1998 Ford Taurus Stays in Neutral

1998 FORD TAURUS
148,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DAVIDJA
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Car drove fine all that day, got off work and the car cranked up fine and when i put the car in D, it wouldn't go. I tried R, N, etc and still the car seemed to just stay in park. No reving of engine or burning smell. Transmission fluid 2 days later still clear. Car still changes drives smooth - no jerking or anything- just stays in park. Engine runs quiet. Driver window won't let down, brake light is on, and my door ajar signal stays on constantly. This all happened a week prior. I'm perplexed but unsure if it's the transmission. Could it be something else?
Mar 19, 2010 at 11:08 PM
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BMRFIXIT
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Can you move the shifter out of park or it is stuck in park ?
internal tranny failure is very common with out any warning
Mar 20, 2010 at 4:32 AM
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DAVIDJA
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It shifts fine - just won't go. Gear shift moves into P, D, R, etc with ease; but the car stays in park. That's what has me confused. I'm considering a transmission tune-up. Will this help? I've checked my cables and they seem fine too. I was told about the brake switch on 96-99 taurus were on recall and wondering if this could be the problem, although my brake lights and fuses seem fine. I'm starting to just really think it's just the transmission- which is a bummer for me.
Mar 21, 2010 at 1:28 PM
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BMRFIXIT
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Turn key on engine off
Place the shifter in R or D
try to start the engine if it start ,its shifter link or cable
if have no start in R or D its very common to be internal tranny failure
good luck
Mar 21, 2010 at 6:44 PM
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DAVIDJA
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Like to thank you a lot for your great help. Unfortunately, my car wouldn't crank in R or D; so I know now it's my transmission. I'm going to still try a transmission tune-up and see if it buys me some time..haha wishful thinking. I'll definetly recommend you guys to all my family and buddies.

thanks again
Mar 22, 2010 at 3:14 PM
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BMRFIXIT
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Do not waste your time and money on a tranny tune as it is the tranny pump (very common)
Mar 22, 2010 at 6:59 PM
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