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What would cause an automatic transmission to shift out of gear or downshift while driving? (92 Ford Taurus)?
I am having an issue with my automatic transmission on my 1992 Ford Taurus either slipping out of gear to what feels like neutral or downshifting to a lower gear while driving. Even when maintaining a constant speed this happens. It is sporadic and there appears to be nothing that makes it worse or better when it happens. I have changed the transmission fluid and filled it to the proper level so fluid isn't the issue. I was curious if the vehicle speed sensor might trigger an incorrect shift... Would appreciate any input I can get on this.
6 Answers
- astrobufLv 79 years agoFavorite Answer
This tranny is known to have issues. I suspect you have low line pressure and the clutches slip. Teh tranny downshifts in an attempt to lock up at a lower torque.
While you may have changed the fluid, it is quite important how you did it. To have a chance at fixing this, you should have pulled the tranny pan, replaced the filter and refilled. Low line pressure can be due to a plugged filter.
Stay away from the places that pump the fluid out and pump new fluid in. They never clean the filter, it's a waste of time and money.
Astrobuf
- Anonymous5 years ago
With an automatic transmission, you can just pull it to the lower gear, and the transmission will shift, well, automatically. However, a car like the Intrepid is equipped with a good set of brakes, and because the car isn't very heavy, you'd waste more gas by running in a lower gear down a 7% grade than you would wear brakes by just keeping it at a reasonable speed. Drive is the right gear for the Intrepid unless you're pulling a boat out of the water. If you use a method of braking called stab braking, you will hardly wear your brakes at all going downhill. Set a target speed - say, 60 mph. As you head down the hill, give your brakes a hard stab when the speedometer creeps up to, say, 70. Brake it back to 50. Let off the brake. It will creep back up in speed, and you stab it again. At the bottom of the hill, you've only touched your brake three or four times for a couple of seconds, instead of riding them all the way down. (Of course, the morons have all passed you at 80, but who cares?)
- Pilsner ManLv 79 years ago
Could be the VSS. I owned a 94, and I am very surprised this thing is still able to drive. Maybe the transmission was rebuilt already.
Find an ATRA certified shop to take it to. If it is the tranny, plan on $1000-1500.
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- Anonymous9 years ago
The vehicle speed sensor could have a play in it. Is the check engine light on? If so, it is indicating a fault at any given sensor in your car. Take it to Auto Zone and they can check the codes for you. If not, I would take it to a shop, one who specializes in transmissions.
- 9 years ago
possiable I don't think so it might be the lingage might be loosed in the transmission,that is causing the slipping out of gear.Have it check out by a transmission expect.Diana
