1992 Ford Escort Automatic transmission problems.

VF750F

MEMBER
1992 FORD ESCORT

Transmission problem
1992 Ford Escort Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I own a 1992 Ford Escort with 160,000 miles. Recently (last couple of months), while in the first few miles of a drive (morning and after work), the transmission would drop from third gear down to first after reaching a speed of about 20-25 miles per hour. I would let off on the gas and allow the engine speed to reduce enough for 3rd gear to kick in. However, when attemping to accelerate, it would again drop down to 1st gear. This would continue for about 5 miles or so until it would finally perform correctly. If I allow the car to warm up some, it seems to take less time for it to operate properly.

Overdrive is not working either.

I changed the ATF and filter about 2 years ago. Fluid level is full and clean.

No other issues with the car.

Any ideas as to what the cause is and how to fix it?

Thanks.

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi vf750f,

Thank you for the donation.

Is the Check Engine Light indicating while driving?

Did you try to retrieve for troube codes?

What is your engine capacity?

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Thursday, March 4th, 2010 AT 9:51 AM

VF750F

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for your quick response.

Regarding your questions:

No check engine light on while driving.

I will try and retrieve any trouble codes (have a small trouble code scanner).

Engine is 1.9 liter (LX model).

Correction to the shifting problem: It seems to drop into neutral, not first gear. When it does this, I let off the gas and it re-engages into 3rd until I accerlate again. It eventually stops doing this and shifts properly.