Slipping transmission

JAMMIN67

MEMBER
FORD CONTOUR

I have 98 contour and just past 2 days the tranny starts to slip after 20 miles then when cool it runs fine for about same then slips again. I was told that I need to replace filter and fluid by friend as the fluid is very light brown its still clear but not red. More brown. Is this a hard job to do by yourself as im mechanically inclined but have never does the tranny fluid change but plenty of oils. And other parts changes. Is this a real fix or am I looking at a new tranny. I need get 1-2 more work trips in before I get cash and seein as im not a very wealthy person I need some help. And if possible what would a mech shop charge to replace fluid and filter. From what I understand it not that tough. Also price for rebuilt or replacement tranny on this model if anyone knows thanks a whole lot for your help.
BTW it just turned 100k miles

Jammin67.

3 Replies

INDYUKE

MECHANIC
416 POSTS

As far as I know, the fluid and filter on that type of car isn't changable. It's permanantly in place unless you take apart the transmission.

Besides, some people would say not to change the fluid even if you could. Burnt, dirty fluid may be the only thing providing the friction keeping the tranny going if it is starting to slip. The grit in there tears the tranny apart, but it also keeps it going. Wierd huh!

One question. 100k miles seems slightly too soon to have a tranny go out in that year of car. Have you owned it since brand new?

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Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 AT 12:38 AM

JAMMIN67

MEMBER
3 POSTS

There doesnt seeem to be any grit in there its pretty clear just a brownish hue instead or red hue

i bought the car used about 4 months ago and it was running just fine. I put some lester tranny slip fluid in and it doesnt seem to be working. Any idea what a fluid and filter change would cost? And from what I understand I can take the bottom off and drain fluid and replace filter. Is that possible?

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Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 AT 1:15 PM

INDYUKE

MECHANIC
416 POSTS

I forgot to ask what type of tranny you have. Do you have the manual or the automatic.

The automatic transaxle (CD4E) does have a pan that can be removed, however it is only removed in order to make adjustments to the transmission. The filter is located at the center of the tranny and can only be changed when the transmission is taken apart.

So while the filter can't be reached, my mistake was in assuming there's no way to change the fluid. Although ford states the fluid never needs to be changed, I'm sure any tranny shop can flush the system and refill it using the proper machine.

I don't know the procedure for tightening the bands on that type of tranny, but that is one of the things you could try. The clutch packs cannot be adjusted.

The grit in the fluid generally can't be seen by the naked eye. I hope this helps.

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Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 AT 7:09 PM