Here's the bad news,Having worked on this trans since its inseption I have seen it all...To be blunt, with the mileage on the vehicle you are lucky it has lasted this long without any major repairs. The clutch pack seals in the trans by now are as hard as a rock and they soften up as trans temp. rises, this seals the clutch pack and the clutches apply to allow the vehicle to move and shift gears, It's time for an overhaul, No cheap way around it....GOOD LUCK....Clay..