Why a 93 Ford Taurus won't shift into second gear (auto trans)?

Question

It shifts from 1st to what feels like neutral. Once car is going slow enough, jumps back into 1st. Happened on a hot day (100 degrees about), but still happening after on cooler days. It is NOT the VSS!!! The A/C was converted to R134A a few days before the problem occured (not sure that has anything to do with it). Any ideas or suggestions?

Answer 1

Well basically because the Ford Taurus is a poorly made automobile.

Answer 2

The aluminum piston is question was a big problem in these trannys, but when they fail, the car will not move at all. Your transmission is OK in 1st gear, but neutralizes when it makes a 1-2 shift. In short, the 2nd clutch is burned up. These trannys were also bad for this. Only way to fix it, if you choose to is to get the tranny rebuilt. A reputable shop can rebuild these trannys with upgrades not available thru the dealership. Even the dealer uses remans, not brand new. Hope this helps.



NB.......I'm a little confused by the answer Jeff S gave...How is it that his dad has been working on these since 84 when he suggests to get a new one, not rebuilt???????

Answer 3

Sorry for your troubles. These transmissions were manufactured with soft alloys. The bushings wear out and fluid blows by, reducing pressure in the valve body. Your transmission is shot. Order a new on...NOT a rebuilt one. Trust me, Dad has been working on these things since 84 when they first came out and it's always been the same up to 1996. My opinion...sell this car as-is and buy a 1996 or newer Taurus, those are really good cars. Good luck.

Answer 4

Fluid present? The AC repair may have got you(yes I know but they have to remove lines for access sometimes)



Hope fully low fluid is all it is... and no permanent damage done.



Also possible that idle/ fuel settings no longer happy with new compressor.



New shop changeover- have they done Taurus's? Dealership may be of help...



Symptoms occur with AC off(disengages compressor load effect on idle/drive etc)? For your sake I hope its just low fluid without harm done...



Also possible hose/ wire loosened/ now disconnected effecting performance.



Check(or have good tech check) your error codes.



Pay for dealer diagnostic... but check your fluid IAW manual first.



Also disconnect battery. Get cool drink. Clean connections(well they are off no relationship to cause) and then reconnect. Drive around above 30 . Stop. Drive again. This is resetting certain values in your on board computer that may have been effected(worth a try). But first the FLUID! Good luck.

Answer 5

attempt taking the canopy off the guidance column then turning the most and shifting the transmission. there might want to be something free in there it truly is meddling with it. My vehicle had an similar situation and it grew to develop into out that a sliding pin had come free from its bracket and would not slide into position like it became meant to and this prevented the equipment shift lever from operating. solid success.

Answer 6

Yes, the trannies are crap, they also used aluminum for the piston, and they crack. The 3.8 liter engine is also prone to head gasket failure.

Answer 7

burnt bands, burnt trany oil, bad vacuum modulator, dirty valve body, dirty filter inside trany. take it to the shop and just spend the money, you will never know for sure other wise.