The automatic transmission will not shift out of first?

SCREAMINDAEMON

MEMBER
1995 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

I bought a used 1995 Ford Escort LX. I drove it on the test drive with no issue, and took it home. The next day, I take the car to work, and discover that the automatic transmission will not shift out of first. The speedometer and tachometer work just fine. The transmission fluid is new. Do you have any suggestions?

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 AT 3:06 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Just so we cover the basics, make sure that the gear selector is in D and not in L.
Also, it is possible to have a loose or malfunctioning shift cable, which can show you are in drive but can be in a different gear.

This can also be due to a faulty transmission valve body or solenoid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

Are you getting any error light illuminated on the dash?
Many times, transmission issues trigger the check engine light.
If it is on, then scanning and retrieving the code(s) can help with the diagnostics.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I have attached diagrams for the shift cable adjustment and replacement below

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)