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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115 |
While cruisng up a mild incline, I gave my car (98 contour, 2.5 auto) some gas to maintain speed and it downshifted violently into second (approx. speed was 45-50) and suddenly my engine just died at 60 mph. I was able to unplug the fuses and reset the computer to make it start again, but initailly, it wouldn't start. Lately (last 3 months or so) the transaxle has been up-shifting prematurely and is reluctant, if not totally noncompliant when I call upon a downshift. Could this recent incident be transmission related (?), or is it someting else? My father thinks it might be the fuel pump but I'm not sure. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
'98 Contour SE 2.5 w/ Granny Tranny + stuff = still slow
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693 |
There are two likely things that can cause this sort of thing. The VSS (vehicle speed sensor) and the MLPS (manual lever position sensor).
When the VSS acts up, you will also loose the speedometer.
The MLPS bolts to the trans where the shift linkage attaches. In times past, it was called the neutral safety switch. Today it also tells the computer which gear has been selected. If the readings get flakey, it can cause all sorts of unusual transmission shifting problems. One of the reasons they sometimes get flakey is that the internal lubricant grease gets old and starts to run and creates additional electrical signal paths.
It is hard to diagnose a car without driving it, and there are other things that could explain your problem, but these are worth checking out.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115
CEG\'er
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OP
CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 115 |
Originally posted by Big Jim:
When the VSS acts up, you will also loose the speedometer .
That is precisely what happened last night. So it is most likely the vehicle speed sensor. What kind of costs (parts + labor) am I looking at if, indeed, the VSS is malfunctioning/damage? Thanks a lot for the valuable insight/diagnosis.
'98 Contour SE 2.5 w/ Granny Tranny + stuff = still slow
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,100
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,100 |
as far as labor, you can reach the VSS without removing anything... if you can snake your hand down to the tranny.. mine was unplugged halfway, and I reached in there to snap it in..
parts I wouldn't have the foggiest idea, though.
Ray
'99 CSVT - Silver #222/276
In a constant state of blow-off euphoria.
Originally posted by Kremitthefrog:
I like to wear dresses and use binoculars to watch grandmas across the street.
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