automatic transmission not engaging

1998 MERCURY TRACER
180,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZARATEBENTOT54
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
After i changed the transmission fluid and filter (did not flushed it) i have this problem: when you first start the car, and you put it from park to reverse, it engages find it goes backward fine. Same thing with drive, it goes forward fine, but after less than a minute it just revs, but it actually moves a bit. It shifts fine, but you cannot feel the gears engaging. It moves reverse and forward but only little bit with a lot of revving. The brakes are not sticking. some oil leaking under transmission.
Aug 21, 2017 at 4:08 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 20,761 POSTS
I am afraid this is the main reason it is not recommended to change fluid on high mileage vehicles, especially if they are already having any issues. The seals that apply the clutches get old and hard. As clutch material wears off the clutches it forms a sludge that actually helps the rubber seals hold pressure. New fluid has detergent in it and tends to wash away the sludge. Because of this many cars drive in but do not drive back out when the fluid is changed on mileage that high.

At this point you are likely looking at a transmission rebuild.
Aug 21, 2017 at 4:20 PM