Transmission engages but the car will not Move?

Tiny
DENNIS07071994
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 400,000 MILES
I have the car listed above that is having transmission problems. Here's some background:
3.0 V6 engine. Runs great, and up until recently, shifted fine. After driving home one day, we get in to leave and the car will not move in any gear - as though it was in neutral. No noise - no grinding, whining, etc. No leaks either. When I shift into reverse or drive, I can feel the engine shudder slightly (like normal) as it engages, but the car will not move. The transmission fluid level is correct and slightly brown, but not burnt. No metal pieces are in it either - just regular light wear dust. I checked the shift lever (Transmission Range Sensor) on the transaxle and moved it by hand while my wife sat in the driver's seat - same result. The engine will move as reverse or drive gear(s) engage, but the car won't move even if revved up pretty high. As an experiment, I unplugged a connector on the top of the transaxle, near the TRS (see picture of crudely circled plug) (I think this is a 'bulkhead' connector?) And then the car would drive forward but only sometimes in reverse. In forward, it is very, very sluggish, as though it is starting in high gear?
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 AT 5:58 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
That could be but we need to run the codes to see what comes up. This guide can help, also I have seen one of the CV axles break causing the problem you have described because it just works the differential.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I have also seen the turbine shaft speed sensor go out which may not show up on the scan. Here is the location so you can check it out. The other option is the fluid pump has gone out which will warrant a rebuild. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 AT 10:28 AM

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