95 Taurus transmission slipping

[randytrish]

My son has a'95 Ford Taurus, V6 auto and it just started experiencing transmission problems. According to him it will take off normal, but doesn't want to shift out of first gear. I believe that when it does shift out of first there is nothing, just revs. Reverse works fine also. The car has well over 200k and I know it's not worth a rebuild or the cost of a used one. I was just curious if these symptoms sound like it's terminal or could be a valve or switch or something. I didn't want to have to pay for a tow and diagnosis if these are signs that it's shot.
Thanks in advance,
Randy

 

[The_Jeff]

It could be the PRNDL switch, they go out all the time. Can check it with an ohmmeter. It's on the side of the trans where the shifter goes into/ through it.

 

[randytrish]

Would that cause it to slip? Once it leaves 1st gear it just revs, approx 20mph, then you have to almost come to a complete stop for it to engage again.

 

[The_Jeff]

Haven't had one die on me personally. Also called the "range switch".

More info: http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/82-maint...nge-sensor.html

The premise is that hydraulically you're only doing PRND and the rest is done by the computer.

 

[Roadkingnc]

Smell the fluid, if its burnt its history. Sounds like the direct clutches are done. Low and reverse use the same pack.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: Roadkingnc
Smell the fluid, if its burnt its history. Sounds like the direct clutches are done. Low and reverse use the same pack.


Not true! I've changed transmission fluid on cars with burnt fluid and they are all still going strong.

I would be looking at fluid levels, filter change, and VSS issues. I would also check for codes. A stored transmission code won't light the dash light (didn't on my 1995 Escort).

 

[sonofbumperbolt]

My 99 Taurus had similar symptoms. I changed the VSS and it is still going strong.

 

[randytrish]

What is the VSS

 

[yonyon]

The VSS is the sensor that tells the computer how fast the car is going or really, how fast the right side CV axle is spinning. It was discussed a little in this thread but mostly that just covered where it's located.

 

[randytrish]

Will the speedometer still work if this sensor is bad?

 

[yonyon]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think that a 95 Taurtoise speedometer was cable operated unless you had the digital cluster. If it is cable operated, yes it will work if the sensor is bad or unplugged or any such thing. If the gear falls off the sensor, both the sensor and the cable stop working so no speedometer.

 

[skully]

unfortunately, they dont even rebuild them cause the cases take the wear apparently??? my budd owns a transmission shop and he's done alot of these, not rebuilts, but wrecker finds/used. when they work, there great but when they start to have trouble, start looking on craiglist

 

[randytrish]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check a few things before I give up on it.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: randytrish
What is the VSS


VSS = Vehicle Speed Sensor, usually mounted on the transmission and it provides a signal input to a computer that tells the transmission when to shift.

 

[PandaBear]

It might be worth replacing with the gen 4 Taurus' transmission if your 95 is worn out. I remember they started using steel piston instead of aluminum and a lot of the problems go away right after that design fix.

 

[randytrish]

He guys
I had a chance to drive the car today and here's what I seen. 1st and reverse are fine. When you take off as long as you continue accelerating it will pull and stay in first gear, 30 mph, 4000 rpm. As soon as you let off or coast it's like you're in neutral. You have to slow back down to about 10-15 for it to go back in 1st. I checked, removed, blowed out all of the electrical connectors and cleaned and checked the grounds. I'll have more time tomorrow to try and determine what sensors it may be. I thought this update may help.
Thanks again,
Randy

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: randytrish
Will the speedometer still work if this sensor is bad?


If it's a mechanical speedometer with a mechanical cable, then yes. I assume that your 1995 Taurus is like my 1995 Escort and then yes, the speedometer will work just fine even if the VSS is bad.