Jim Grant's Tech Tips
93
Ford Crown Victoria, Transmission Woes and Whines
Q:
I own a '93 Ford Crown Victoria which I purchased as a demo with 5,000
miles on it. It has been nothing but trouble. Here's the latest problem.
At 36,979 miles the torque converter had to be replaced (my warranty ended
at 36,000 miles). It cost me $635.00 to have the converter replaced .
I questioned Ford Motor if this was a recall item, they said no.
I
now have the same whining noise as when they replaced the torque converter.
It doesn't seem to happen until the car is warmed up, then just at intervals
not all the time.
The
mileage is only 44,606 (only 7,627 miles when I really started to notice
it). When I questioned the garage they told me the warranty was up at
12,000 miles or 1 year. Once again I am just past the deadline. When I
took it for a lube job in December it stopped whining for a bit. Wondered
if you might have any suggestions on my problem. Am I being taken advantage
of? Just hate to think of another big garage bill.
A: Are
you sure that the noise you're hearing is the torque converter? Why would
a visit to a lube shop change the noise? Did you have the transmission
fluid changed or an additive installed at that time? A torque converter
is a mechanical type part that doesn't get better just because the engine
oil gets changed. Usually, once they become noisy, the noise stays and
only gets worse. I can't help but wonder if the noise is being caused
by something different. The condition of the transmission oil is a question
that should be answered. I'd suggest visiting a transmission specialist
before having any parts replaced in your transmission again.
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