Transmission problem
1999 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 145000 miles

Hi
I've got trouble with my ford taurus. Sometimes, the dashboard oddometer and speed meter both don't work and the car doesn't shift gear properly. It stays in first gear too long and sometimes doesn't want to go in second even when the engine is spinig at 4000 rpm.
Sometimes, while driving, the problem just go away, the speed meter goes from 0 mph to the correct speed very quick and the gear shift properly.
Sometimes it drives fine, every thing works and it shifts properly. The first time it began to fail, the "service engin soon" switched on.
I took it to a mechanics. He pluged his diagnostic tool and he got the code : speed sensor A, PO500. That means there is a problem with the speed sensor which is on the transmission. He test the car and couldn't find anything wrong because the problem didn't come. He plugged the sensor off and checked it. He told me there is nothing wrong with it, it is useless to have it changed. He just made the "service engine soon" light to switch off thanks to his computer.
The result is that when I took the car back home, I drive aroud the area to see il the problem was fixed. I stopped 3 times and each time I turned the engine and lights off. The third time I turned the engine on, to go, the problem came again and the "service engine soon" light swiched on again.
What can I do ?
Thank you if you've got an idea.

PS : prior to that I had trouble with the cruise control, but now it works fine (I don't know why). The dash board lights used to be like dead, but now they work fine...

Hello –

No need for a new post unless you want. The VSS is part of the cruise.

Did you go by AZ?

Did you do the checks that were attached and this is how you came up with the VSS?

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Hi
I went to AZ, they, do not check cars.
Please have a look at what I wrote, I gave the codes and explain everything.
Thanks

Hi
I'll do the check you attached last time but I'm not sure it is usefull since the cruise control now works fine.
Thanks

What do you call Symptom Chart ?
You said : "go to Symptom Chart. See: Symptom Chart".
What does it mean ?

Thanks

Hello –

So we are on the same page here – first from the pic below – tell me the engine you have in your car and the 8th digit of your VIN number.



Next, so I understand better – when you went to AZ did you ask them to read the codes on your car because the check engine light came on?

Did you ask them to please check your batter, alternator and starter?

If you did the above, what did they say and what City and State are you in?

Please provide the answers to the above so I can start review of your problem.

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Please let us know if what the final fix was for your car so we can better assist others. Thanks!

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Hello –

We seem to be sending posts back and forth and missing info……

Let’s start over……before you do any checks, answer my last post with the type engine you have and those questions…..then we can catch up with each other and get on the same page.

Thanks for the donation

Please let us know if what the final fix was for your car so we can better assist others. Thanks!

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Hi
The engine of the car and the 8th digit of VIN are :
V6 3.0L VIN U
I live in Los Angeles. When I go to AZ, I asked them if they could plug a diagnostic tool and pull the codes. They told me : "no we do not do that". I did not ask to have the battery or alternator checked.
Then I go to a armenian garage, he did it and had the PO500 code.
Thanks

Cocolb

Okay – I need you to answer a couple of questions that I previously asked when we were doing posts back and forth so quick.

Have you checked to make sure you have the proper transmission fluid level? Your car will throw this code if the fluid level is not correct….this will also not allow the transmission to shift properly. I have attached how to check for you.



ACTION
The fluid level in the AX4S transaxle should be set at the top end of the hatch marks on the dipstick (Figure 1) while the transaxle is at operating temperature. The vehicle must be on level ground, in Park, with the engine at idle and at operating temperature to get an accurate fluid level reading. If the fluid level is not at the top of the hatch marks, add fluid until it is at the top of the hatch marks (Figure 1). Refer to the information printed on the dipstick and/or the Owner's Guide for the correct type ATF fluid (MERCON(R) or MERCON(R) V) to add to the transaxle. Check the label of the container of ATF being used to verify if the fluid is qualified for MERCON(R) and so labeled; or is qualified for MERCON(R) V and is so labeled. In the event a fluid is qualified for both and is so labeled, it may be used in either application

Last, so I understand better – when you went to AZ did you ask them to read the codes on your car because the check engine light came on?

Since you live in Los Angeles California, can you possible provide either the phone number or the address of the AZ you went to. I am not going to refer to you in any way. I do want to check with the company to see why this particular one does not do this check. We refer many folks to them for parts etc so I want to make sure all of them do this service. Did you try going to an O’Reilly’s?

After you check your fluid level if this doesn’t fix it, which is the fluid was low then make sure you get back with me with that information. But still please provide the information for the other questions.

This is most important. It looks like you may have some recalls on your vehicle. The dealer may fix these for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on these to see if they apply to you.







Thanks for the donation

Please let us know if what the final fix was for your car so we can better assist others. Thanks!

Find a car repair manual for your car repair questions.

Hi
I'm goinig to check the fluid level this afternoon. I can not do it now.
The AZ store in which I went is
1515 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 663-3108

I didn't try another store. I will go to another AZ, and see what they say :
3052 San Fernando
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 255-9693

There is something you need to know, the problem seem to come up when the car is warm. Usually, when it's cold, it works fine.

I let you know this evening for the fluid level.
Thank you for you attention.