Transmission shifting problem

Tiny
NIC RHEEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD FAIRMONT
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 296,000 MILES
When starting to rich normal temperature the gearbox shifts into second gear and does not want to change, but all other shifting reverse, park and neutral working. When it is cold again all gears working fine first to fourth. I did change filter and put in new oil same problem need help please. I also reset ICU.
Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 11:02 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

If the transmission fluid is clean and full, you really should scan the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes related to the transmission. You will need a scan tool that is capable of reading such codes. However, it works the same way.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I'm not sure where you are located, but this model isn't offered in the US. I looked at a pic and it looks similar to our Ford Taurus. So, maybe it will be similar when identifying codes.

Have that done and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
NIC RHEEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Did check the system and got no code errors. Also go to gearbox center and they said it could be the valve box, but in my opinion don't think it is. Then ask the radiator guys they said the oil is running to hot must install a second cooler for gearbox oil. But why was it running good for so long and the problem just start happening while driving one day?
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Sunday, December 20th, 2020 AT 12:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Before running an additional cooler, has anyone tried flushing the one in the vehicle now? If it is plugged, it will still be plugged if you install an additional cooler. Therefore, it won't change anything. If it was the cooler being restricted, either replace it or flush it. An additional one shouldn't be needed.

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything helps:

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

If you want to replace the cooler, here are directions for a Ford Taurus which I believe is similar to the Fairmont. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

_______________________

2000 Ford Taurus V6-3.0L VIN U
Procedures
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Transmission Cooler Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
Removal
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the splash shield.

pic 1

1 Remove the five screws and air deflector, if equipped.
2 Remove the remaining seven screws and the splash shield.

3. Note: Place a drain pan under the transaxle fluid cooler.

pic 2

pic 3

Disengage the clamps and remove the transmission fluid cooler hoses and the power steering fluid cooler hoses.

pic 4

pic 5

4. Remove the bolts and the combination fluid cooler.

Installation
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Fill the transaxle to the specified level.
- Fill and purge the power steering system of air.

________________________________

One other thing I found. There is a technical service bulletin for the Taurus. If you look at the last pic, it indicates that most transmission issues are related to a contaminated cooling system for the trans. I'm adding it because It may be a good idea to try and flush the system (specifically, the trans cooler and lines).

_______________________________

I hope something here helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, December 20th, 2020 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
NIC RHEEDER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks. Will clean the cooling system and give feed back.
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Sunday, December 20th, 2020 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Make sure the flush the cooler. Also, make sure the transmission fluid is clean and full.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, December 21st, 2020 AT 7:23 PM

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