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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'98 Ford Taurus
Q:
My
daughter's '98 Ford Taurus 3.0 Duratec Engine with 65k has just recently
developed the following problems: When the car starts and is running,
the Service Engine soon light stays on, the O/D Off switch light flashes
, the speedometer indicator does not move and the transmission seems stuck
in first gear and will not go any further even switching on the selector
switch in a different gear, and reverse is no problem. The transmission
fluid is OK, gas cap is tight, and the engine runs fine and periodic maintenance
was religious. I remember there was a recall on Dec, 2000 regarding the
upgrade of OBDII system program power train control modules and the car
had no problems before and after the upgrade. The Owner's Manual states
that if the O/D OFF indicator light is flashing repeatedly and cannot
be switched off, it means that there is a transaxle electronic system
malfunction. I am a Sunday mechanic, this is the first time I encountered
a transmission problem, can you tell me what to look for and what parts
to replace?
-
Carlos
A:
What
you have is a very upset computer. There is no way I would even guess
what parts you would have to replace. The first step to even begin to
get a handle on this problem is to ask the computer what the problem is.
This will require a computer scan tool and if you have any hope of performing
any repairs yourself you'll need to know the diagnostic trouble codes
that the computer has to share and the data stream information for any
of the systems that the computer is so up set about. I don't want to provide
false hope but I have seen a fuse or one simple sensor send a vehicle's
computer into total disarray and confusion. When you have an engine and
transmission that not only relies, but requires computerized controls
to operate them, the Sunday repair becomes a whole new game.
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