2003 Ford Taurus Sudden Neutral, has had electrical issues

Tiny
THE OL' ABBOT
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
Car suddenly had no gear engagement, engine ran as normal, everything working. Occasionally have had problems with the ignition (unable to turn key, power locks not working sometimes). Had issues recently where engine would nearly shut off, but kick back in when gas pedal punched. Heard a "pop" each time. Had some loose fuses, seemed to clear that up. Could this be related to/caused by the transmission range sensor?
Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 12:44 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Fist, do you have a check engine light? Yes, it could be a sensor or pressure regulator in the transmission itself. I would recomend hooking the car to a diagnostic unit. This will tell you what's going on inside the trans electrically. Hope this helps.
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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
THE OL' ABBOT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No check engine light noted. Tried other gears, no response across the range
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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
OK, There are many things that can cause what you describe. From low trans fluid, which I'm sure you've checked, to a broken pump, bad regulator valve, blown fuse(you might want to check fuses) to a bad torque converter. All these are on checkable without special equipment. I would recomend you get to a trans shop for diagnosis. I may be something simple, but without my actually seeing it, all I can do is quess, and quessing can get expensive. Wish I could do more for you.
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Monday, March 9th, 2009 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
THE OL' ABBOT
  • MEMBER
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Thanks James - fuses are Ok, guess we're headed for the shop. Thanks for the help.
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 AT 9:40 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Let us know, if you would, what you find out so we can it on to others.
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2009 AT 11:44 PM

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