1997 Ford Taurus Logo
Jacob Golden Posted on Mar 24, 2014
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1997 ford taurus wont shift when hot

My 3.0 6cyl Taurus has this very odd problem, I have asked around and it baffles everyone I have asked. I am a mechanic, but this is something I have never encountered. I work mostly on classic cars, so this is out of my league. The cars starts just fine, runs perfectly fine, but after about 30 minutes or running, the speedometer registers a zero (even at highway speeds) and the transmission shifts down to 1st. After coming to a stop, only Reverse, Neutral, and 1st (in drive) are the only gears it will shift to until it cools down. I can only assume is that it is a relay or sensor for the transmission that is causing it to overheat. What I am looking for is the name of the part I need. OBD comes up with nothing, but that might be the OBD itself. I would greatly appreciate some help on this one! Thank you.

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Brad Brown

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  • Ford Master 19,187 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 25, 2014
Brad Brown
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If the check engine light is on you should get the codes checked for free at someplace like autozone etc. This could be the torque conver clutch solenoid or the speedometer sensor that causes this.

Testimonial: "As I stated in the original posting, the OBD comes back with absolutely nothing. I have had it checked at AutoZone, but to no avail."

  • Brad Brown Mar 26, 2014

    If the transmission was redone and they did not clean out the lines that could cause excessive heating.

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Marvin

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  • Ford Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 24, 2014
Marvin
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The only thing that I have seen that causes this in my 25 years with a Ford dealer is a failed transmission. I have just one suggestion, if you have not changed the fluid and filter in the transmission do so, if that doesn't help time for rebuilt transmission

Testimonial: "I have replaced the fluid and filter numerous times and it makes a slight difference. However, it only functions right for a few days until it goes bad again. I'm really hoping it is not a failed transmission, I don't have the time or will to rebuild it."

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