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        General >> Problems >> Auto gearbox problems
        
(Message started by: cookie_boy2000 on May 3^rd, 2005, 7:33am)

Title: Auto gearbox problems
Post by cookie_boy2000 on May 3^rd, 2005, 7:33am

Hi
I've got a 2.3 Ultima (S reg). Was driving back home yesterday when I noticed it didn't want to move off at the lights, didn't think anything of it until this morning. I selected D and it didn't move stright off. Got about 50 yards down the road when it revved up then down. I put it in neutral then tried to get it to move. It wouldn't have any of it no matter what I selected. I had to turn the engine off then back on to get it go. It limped home and here I now sit typing. Anyone got any ideas? (I dread to think what it may be, i've had my scorp 11 months and too many problems with it for the mileage/year).

I'm based in Peterborough if anyone has any ideas :(

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by SteveCollister on May 3^rd, 2005, 8:24am

Hi

It may be the PRNGL switch.
This tells the ECU what gear you have selected.
I had this fail on my car and would occasionly drop into to neutral. You can check this sensor if you have an obdii cable. It is quite easy to replace this sensor for a new one and it only about £30.

Cheers

Steve

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by john.n on May 3^rd, 2005, 8:38am

A silly question mabey, but have you checked the auto fluid level? (with engine running. john.n)

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by cookie_boy2000 on May 3^rd, 2005, 8:45am

Thanks for the info steve. I don't have the lead, anyone know where I can get one quickly?

I have looked at the transmission fluid as well, it's not gritty but if I had to describe the colour I would say it's closer to brown than red.

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by cookie_boy2000 on May 3^rd, 2005, 8:49am

I checked it but it wasn't when it was running. I looked after I had stopped fuming and it's more of a brown colour than red. It's at also closer to the low point as opposed to high, but this shouldn't cause it to play up like this should it?

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by Dave on May 3^rd, 2005, 10:33am

Hi,

sounds like a problem we had a few months ago - the cause was low auto box fluid. We had a leaking sump gasket on the box so if it wasn't topped up every few days it became too low to work properly and did exactly what you describe.

You need to check the fluid with the engine running as described on this site (having moved gear lever from P to 1 and back again 3 times with fluid warm).
When running the fluid level will register even lower as there will be some in the torque converter, so you may find that you need to top up quite urgently.

FYI our gearbox fluid sounds similar in colour to yours, the box changed okay but wasn't seamless. A new sump gasket stopped it leaking and a complete fluid and filter change made it soooo much better.

It may be something else entirely but start with the fluid.

Hope this helps

Cheers :)

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by cookie_boy2000 on May 3^rd, 2005, 11:39am

Thanks for the info Dave, i'll try that when I get home. I so hope it is that and not the more expensive one - only had the car 11 months, had 55k on the clock and i've only done 8k since I got it :(

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by Chad66 on May 3^rd, 2005, 11:50am

Low mileage doesn't seem to matter with these boxes....

I've had a new one fitted at 58K...(symptoms totally different to yours though)

others have managed 150K++ with no probs at all :-/

Must admit, your symptoms do sound like low fluid level.

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by Dave on May 3^rd, 2005, 1:08pm

Yeah, ours had only done 53400 when we got it, it may well just be the fluid issue though. If it works ok when topped up it may be worth investing in a fluid and filter change to protect it.

One morning, before the sump gasket and fluid/filter change, our Scorp was started up to go out, and when put into Drive there was no attempt to move at all, absolutely nothing, reverse same. We stopped and restarted the engine a couple of times and ran it for 5 mins before it allowed movement, then topped up the box again and it was ok! We really thought the box had had it though! Were already running through what to do with it in our minds ::)

Good luck, let us know how you get on!

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by Snoopy on May 3^rd, 2005, 1:32pm

You need to check the level with the fluid HOT and with the engine running. move the gear selector through the gears several times and then leave in Park

If it needs fluid the caus eof the loss must be investigated . the system is basically sealed and therfore only leaks will lower the level of the fluid.

the pipes to the front oil cooler are the first place to look if you are loosing fluid.
It is a well documented fault with the scorpio.

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by cookie_boy2000 on May 3^rd, 2005, 9:52pm

Thanks for all the guidance and suggestions. I've had another look and noticed a puddle of liquid just beneath the rad. It's a reddish clour and i'm pretty sure it's the transmission fluid. So, it seems as though one of the pipes has cracked and the fluid's leaked out. I can't be sure but I think i'll have to get it towed to the garage and get them to sort it.
b****r.

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by Kenboy on May 4^th, 2005, 11:33am

It is almost certain that the oil cooler pipe/s hace corroded and are leaking, this is not so disasterous, probably less than £100 to put right, about £50 for replacement pipes and £50 to fit, good luck and keep us informed

regards Kenboy

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by cookie_boy2000 on May 4^th, 2005, 8:26pm

I'm getting it towed to the garage tomorrow (RAC job). I bought the transmission fluid today but just noticed that I bought Dexron II. Will this be okay?
Bloody hope so!!

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by Snoopy on May 5^th, 2005, 6:58am

Dexron II will be fine it meets all the ford Specifications.

Title: Re: Auto gearbox problems
Post by mr._floppy on May 5^th, 2005, 2:04pm

Penny pinching by Ford not to make the Auto Box cooler pipes from rust resistant material.

I've slapped mucho Grease ( nice black Railway stuff , don't tell Network Rail ! ) on the pipes as a preventative.