Downshift out of O/D

[ClockworkDoc]

Hi all,

I have been having this problem ever since my 2000 Contour SE crossed the 110000 threshold. When I am driving on the freeway between 65-75 MPH, my car will mysteriously shift out of overdrive. My RPM's quickly raise form 2000 to 4000. After a few seconds, the transmission falls back into overdrive. Sometimes this problem happens only once on my way to work, sometimes it happens many times, and others my car can not get back into O/D.

I went to a transmission place and they could not find anything wrong. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Davescort97]

Welcome to Automotive Forums. There are several conditions that could cause the tranny to not stay in OD. If it surges while cruising the torque converter clutch solenoid could be keeping the torque converter from locking up. It is an electrical solenoid so check the electrical connections around the transmission. The throttle valve control cable could be too tight causing it to not stay in OD. Loosen it 1/16th of an inch at a time until it stays in OD.
It's on top of the tranny along side the shift cable. Last, but not least, having no upshift into OD could be caused by a bad one-way clutch inside the tranny housing. I think there's not enough slack in the throttle valve control cable causing it to jump in and out of OD. This is what I"d check first. You always want to try the easiest things first. Dave

[wafrederick]

If it is not the cable,the only option is to replace the transmission if it is bad clutches.Most transmission shops will not rebuild them because they are a pain.I know one transmission shop in my area that will not rebuild Ford Contour transmissions and turn them down.They did one one and it was a pain.

[ClockworkDoc]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have heard that the problem my be related to the MLPS or the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Any thoughts?

[ClockworkDoc]

Problem solved!

I went to a great place called summit transmissions in La Mesa, CA. It was not a problem with the transmission box, rather it was the park neutral switch (Pringle Switch). They replaced it and its running as good as ever.