Service

Hi,

The first thing you need to check is the transmission fluid. Make sure it is clean and full. Here are the directions to checking it. Pic 1 correlates with the directions.

________________

2003 Ford Taurus V6-3.0L VIN U
Check Fluid Level and Condition
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Service and Repair Procedures Automatic Transmission - 4F50N Check Fluid Level and Condition
CHECK FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION
Check Fluid Level and Condition

CAUTION: The vehicle should not be driven if the fluid level indicator shows the fluid below the DO NOT DRIVE mark or internal failure could result.

If the vehicle has been operated for an extended period of time at highway speeds, in city traffic, in hot weather or while pulling a trailer, the fluid needs to cool down to obtain an accurate reading.

The fluid level reading on the fluid level indicator will differ depending on operating and ambient temperatures. The correct reading should be within the normal operating temperature range.

Fluid Level Check
Under normal circumstances the fluid level should be checked during normal maintenance. If the transaxle starts to slip, shifts slowly, or shows signs of fluid leaking, the fluid level should be checked.
1. With the transaxle in (P) PARK, the engine at idle, foot pressed on the brake, move the selector lever through each gear and allow engagement of each gear. Place the selector lever in the PARK position.
2. Wipe the fluid level indicator cap and remove the fluid level indicator.
3. Wipe the fluid level indicator with a clean cloth.

Pic 1

4. Install the fluid level indicator back in the fluid filler tube until it is fully seated, then remove the indicator. The fluid level should be within the normal operating range.

High Fluid Level
A fluid level that is too high may cause the fluid to become aerated due to the churning action of the rotating internal parts. This will cause erratic control pressure, foaming, loss of fluid from the vent tube, and possible transaxle malfunction and/or damage. If an overfill reading is indicated, refer to Transmission Fluid Drain and Refill.

Low Fluid Level
A low fluid level could result in poor transaxle engagement, slipping, malfunction and/or damage. This could also indicate a leak in one of the transaxle seals or gaskets.

Adding Fluid

CAUTION: The use of any other type of transmission fluid than specified could result in transaxle malfunction and/or damage.

If fluid needs to be added, add fluid in 0.25L (1/2 pint) increments through the filler tube. Do not overfill the fluid.

Fluid Condition Check
1. Check the fluid level.
2. Observe the color and the odor. The color under normal circumstances should be dark reddish, not brown or black or have a burnt odor.
3. Hold the fluid level indicator over a white facial tissue and allow the fluid to drip onto the facial tissue and examine the stain.
4. If evidence of solid material is found, the transmission fluid pan should be removed for further inspection.
5. If the stain is a foamy pink color this may indicate coolant in the transaxle. The engine cooling system should also be inspected at this time.
6. If fluid contamination or transaxle failure is confirmed by the sediment in the bottom of the fluid pan, the transaxle must be disassembled and completely cleaned. This includes the torque converter, cooler bypass valve, coolers and cooler lines.
7. Carry out diagnostic checks and adjustments.

_____________________________

If the fluid is full and clean, we will need to try flushing the cooler. It could be plugged and causing low pressure.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe