skip to main content

transmission issue with hot

14 years ago

1998 Ford Contour with the 2.5L V6. The transmission shifts and downshifts smooth when driven short distances. However after being driven on the highway for 40-50 minutes it begins to act up. Slips and catches when accelerating from a stop. I've had the trans fluid changed every 20-25,000 miles and the car only has 90,000 miles on it.

Could it be something as simple as a speed or transmission range sensor? Or is it the beginning of the end?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

jemdandy
14 years ago
If this is a self-adjusting transmission ala Dodge/Chrysler, it is probably near its end. The newer self adjusting trannys are loaded with sensors that measure shifing times and then makes adjustments to the timing data. They do not actually mechanically adjust for wear, but change the timing of the shifting servos. Thses servos have longer strokes to account for the reqired motion. As a result, signs of shifting troubles do not show until the clutches are nearly worn out.

On the opposite side of the coin, shifting problems can be caused by corrosion in one or more of the many electrical connectors to the transmission. My advice, take it to a reputable transmission shop and have them run a diagonisis on it. Its not unusual for the clutches to wear out in 90,000 miles of commuting traffic.

Another possibility: The seals in the servo-valves are worn. Leakage is low enough with cool fluid to operate the servo-vavles, but as the fluid heats and leakage increaes, operation goes to pot.

In any event, slippage is bad news and complete failure usually results with continued use.
ken_in_kc
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks. Actually I'm in the process of trying to sell it. I got it 6 years ago to be an extra car and for my sons in high school and college. If I can't anything out of it and if it's just a sensor, I might keep it as an extra car.

But as you said shifting issues are usually bad news.
Related Discussions
Craftsman DLT 3000 Transmission issue
Q
Comments (6)
Well sir, this does not sound good at all. The fact that the transmission can not be placed in neutral, with or with out the engine running could mean you have serious damage inside the transmission. The burning smell is obviously from the drive belt and it may be burning itself out trying to turn the transmission pulley that will not turn. You might get lucky and find that one of the other small ider pulleys has locked up, and burning the belt, but that would not cover the issue of the tranny not shifting to neutral. There are no adjustments that would correct for the transmission not moving the tractor forward or backward when the clutch was engaged. The neutral adjustment only assures that the neutral spot inside the transmission coincides with the neutral slot in the fender. I'm afraid you are looking at a transmission that is locked up.......either by having shifted itself into 2 gears at the same time.........or it has seized a shaft due to bearing failure........or it could be something else. But I'm betting it's inside damage to the transmission.
...See More
How concerned should we be about transmission issue
Q
Comments (4)
Oh my gosh yes! Same thing with mine.runs like a perfectly fine car if its warm out I Dont know if it helps any with my car being black. I'm one of this people that get attached to cars too I mean this thing has seriously I think saved my life a couple times by getting out of the way of careless drivers REAL quick transmission issues and all so its kinda my baby haha so I feel you there. I'm sorry your having these issues I've had them and it has gotten very frustrating even a little nerve wracking at times especially when your tranny can go out at any moment and you hit red lights on the highway when you got to get up to 60 real quick cause you got a whole linebof cars behind you and you gotta ease your car into every single shift . best way I've done it is when you feel it start to rev up to shift, let your foot off the gas and it should roll into gear with a nasty clunk sound sometimes with a jerk. :/ there's just a lot of situations where it can get very unsafe pretty quickly if it goes out. I Dont have kids and I usually drive alone but if you have kids you should definetly make getting it fixed a priority. My man also says he agrees. He's a mechanic and has even rebuilt a few cars and engines and trannys. So theres a second opinion for you too :) be safe hope it all works out for you!
...See More
Honda HRX Mower Transmission Issues
Q
Comments (3)
Sorry most Honda Hydro's are toast at your stage , perhaps someone else has a fixall advice , last resort check drive pulley to ensure that it is not free wheeling , inspect fluid level and drain if burnt and refill .
...See More
Poulan Pro PP20VA46 transmission issue
Q
Comments (8)
I also have a Poulan Pro PP20/46 that I bought in 2017 brand new. I am now having the second transmission put in it and my repair guy (authorized repair shop) said I can expect it to happen again and again as these transmissions are made out of plastic and just don’t last. I called Poulin/husquvarna customer service and they denied that they had had any complaints about this. I checked on line and saw numerous complaints about the same problem so they are not telling the truth. My first replacement was covered by the warranty but now it is apparently not covered. My repair shop Is trying to see if Poulin will cover it. Apparently they have had thousands of these transmissions go out in the past per my repair guy. They probably really need to just replace the tractor as I will most likely have this same problem every year but I’m sure that won’t happen. I like the tractor other than that but because of it I would not recommend buying another Poulin product.
...See More

Related Stories

You Said It: Hot-Button Issues Fired Up the Comments This Week

By Becky Harris

Dust, window coverings, contemporary designs and more are inspiring lively conversations on Houzz

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 12 Naturally Beautiful Hot Tubs

By Laura Gaskill

Prefer a no-plastic look for your patio or yard? Wood, stone and concrete make these hot tubs fit right in with nature

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 13 New Ways to Make a Splash With a Hot Tub

By AWH Construction

Check out the modern options and custom features that are making outdoor spa tubs hot again

LIVING ROOMS Drop In on a Hot Comeback With a Sunken Living Room

By Mitchell Parker

Take the plunge into a new kind of practicality with an interior design feature that has a rich history

KITCHEN DESIGN Using White Marble: Hot Debate Over a Classic Beauty

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Do you love perfection or patina? Here's how to see if marble's right for you

MOVING Tips for Winning a Bidding War in a Hot Home Market

By Christine Tusher

Cash isn’t always king in a bidding war. Get the home you want without blowing your budget, using these Realtor-tested strategies

KITCHEN DESIGN Displaying Kitchen Supplies — Hot or Not?

By Lisa Frederick

Do some kitchens just beg for a cozy row of canisters and gear for all to see? Have a look and let us know what you think

COLOR 4 Hot Color Trends to Consider for 2013

By Jennifer Ott Design

Bring some zing to your rooms for the new year, with high-energy shades that open the eyes and awaken the spirit

FIREPLACES 12 Hot Ideas for Fireplace Facing

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

From traditional brick to industrial steel, there’s a fireplace cladding here to light up your design

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Hot Trends in Rugs for All Budgets

By Valorie Hart

See the most popular rug looks today at high, middle and low price points, to make a decorating statement no matter how much you can spend

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio