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Erradic transmission shifting

J

Joseppe

New CEG'er
Joined
Oct 23, 2006
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My '98 Contour Duratec V6 shifts erradically at around 40 and 70 MPH under light throttle. I have a stored diagnostic code of P1519 which indicates the IMRC is stuck open (or closed). Would a faulty IMRC cause the transmission to shift erradically and what would I need to do to fix the problem? Two years ago I had to have the upper intake gasket and lower intake manifold gasket replaced because the car would die immediately after starting. I'm somewhat car savvy but no longer have the time or patience to work on my cars anymore. (Maybe my age has something to do with it since I'm not a "kid" anymore.)
 
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Welcome aboard to the forums!

It's unlikely that the IMRC fault is affecting your transmission shift quality. Most likely, the fault is due either to a mechanical binding of the IMRC cable, binding linkage (check the little plastic grommets that hold the link arm to the levers), or an electronic fault inside the IMRC module, either a motor driver failure or a position switch failure.

As for the shift quality, can you provide a more focused description of what you're encountering?

Steve
 
Thanks for your suggestions Steve but I'm beginning to dislike this forum site because everytime I try to reply to your message, I get a message saying I'm not logged on, when in fact I am, and my message then gets erased. This is my fourth try.

I should have said the erratic shifting is intermittent. It usually occurs in heavier traffic at speeds around 40 MPH or between 60 and 70 MPH, if traffic conditions permit it, under light throttle. What occurs is apparently a harsh downshift because the RPMs jump up to 4 or 5K briefly and then back down to around 2K. I had no problem this morning because the traffic was fairly light (no stop and go conditions).

I'll take your suggestion and check out the IMRC this weekend. If the cables seem ok, I may try the TIP121 transistor replacement in the IMRC which Chris Hightower explains at his web site. It'll be a relatively easy and cheap fix if it works. I found this fix when I was checking out the Duratec Maintenance forum.

Thanks again for your help Steve. I'll let you know what happens.

Joe
 
When the trans acts up, does the speedometer act up at the same time? If it does, look at the VSS (vehicle speed sensor). If the speedo stays stable, look at the MLPS (manual lever position sensor). It bolts to the trans where the shift cable attaches. It tells the computer what gear has been selected. Before computerized cars, a similar switch served as the neutral safety switch. When the switch ages, the internal lubricant migrates into the contact areas and can cause the symptom you are discribing.

Also check the condition of the trans fluid and change it if it is the least bit questionable.
 
Joseppe said:
Thanks ...I'm beginning to dislike this forum site because everytime I try to reply to your message, I get a message saying I'm not logged on, when in fact I am, and my message then gets erased. This is my fourth try.

...
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Welcome :). Try checking the "Remember me" box the next time you log in.
 
When the erradic shifting occurs, the RPMs jump up to between 4 and 5K and then come back down. There is no fluctuation in the speedometer. Besides the OBD II having the P1519 stored in it, it also had code PO420 stored. At this web site http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1d/bl430d.htm

I found a question and "expert" answer when these two codes are present. I think I'm still going to replace the TIP121 transistor in the IMRC since it's a cheap fix if it works. Just need to locate the transistor which I think I've found thru the Mouser Electronics' web site.

Thanks for everyones help. I'll let you know what happens.

Joe
 
Problem solved

Problem solved

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I replaced the TIP121 transistor in the IMRC following Chris Hightower's instructions which were accurate to a "T". The erradic shifting problem is gone and no longer experience sluggish shifting which had been a problem for at least the past two years. When you step on it now, it no longer has to think about what to do......acceleration is spontaneous. Thanks for everyones help and suggestions.

Joe :)
 
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