98 Controur shifting issue - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

BTAAA · 11-09-2009, 07:19

Just bought my daughter her first car. 98 Contour 2.0L Zetec, 135k. Noticed it shifts from 1st to 2nd kind of hard. Trans fluid looks and smells fine (if it didn't I wouldn't have bought it). After 2nd it shifts fine.

Searched the forums and didn't find anything relavent other than one post that suggested cleaning MAF sensor. I'm very mechanical, but not very familiar with tranny issues.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

**Bert** · 11-09-2009, 12:07

If you take it to Auto Zone, they'll check to see if there are any codes for free. Also while there, get a can of MAF cleaner and clean the MAF to make sure all is well there.

BTAAA · 11-09-2009, 12:24

Wouldn't the engine light be on if it were throwing a code?

**Bert** · 11-09-2009, 12:32

Not necessarliy. They only light up for emission problems. Sometimes there are pending codes that will show up too.

The MAF could just be giving false readings causing the shift concerns.

BTAAA · 11-09-2009, 12:55

Thanks. Will spray the MAF and check for codes in next day or two.