1998 Mercury Sable Jerks and Slips

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AB07
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  • 3 POSTS
recently i took my 1998 sable with 119000 miles for a 500 mile drive. on the way back, one day the car would shudder when stopped and the brakes applied. when accelerated, the car would move fine. by evening the problem went away.

the next day, the car drove for about 150 miles. then when the car is driven at a 15-20 mile speed the car would start with jerks. when you release the brake, the car would not move forward. on acceleration, the car would jerk and start. eventually after a few more miles, even after giving a raise, the car's rpm would increase but the car would not gain speed at the same pace. on checking the transmission oil, the oil was brown and diagnosed as "burnt".

what can be the potential causes for this issue? urgent help is appreciated. thanks.
Jan 5, 2007 at 3:24 PM
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CARUNDELL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 602 POSTS
[quote:f762dfb086="ab07"]recently i took my 1998 sable with 119000 miles for a 500 mile drive. on the way back, one day the car would shudder when stopped and the brakes applied. when accelerated, the car would move fine. by evening the problem went away.

the next day, the car drove for about 150 miles. then when the car is driven at a 15-20 mile speed the car would start with jerks. when you release the brake, the car would not move forward. on acceleration, the car would jerk and start. eventually after a few more miles, even after giving a raise, the car's rpm would increase but the car would not gain speed at the same pace. on checking the transmission oil, the oil was brown and diagnosed as "burnt".

what can be the potential causes for this issue? urgent help is appreciated. thanks.[/quote:f762dfb086]

Hey ab,
I would recommend a complete trans fluid flush and filter change too, as the first order of business. Let us know

Chris
Jan 5, 2007 at 8:29 PM
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AB07
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thanks chris. what are the chances do you think that the fluid and filter change will help? i am planning to sell the car and if this needs a transmission change, am hesitant to invest any more $$. Also, what do you think is a good value of the car in its current as is state.

thanks,

ab
Jan 6, 2007 at 9:25 AM
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AB07
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one more thing - when i had started on the trip, after about 100 miles, the check engine light came on and remained on - is that any more helpful? thanks again.
Jan 6, 2007 at 9:44 AM
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MATHIASO
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,209 POSTS
some auto part store or auto zone offer free computer scan. Check for the engine light .
Jan 6, 2007 at 10:27 AM

Suggested Repair

Start with a complete transmission fluid flush and filter change. Also have the check engine light scanned for codes at an auto parts store.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Mercury Sable with 119,000 miles shuddered at stops, then jerked at low speed, hesitated to move, and later revved without gaining speed. The transmission fluid was brown and described as burnt, and the check engine light came on during a long trip. Experts recommended a transmission fluid flush and filter change first, plus a free computer scan for the warning light.

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