1991 Escort Overdrive/RPM's

TIMH

MEMBER
1991 FORD ESCORT

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

3 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

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

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, February 18th, 2007 AT 6:42 PM

BPHILLIPS

MEMBER
6 POSTS

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?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, February 18th, 2007 AT 7:21 PM

TIMH

MEMBER
2 POSTS

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

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, February 18th, 2007 AT 8:58 PM