When iM stopped when I try to go transmission will not engage

BUMGARNER76

MEMBER
1998 FORD TAURUS
3.0L
6 CYL
FWD
127,000 MILES

The car shifts and drives fine but if I come to a complete stop on a incline or even the car is no on even surface when im stopped when I try to go transmission will not engage unless I reve the engine a little then it will catch and take off. What could be causing it or is the tranny going out? Thanks

1 Reply

TY ANDERSON

MECHANIC
719 POSTS

From your description it sounds like a transmission issue. Check the transmission fluid level. Do this after engine has warmed up and the vehicle is on a flat level surface with the engine running. Check the condition of the fluid also. It should be red and clear. Recommend changing the trans fluid if it is brown/ dark not very clear looking.
It sounds like the trans fluid is low and that is why it only happens on an incline. The transmission oil pump is possibly sucking up air due to the low trans fluid level causing the transmission to slam into gear or not propel the vehicle normally.

This guide ca help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Thanks for the question. Please run down this guide and report back.