stump_breaker

Here's whats going on. I did a search and nothing came back like it. My Mom has a 95 Taurus which I was told had a 94 tranny. Apparently they crossed over parts between the years or something. We had it rebuilt ( 4 times in a year actually) and it is still acting up. It goes to second gear and stays or "failsafe" mode for no apparent reason. The code says 3rd gear ratio, thats all. If you pull the battery cable and let it sit for awhile, it resets and drives great for 20 or 30 miles then does it again. I'm leaning hard toward a electronic problem but EVERY shop I take it to says rebuild it-again! - and nobody will even consider sensors or electronics. Plus I'm told this car is an absolute b!tch to work on tranny-wise. We are ready to junk the car because we have so much time and money tied up into it and it's still broke. Now it just sits in the yard. Any ideas?? I'm at my wits end. I hate to get rid of the car as the engine runs perfect and the car - for the most part - is fantastic.

Gary1234

If the code you received was a 647 (incorrect gear ratio) it simply means that there was no response (from the transmission) to the gear signal sent out by the EEC. First check that the wiring is OK between EEC pin 55 and the transmission. I would then check for a voltage on this pin (while driving) using a high resistance VOM.
If the circuit IS open, you should get a 641 code as well (shift solenoid failure) .. if you don't get the 641, it's likely the fault is in the transmission and the unit is either slipping or the solenoid is jammed.

jeremylocs

Tranny problems are not out of the ordinary for the 90's Taurus and Sables. My '90 Taurus tranny failed many times at the worst times and rebuilt three times. It's almost shot again after thousands of dollars. I have to play a game with the pedal so it doesn't act up on me. You say the transmission acts up after driving for a while...it's probably 'cause the tranny generates a lot of heat. I've had that problem with two vehicles; once the tranny gets hot you get rough shifting and you can smell the fluid. I guess the saying makes sense that when you rebuid a tranny it will never last. Next time I'm gonna get a used one from the wrecker's and install it myself instead of paying a dishonest and decietful tranny specialist.