Need help! I have no idea what the problem is.

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JAZZ0050
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I have a a 1995 Ford Taurus SHO 3.2. 130K miles, AXOD automatic transmission. Just had the trans rebuilt about 5K ago. The problem I am having is when I am driving it seems like the transmission doesn't want to shift into 4th gear. When I go about 35 mph the tach reads the engine is turning @ 2000 rpms. And at about 70mph on the highway the tach would read 3000 rpms. This problem only happens some of the time. I notice it when I am on the highway mostly. But when I drive on the highway for a while sometimes it would shift into 4th gear (Overdrive). Almost about 10 miles before it would shift. Also, I think that this problem is affecting my gas miliage as well I get 18 mpg and all I do is mostly highway driving!

I have replaced alot of componets on this car. I replaced the IAC (Idle Air Control valve), MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor, Intake manifold gasket, Cam Position Sensor, Engine Coolant tempture sensor, Both oxygen sensors, fuel pump, spark plugs, and just got the transmission flushed. I checked for vaccum leaks but couldn't find any.

I hooked up a vaccum gauge to the intake manifold right by the IAC while the engine was warm and the gauge read between 18 & 19 Hg. and it was twitching in between both numbers. I also heard almost like a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment. Almost like an ingition miss. I have no idea if that is directly related to the problem I am having. Can someone please help me???

Thanks
Joe
Jan 16, 2006 at 3:48 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Return to the transmission rebuilder with the intermittent shift pattern and ask for verification of overdrive operation, controls and installation connections before further engine-parts replacement.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: Original question and visible replies. Owner reports and other participants' experiences are distinguished. Next steps are editorial guidance for obtaining diagnosis or clarifying the reported findings; they are not a verified repair procedure or an independently confirmed component diagnosis.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

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SC1 RACING
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 117 POSTS
engine timming has an effect on trans shift points. try checking the timming, you may want to check valve settings, or even a knock sensor
Jan 20, 2006 at 6:32 AM
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NAPAGUY
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  • 14 POSTS
This engine has a distributerless ignition....the timing is controlled by the ECM (computer). since you just had the tranny rebuilt, I would suspect it before anything else....knock sensors and valves also have no effect on the tranny refusing to shift into overdrive.....that is an rpm/ecm call. Go back to whoever rebuilt the tranny....something is not right inside, or something didn't get re-connected during the re-installation.
Jan 23, 2006 at 1:30 PM

Discussion summary

Need help! I have no idea what the problem is.

A 1995 Ford Taurus SHO 3.2L intermittently seemed not to engage overdrive about 5000 miles after a transmission rebuild. The owner reported higher highway rpm and numerous subsequent engine-component replacements.

Reported outcome: No follow-up diagnosis or successful repair was reported.

Replies disagreed about possible engine-related causes. The discussion does not confirm an internal transmission fault, a disconnected circuit or a relationship between the reported engine ticking and shifting complaint.

Read the original discussion

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