Shifting Problems... - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

07-10-2003, 07:02

I have had a 1999 Escort Wagon for about a year. About 5 or 6 months ago, I began experiencing erratic shifting problems, mainly between 1st and 2nd gear. It usually occurs if I am constantly stopping or going. Most of the time, it feels like it is shifting into 2nd before it should. Other times, it feels like it doesn't know where it's supposed to be so it won't even go into gear immediately...it just kind of sits there while I press on the accelerator. Then, when coming to a stop and the car is down-shifting, there are times when it will make a hard shift -- almost slamming -- back into 1st.

The main problem, aside from the above, is that it is erratic. I took it to a transmission specialist and he told me that, since it is erratic and not constant, that it probably isn't the transmission. So, today, I took it to a local Ford dealer/service center and they said that I should bring it in when it's acting up (which is difficult since I work 8 to 5 daily and rarely take a lunch break).

I would appreciate any help that I can get.

Vlad_Padberg · 11-04-2003, 12:40

When was the last time you checked the fluid?

LunaticSVT · 11-04-2003, 14:28

Take a look at the Fluid levels as Vlad states. Take the car to Autozone and have them do a scan on the system for any codes you may have. They can do this for free.

I have also heard that an upgrade in the prom software would help this problem as well. I would check with the dealer on this and see if he will do this for you. Most will at no charge, but of course there are some dealers that are out to take you for everything, so call prior to going in as to not waste your time.

Vlad_Padberg · 12-11-2003, 08:37

What also might help is to check the filter and the magnet. They're located inside the transmission but you need to take the pan off to check it. I know it sound a little complicated but if you do that it would make a world of difference.

jfffulton · 02-17-2004, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonse

I have had a 1999 Escort Wagon for about a year. About 5 or 6 months ago, I began experiencing erratic shifting problems, mainly between 1st and 2nd gear. It usually occurs if I am constantly stopping or going. Most of the time, it feels like it is shifting into 2nd before it should. Other times, it feels like it doesn't know where it's supposed to be so it won't even go into gear immediately...it just kind of sits there while I press on the accelerator. Then, when coming to a stop and the car is down-shifting, there are times when it will make a hard shift -- almost slamming -- back into 1st.

The main problem, aside from the above, is that it is erratic. I took it to a transmission specialist and he told me that, since it is erratic and not constant, that it probably isn't the transmission. So, today, I took it to a local Ford dealer/service center and they said that I should bring it in when it's acting up (which is difficult since I work 8 to 5 daily and rarely take a lunch break).

I would appreciate any help that I can get.

I am having the same problems. Did any of the suggestions work? I thought it might be a fuel problem, and have put in more expensive gas. The problem goes away for a week or so, and then comes back.

Juggalo_X · 02-20-2007, 07:28

i am experiencing this issue as well i have an advanced OBDII scanner and have found the problem to be the transmission range sensor is incoherent/out of range this will not throw a code and cause the check engine light to illuminate and generic OBDII scanners will not pick this code up either is is DTC P1705. I'm going to replace the sensor and see how it goes. right now some times my tranny shifts like a dream others it gets stuck in second gear (limp home mode)