What would cause the trans to slip when starting from a stop

ADRIANBOSSERT

MEMBER
1994 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

A friend gave me this car for free because the dealer told him it would cost over $2000 to replace the trans. Could you tell me what would cause the trans to slip when starting from a stop? It only slips after it gets worm. It does not matter if it is in rev or any other dive gear. Once you are moving it does not slip at all. The fluid level is slightly above full, it does not smell burnt, does not look to old and viscosity feels about normal. An other friend suggested that the filter may be clogged. I am going to put in a new one tomorrow. If that does not change any thing I was thinking the problem may be the torque converter. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

1 Reply

JGAROFALO

MECHANIC
489 POSTS

Your problem is most likely an internal failure in the transmission. Your symptom indidates a problem with the forward clutch. This is the clutch that is used to initiate motion in either direction - forward or reverse. The piston in the clutch drum most likely has a small crack that is causing a pressure loss at low rpm. This will get progressively worse until the transmission fails completely.

That is my experience from over 40 years of rebuilding automatic transmissions, and my particular familiarity with that unit.