[Turbo_Glennbo]

Hey Folks.

New member here and my 1st post. Hopefully not one of many post about performance issues. I did a archive search and didnt see anything already posted about my issue.

I just got this 95' Escort LX automatic shift on Sunday and the main issue I see is that when taking off from a stop at about 6-8 mph when it shifts into the next gear the car jumps or bucks into the next gear really hard. As it moves further up the gears into 3,4 it does it but not as bad as the 1st gear. Its quite obvious this shouldn't be happening. Where should I start on fixing/troubleshooting this problem? The car has plenty of tranny fluid. I have above average mechanical skills but this is my 1st Ford in 25 years so Im a bit lost under this hood. I did read a lot about 'drop down cable" - I have never seen one before and does anyone think this might be the issue.

Cheers and thanks in advance. - TG

 

[Sparky34kv]

I am by no means as knowledgeable as others on this site, but here goes.

First I would park on a level surface and check your tranny fluid level with the motor running. I had a similar issue on my last transmission when the fluid was low from a leak. While checking level, see what the fluid looks and smells like, if it is dark or smells bad(you'll know) it's in need of a change.
if the fluid has not been changed for a long time it might need to be replaced.

Post mileage and any other info you know about the car for others to give the most informed suggestions.

Good Luck

 

[dave8338]

Sounds like the valve bodies in the trans are getting a little sticky.

May I suggest a complete flush, then filter change (in that order) and then retop with a bottle of Lucas Trans Tune and ATF. 8)

 

[zzyzzx]

How many miles are on the car and exactly how did you chekc the fluid level?

I normally check my fluid level after driving to work or home from work (30 miles each way). And I have over 182,000 miles on my 1995LX with an automatic transmission (the original transmission).

I am also thinking that you need to adjust the pressure down, but I wouldn't do that until I was absolutely certain that the fluid level was fine and probably do a fluid and filter change. That and I'd be tempted to test the actual pressure and adjust it to specs as per the factory service manual.

And do the TSB pump fix for this transmission if it hasn't already been done.

 

[Turbo_Glennbo]

great feedback guys -

The car has 146k miles on it. It recently had the timing belt for preventive measures and water pump (faulty) changed by the previous owner.

Anyway I checked the fluid while the car was level but not running. I checked it after I drove it for about 1 hour. The fluid was red and clear looking and was at the fill mark. Im still thinking I should flush/change the fluid and change the filter. To save me the trouble of research if someone could tell me where the filter is that would be great. I will buy the Bentley manual for it this weekend but I want to try to fix this issue 1st. Also the AC blows but not cold. There is a relay mounted on the firewall and it clicks repeatedly when I turn the AC on. Is this normal or is that switch bad? Im sure that has nothing to do with non-cold AC but if its bad I want to change it out.

What is the TSB Pump fix? Thanks again.

 

[zzyzzx]

Anyway I checked the fluid while the car was level but not running. I checked it after I drove it for about 1 hour. The fluid was red and clear looking and was at the fill mark. Im still thinking I should flush/change the fluid and change the filter.

The way to check the transmission fluid is with it hot (like your driving fro about an hour) with it in idle WHILE IT IS RUNNING. And even them only after putting it through all it's gears (again, while running) with you pausing for about 10 seconds at each spot. I know it's onerous, but that's how it's done.

What is the TSB Pump fix?

http://www.feoa.net/modules.php?name=Fo ... ic&t=61690

 

[D29]

Sounds like the valve bodies in the trans are getting a little sticky.

May I suggest a complete flush, then filter change (in that order) and then retop with a bottle of Lucas Trans Tune and ATF. 8)

But should you really do a Flush, filter replacement on a car that's already shifting hard? My Scort has 157,000 and has these same issues. I'm wondering if doing the TSB fix is worth it?

Thanks.

D

 

[zzyzzx]

Actually the TSB makes it shift hard like that between 1st and 2nd, since what it does is boost low RPM tranmission oil pump pressure. I still think you need to check your transmission oil level properly with the engine running in park, and report back.

 

[D29]

Actually the TSB makes it shift hard like that between 1st and 2nd, since what it does is boost low RPM tranmission oil pump pressure. I still think you need to check your transmission oil level properly with the engine running in park, and report back.

I checked the transmission as you suggested. Checked fluid level it was ok, smelled fine. Yet still shifting hard from 1-2 its like a hard slam.

 

[88scortgt]

Could it possibly be bad motor/tranny mounts?

 

[D29]

Could it possibly be bad motor/tranny mounts?

That was my next guess hmmm...i suppose i could get them changed.