Lost power on an Interstate

CARLSONEA

MEMBER
2002 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

I have an '02 Taurus and lost power on an Interstate. The engine seemed to be idling fine but it acted as though it was out of gear. I pulled off an exit and had little power to get across the intersection. While sitting and waiting for a tow the engine RPM's would surge and it was a little difficult to shift. Took it to my transmission guy and he tore it apart only to find nothing wrong with the tranny. (Tranny was replaced about 40k ago). Could it be a fuel pump issue? I have driven it around town and it seems fine but am hesitant to drie it on the Interstate again. Thanks in advance.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

This issue could be due to an issue with the torque converter clutch solenoid. As it just all of a sudden got disengaged but is working again.
It is likely not the fuel pump. If it was the pump, then engine will not rev freely, and it would shut down due to fuel starvation.

Many times, with issues of this nature the check engine light gets illuminated. Is your check engine light on? If so, 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

This could also be due to a wiring issue for the transmission control. Like a loose wire or melted connector.
I have included the wiring schematics below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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

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