Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Transmission slipping and jerking

Ok...here we go... '95 GL (2.0L) ATX (175K miles on it ) <---- YES ... THAT MUCH !!

Out of the blue, without CEL or O/D light going on neither blinking it is jerking in between gears and feel like slipping too...(NEVER DONE IT BEFORE) yesterday did it the first time and when I checked the ATX oil level it was under minium (Since i have a little leak but I've been putting oil often to keep it in range but seemmed i forgot to keep an eye on it this very last time). Oh well...I made it home and poured a whole quart of ATX oil Mobil 1 Full Syntethic since is the one I had in the trunk and it was late at night, I let it warm, check the level back again (using the proper procedure) and was whithin range.

This morning (35 miles to work), OK, getting back from work and on the highway at 80mph it did it once, i slowed down to 70-75 and gas it very soft and smooth and didnt do it anymore till i got home. Parked, change my clothes and on my way to the gym it went crazy again like yesterday, jerking and slipping... spent 2 hours at the gym, after that, I warmed up, check oil level again, everything looks ok and in range and drove ok to home.

Haven't pull the codes yet, Ill do it tomorrow but I needed to write this down before i forget and we can start brainstorming about it.

Saw this link: ATX PROBLEM but this could be a different case.

I have no tachometer so i can't be more precise RPM wise but when its "crying": it revs up, it abruptly upshift and downshift to the point of having the same effect like suddenly step on the brakes which freaked me out since it can cause an accident.

help please?

Same thing happen to me, with my '96 GL with 128,xxx. days later tranny got a new home (the junk yard).

If there is no CEL or a flashing O/D light, then I would do the four quart fluid change and see how it goes.

Also, I would take a look back and see how long ago you changed your plugs and wires. That's right, spark plugs and wires. A few of us here and documented how failing plugs and wires can cause unstable shifting or even erradict shifting.

Is your tranny is miss-shifting into different gears and slipping into neutral and back in gear ? "slam-shifting" If so you need a new tranny range sensor switch $25.oo at ford parts . It is mounted on top outside of tranny . Close to battery and if you remove the battery it is easier to replace part. The new part is now plastic and has 3 bolts holding it on.A half hour job to fix. Also try a can of tranny sealer and conditioner in you fluid ... Yes this stuff works.

I never had to replace one of those range sensor thingies. Pick up a Haynes manual, they seem to be a bit more simplified for the typical shade tree mechanic. Lots of guys swear by Chiltons, they usually have a nice engine tear down section, but seem to lack in the maintenance & R&R periferals area.

anyone?

You can put the tranny in neutral without the motor running. I just did it earlier today. Put the key in, and turn the car to "on". All you have to do is un-lock the steering console by turning the key.

You can rent tools from Autozone.