Erratic idle and neutralizing transmission?

Tiny
STRICTLYDIMES
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 67,000 MILES
Hello,

Sometimes when at a stoplight or coasting to one, the idle becomes slightly erratic, and the transmission neutralizes. If I wait a few seconds, it goes away and back to normal. Only just started doing this. Fluid is at normal level when hot. It doesn’t smell burnt, isn’t cherry red, but more of a lighter maroon color. Fluid and filter done approximately 2014 at approximately 50,000-mile mark.
Never a taxi, private owned vehicle.

Can this be something other than transmission related (I hope)?

Will adding an additive help or make it worse?

Thanks In advance.
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 AT 1:52 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
I have seen the Lucas transmission treatment do wonders, but let's run the codes to see what comes up.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I have seen the pressure regulating solenoid cause problems like this, this is the location so you can check it out. I have also seen the fluid filter inside the transmission come loose which can cause this as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.

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Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
STRICTLYDIMES
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Thank you, I will look into this.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2023 AT 9:31 PM

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