1991 Ford Escort High RPM in Overdrive

1991 FORD ESCORT
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TIMH
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I have a 1991 Escort LX wagon 1.9L 165000+ miles, and I have noticed in my extensive driving (160-300 miles) every day, that there is an increase of occurrence of higher rpms while doing 65-70 mph. The RPM heads up to around 3K, from 2500 to 2650 or so. (Level turnpike driving) Do these overdrives have more than 1 gear range? I know its not running in regular drive, as the rpms for that at 65mph would be WAY higher. The gas mpg of course drops while this is going on, normally I get 30+, but drops to 20-25 with this going on.
The tranny has had fluid change/service 3-4 months ago.

Thanks
Feb 17, 2007 at 8:02 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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check the fluid level and condition first , this is done while the vehicle is running , if its low fill it if not your problem sounds internal , the overdrive clutches may be slipping causing the rpm to raise almost like its neutraling , this would cause fuel mileage drop

thanks
jim
Feb 18, 2007 at 10:42 AM
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BPHILLIPS
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You may have a lockup issue with torgue convertor also, like convertor not locking up. Check the water in your radiator to be sure that the internal transmission cooler isnt exposed(please check radiator when cold).If the radiator isnt full the cooler will be exposed and transmission maybe running hot and either dening 4th gear or convertor lockup.Is the check engine light on??
Feb 18, 2007 at 11:21 AM
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TIMH
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I will recheck the coolant, no the check engine light is not on. This car has always been strange with its running temp, as the temp guage is always very close to the C, almost all the time, until one gets to stop & go traffic, or jammups on the pike, then the gauge will finally move over to the midrange, which usually is normal for most cars.

Thanks - Tim
Feb 18, 2007 at 12:58 PM

Suggested Repair

Check transmission fluid level and condition with the engine running and top it off if low. If the fluid is fine, suspect slipping overdrive clutches or a torque converter that is not locking up. Also check the radiator coolant level when cold so the internal transmission cooler is not exposed and overheating the transmission.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1991 Ford Escort wagon reports highway RPM rising to about 3000 at 65-70 mph instead of about 2500-2650, with fuel economy dropping. The transmission was serviced recently. Advice was to verify fluid level and condition while running, consider slipping overdrive clutches or converter lockup failure, and confirm the radiator is full when cold so the transmission cooler stays covered. The check engine light is not on, and the owner noted the temperature gauge stays low except in traffic.

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