|
Jim Grant's Tech Tips
90
Lincoln Town Car, Transmission Problems
Q: I own a ‘90 Lincoln Town Car. There are
several problems with the car and I would like your input on either fixing
them or getting rid of the car. First, when the car is cold, it has a
hard time shifting to second (the tranny has been overhauled approximately
2 years ago). When it does shift, when coming to a stop, it downshifts
erratically then stalls. after starting the car again, it will drive fine
then it will hesitate and the "Check Engine" light comes on. Also, sometimes
the "Airbag" light might come on and the temperature reading will drop.
Could it be an electrical problem (with the last problem)?
A: The
first thing you should address is the "Check Engine" light. For a transmission
to operate correctly it needs a good running engine and on today’s vehicles
that also means a happy on-board computer. Why ? Because the transmission
uses information from the engine computer to operate. While the computer
problem is being checked, the level and condition of the transmission
fluid should be inspected. If the transmission oil has over 30k then the
transmission oil should be flushed. Correcting the complaining computer
problem and a little transmission service may have you shifting right
again. As for the Air Bag light effecting the engine coolant temperature
reading? I have not a clue. But it would be in your best interest to determine
why the Air Bag warning light is coming on.
|
|