Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Strange not quite problem...

have a 99 Ford Contour, SE package.

The original automatic transmission gave us a lot of trouble. Ford gave us the run-around. When it died altogether around 40,000 Miles, (just past the warranty) we got them to replace it, as a warranty part, (and they just charged us labor.)

I'm not certain but I think that after that was done, at some point I noticed my RPM's were a little high, but no more than a few percent. I know for sure, because I know that setting cruise control at 55 MPH was 2000 RPM, (All the cars I've driven (that had Tachs) did too) now it seems that the revs are a bit higher, and I don't know if it's a problem or not.

the possible solutions I came up with...

1. IIRC, the Speedo's sender is on the tranny's output shaft. could the new sender be calibrated for 14" rims (Stock) instead of 15" rims (SE Package)

2. I read somewhere that this problem could be casued by a torque converter that doesn't "Lock" at speed, reducing power loss in the fluid clutch.

3. the final gear ratio on the new transmission is different. (Perhaps they put a Stock transmission in instead of the SE one)

While on the subject, anybody work in a transmission shop, or a Ford dealer? Does the SE transmission have problems, that the basic one doesn't? is it even likely that there would be different transmissions for different sized tires?

Lastly who should I go to to get this checked out?

Someone in the hardforum.com cars board suggested I give the engine a little more gas for a moment while cruising, and see if the tach jumped, (Whici it did,) indicating that the TCC is not locking.

now my question is, will leaving the car as it is damage the TCC, the ATX, or the engine?

I read somewhere, that a TCC not locking will reduce your fuel economy, I just calculated mine on the last tank as about 19 MPG, what should a stock 99 Contour SE be getting at 76,000 total vehicle miles?

I believe it will be hard to give a definite answer to your question of 'will you damage your transmission/converter if the torque converter isn't locking'.

The answer would depend on the reason the converter isnâ??t locking. If your converter is having problems, either locking up or slipping, I would think it would throw a code. Does your Overdrive Light flash on/off? If yes, you need to read the error code and post for help.

As far as gas mileage, yes, your mileage will go down if your not locked.