Please be patient, I don't work on cars at all, but this forum is fantastic and I just need some advice. I have a 98 Mystique, 2.5L automatic. I have had an ongoing problem with the transmission that started with an occasional hard shift to now shifting hard (at every gear) after the car has been driven for approx. 20-30 minutes. If the car gets a chance to cool down, then the problem goes away until I drive again for that amount of time. Today marks the 4th time since it's started doing this that I have seen a mechanic and the problem still exists. They have set an appointment for me with a Ford dealership next to have the transmission reflashed. I have been told that there is, of course, no guarantee that this will correct the problem . The IAC valve has been replaced, the transmission fluid has been changed and visual inspection today found nothing to be wrong. Is it time for me to send this car to the scrap yard? It has about 190,000kms on it. And, if the reflash doesn't correct the problem, is there anything anyone can suggest or recommend? I'd appreciate any help you can provide.
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Reflashing Transmission
- Thread starter Hammy
- Start date
Beans
Addicted CEG'er
Did you steal my car :shrug: lol
http://contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=20913
^-- Does that sound like your problem?
http://contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=20913
^-- Does that sound like your problem?
mcgarvey
Veteran CEG'er
Sorry but it's a common problem with these transmissions and yours is exhibiting the classic signs. They were designed with inadequate cooling and frankly, you're lucky it lasted this long. At this point, I would try replacing your TSS and installing an auxiliary trans cooler. But keep in mind, the damage has already been done and you may want to start shopping for a junkyard/rebuilt transmission.
Yes, it appears that the shift solenoids are gone. You might try, as suggested, tranny fluid change with Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor and even a Manual Lever Position Sensor but those items are "Hail Marys". I wouldn't bother with a reflash.
projectSHO89
Hard-core CEG'er
Crikey!!!
There's nothing wrong with either your shift solenoids or your TSS, most likely (hard to be absolutely due to insufficient data).
There's nothing to reflash, don't waste your money.
In my case, a new valve body (with Sonnax valves) and a new torque converter was required. A large external cooler was also added. Have put over 30K more miles on it since then.
Steve
There's nothing wrong with either your shift solenoids or your TSS, most likely (hard to be absolutely due to insufficient data).
There's nothing to reflash, don't waste your money.
In my case, a new valve body (with Sonnax valves) and a new torque converter was required. A large external cooler was also added. Have put over 30K more miles on it since then.
Steve
JoeM
Veteran CEG'er
Step 1) Purchase new Torque Convertor
Step 2) Purchase new Valve Body for the transmission
Step 3) Pull Transmission, Install Torque Convertor and new valve Body.
Step 4) Re Install Transmission, with Fresh fluid and an External Transmission Cooler.
Step 5) Debate wether steps 1-4 are worth it on a car with 190k KM's on it...
Step 2) Purchase new Valve Body for the transmission
Step 3) Pull Transmission, Install Torque Convertor and new valve Body.
Step 4) Re Install Transmission, with Fresh fluid and an External Transmission Cooler.
Step 5) Debate wether steps 1-4 are worth it on a car with 190k KM's on it...
projectSHO89
Hard-core CEG'er
Step 1) Purchase new Torque Convertor
Step 2) Purchase new Valve Body for the transmission
Step 3) Pull Transmission, Install Torque Convertor and new valve Body.
Step 4) Re Install Transmission, with Fresh fluid and an External Transmission Cooler.
Step 5) Debate wether steps 1-4 are worth it on a car with 190k KM's on it...
Yeah, it's a tough call. However, I'd move your #5 up to the #1 position instead of after the fact. In my case, $500 or so in parts and a couple of days wrenching, even at 135K miles, compared to buying a new car for the wife (she wants an newer Lincoln LS8) made it an easy choice for me.
Steve