99-02 Transmission Issues?

[Joegoalie]

Ok, so my 01 Continental is in the shop getting a new transmission. The car has 92,000 miles on it. The dealer is telling me that rebuilds are too hard to do and have a high failure rate. I tend to believe this because I bought the car from a guy who had the transmission rebuilt at 88,000 miles, it failed in only 4,000 miles! They went on to tell me that this is a common problem with this car. They told me that is the reason Ford discontinued this car. However, I researched the crap out of the car before I bought it and don't remember this being an issue. Then a google search confirmed what I thought. There really isn't much info on the web about Continental's having this problem. And by not much, I mean I only found 2-3 incidents of it. Not exactly what I'd call a common problem. I then remembered about this forum. I used to frequent the forum back when I had my Crown Victoria. I figured since there are a lot of users maybe you guys could give some feedback. If it's true, I'll have to dump off this car before the warranty on the new transmission is up, 3 year/75,000 miles.

It's sad to say, GM's are looking better than ever these days. Especially after dealing with the people at the Ford dealerships. They have been assholes so far. Too bad I hear of Cadillacs having far more problems. Maybe a Town Car next time. Or just step it up to that V70 I always wanted...

[Towncar]

I havnt' heard of many trannie problems with the 90's Conti's..
The 2001 is too young to be having problems.. discontinued?? Haven't heard that either.

'Course there's a lemon in every bushel, I've seen plenty in all makes.

My TC has trannie 'warnings' that come with it.. if it's not properly maintained they tell you flat out, your screwed. I change my fluid every 35k miles whether it needs it or not.. everyone I know that follows that interval goes 1/2 million miles on the same trannie.

[Joegoalie]

Originally Posted by Towncar

I havnt' heard of many trannie problems with the 90's Conti's..
The 2001 is too young to be having problems.. discontinued?? Haven't heard that either.

'Course there's a lemon in every bushel, I've seen plenty in all makes.

My TC has trannie 'warnings' that come with it.. if it's not properly maintained they tell you flat out, your screwed. I change my fluid every 35k miles whether it needs it or not.. everyone I know that follows that interval goes 1/2 million miles on the same trannie.

Well, it was a car in LA. Maybe it had a rough time in traffic... I don't know. I do know that the seller rebuilt the trans at 88k and it went bad at 92k. The Ford dealer is telling me all about how the trans in this car is a pita (heck I can understand that, it's a V8 FWD). I just don't believe that the trans is common issue when I can't find any info about it. If it's common, it should be all over Google.

Oh and I meant the Continental was discontinued. They quit making it in 02 in favor of the LS. Good tip on the transmission fluid, I'll be sure to take your advice. What kind of fluid is recommended for this vehicle? Anyone know? I know for my Thunderbird they suggest Mircon V I think it was called...

[VicW]

My 2000 Connie started making a noise that sounded like a steering pump but not when turning. It turned out to be a pump within the trans. Due to the cost of labor, the dealer suggested a new crate trans. (the origional had 135,000). $2700 later we were on our way to our current 193,000.
My wife has had her 2002 for a few months and now has 23,000 and I think I am hearing a mile pump like noise. I may just be paranoid. I am glad we got the extended full optional warranty (I never buy those except for this one).