1999 Mercury Sable transmission problem

BYLLH74

MEMBER
1999 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
155,000 MILES

Hi, I have a 1999 mercury sable and just noticed that when im stopped at a light or stop sign, my transmission wont do anything. I take my foot off the brake and its like im in neutral. Then it jerks when I tap the gas and my car finally gets in gear after a few seconds. I just changed my fluid and filter and no help. It does shift really smooth when going into second, third, and forth. Any help would be greatly appricated.

Bill

4 Replies

JGAROFALO

MECHANIC
489 POSTS

When you changed the fluid, did you notice anything unusual about the fluid? Color, smell, etc?
It should have been still reddish with just an oily and/or varnish smell to it - but not any burned smell.

Your transmission is exhibiting the symptoms of a cracked forward clutch piston. This problem can also be caused by a sticking valve in the valve body - although that is less likely.

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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 7:57 AM

BYLLH74

MEMBER
26 POSTS

When I changed my fluid, it was a brownish color and smelled kinda dirty and burnt. Is this basically needing a new transmission or is it something that can be rebuilt?

Thank you, you guys are the best
Bill

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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 8:38 AM

JGAROFALO

MECHANIC
489 POSTS

At this point, a rebuild would be the best option. It sounds like the problem has not progressed to the point of major damage internally, so rebuild would entail a set of clutches and seals along with a forward clutch piston and a converter flush.

Geberally, when I am working on transmissions over a few years old, I get a used one, and freshen it up with a kit, and then swap them out. This keeps the car from being disabled for the shortest time.

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Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 AT 5:20 PM

BYLLH74