My 1994 3.0 ford taurus (72,000 miles) has developed an intermittent problem with its Automatic Transmission.
When in Drive & foot is taken off the brake pedal, it is normal for the car to move forwards before accelerator pedal is pushed down to drive off.
Intermittent problem: WHAT SOMETIMES NOW HAPPENS IS WHEN FOOT IS TAKEN OFF BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR DOES =NOT= MOVE FORWARDS BEFORE ACCCELERATOR PEDAL IS PUSHED DOWNWARDS - AND, WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, NOTHING IMMEDIATELY HAPPENS, BUT, THE CAR WILL "CLUNK" IINTO GEAR & THEN DRIVE NORMALLY. THIS PROBLEM IS SPORADIC.
ANY IDEA AS TO WHAT MAY BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM? DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR REQUIRED? TIME (LABOR) TO FIX?
THANK YOU...SUSAN
Answers from the Automotive Experts
Dear Susan,
The first thing I would check is the level of the transmission fluid. There should be a description in your owner's manual on how to check this.
If it's full then see if it smells burnt or looks dirty.
It may be that you need a transmission service...if you've never done this, sometimes it's not such a good idea to change the fluid after all of these miles.
Since you're having problems however, this would be the first thing I'd try.
The best thing to do would be to take it to an ASE certified shop or dealership to have this diagnosed.
The least expensive fix is going to be adding fluid if it's low, the most expensive would be if you need a new transmission. If you do need a new transmission you can get a rebuilt one. Either way, make sure that you get a warranty on it. Good luck.
Lori Johnson