The problem began with what is called "shudder" (it feels like you're driving over the grating they use before some stop signs) when it would shift into third gear. After consulting with Ford, we flushed out the torque converter but my car wouldn't start. We replaced the starter (which needed to be replaced anyway), but the vehicle still would not start. My father adjusted the shifter until the vehicle would start. Then, randomly, my transmission slipped one day around 55 to 60 and would not shift into third gear. I had to drive home at 30 miles an hour (rpms at 2000-ish) because I was forced to drive in second gear (automatic transmission by the way).
After taking the car to the dealership to have it tested ($63) it was determined that it was the range sensor aka neutral safety switch. This part is called a manual lever position sensor in the transmission. We replaced this part but my check engine light was on. I drove it to Auto Zone and back with no problems to find out that they just needed to clear the mlps code from the computer. I know the sensor is no longer bad but when I left work the transmission would not shift into overdrive as it should around 55 to 60 mph. I took it back to the shop and test drove it with my father and it would not do it. It is very random; sometimes I can drive it with no problems.
My father wants to try flushing out the system again and replacing the "generic" transmission fluid with a higher quality fluid but I don't think this is the problem. I have no solution as of now and it has been a major inconvenience because I commute an hour to work.
The problem began with what is called "shudder" (it feels like you're driving over the grating they use before some stop signs) when it would shift into third gear. After consulting with Ford, we flushed out the torque converter but my car wouldn't start. We replaced the starter (which needed to be replaced anyway), but the vehicle still would not start. My father adjusted the shifter until the vehicle would start. Then, randomly, my transmission slipped one day around 55 to 60 and would not shift into third gear. I had to drive home at 30 miles an hour (rpms at 2000-ish) because I was forced to drive in second gear (automatic transmission by the way).
After taking the car to the dealership to have it tested ($63) it was determined that it was the range sensor aka neutral safety switch. This part is called a manual lever position sensor in the transmission. We replaced this part but my check engine light was on. I drove it to Auto Zone and back with no problems to find out that they just needed to clear the mlps code from the computer. I know the sensor is no longer bad but when I left work the transmission would not shift into overdrive as it should around 55 to 60 mph. I took it back to the shop and test drove it with my father and it would not do it. It is very random; sometimes I can drive it with no problems.
My father wants to try flushing out the system again and replacing the "generic" transmission fluid with a higher quality fluid but I don't think this is the problem. I have no solution as of now and it has been a major inconvenience because I commute an hour to work.
- akr311, Anniston, AL, US