I tried posting this problem on the TROUBLESHOOTING forum but, with limited response. I thought I would try this forum in hopes that more transaxle experts may be browsing here. Thanks.
1998 CONTOUR SE-2.5L CD4E A/T My daughter�s Contour started shifting hard about two months ago. The hard shifts would occur after driving at 60-70 MPH for about 10 minutes and then getting off of the freeway and driving in the city. She said the shifts were so hard she thought the transmission was going to fall out of the car. Then about two weeks ago the transmission started holding first gear until she let up on the accelerator and then it would shift into second gear. Now it is also holding second until you let up on the accelerator. Sometimes the O/D light flashes until the ignition is switched off. Occasionally it will shift without letting up on the accelerator after driving at 60-70 MPH on the freeway. Even then the shift speed seems to be a bit high. I have an Autotap and am able to monitor some of the transmission functions. The shift solenoids seem to be operating properly and the car holds 1st gear even when the command gear is 2nd, and the shift solenoids are in the correct state, until I let up on the accelerator and let it shift into second. The transmission fluid temperature is running 210 (within two degrees of engine temp with an ambient air temp of 95 degrees) and the only DTC I get is P0732 (GEAR 2 INCORRECT RATIO). I assume the reason for that DTC is that the command gear is 2 and the transmission is holding 1st gear.
Fluid has been changed within the last 3000 miles and 15,000 miles prior to that. I cannot tell the difference between the fluid in the trans and fresh mercon. The fluid level is correct.
Some people have suggested that I change the TSS but, it appears to be operating properly. The turbine speed seems to be increasing and decreasing proportionately as monitored by the Autotap when driving the car and I don�t like to just throw parts at a problem. I like to be reasonably sure that a part is defective before replacing it. The electronics appear to be operating properly. The command gear changes to 2 and the shift solenoids change state to the prescribed state, but the transmission holds 1st gear. Likewise for the 2-3 shift.
Does anyone have any idea as to what the problem may be? Would it be possible to repair the problem without pulling the transmission? THANKS!
