Originally posted by Chuck:
I just got it back from a very reputable transmission shop and... They also said that the temperature coolant sensor for the transmission needs to be replaced as well. They do not do this since it is not transmission work, rather a sensor located underneath the hood. They said the computer cannot tell how warm/cold the transmission is. The car contimues to "slip" sometimes between 3rd and 4th. Can anyone give me a part number for this? Could I replace it myself? And where is it located?






Are you sure they are not talking about the "Coolant Temp Sensor", which is located on the engine? Reason I ask is this...

There is a "Transmission Fluid Temp Sensor" (aka, "TFT"), which if I remember correctly (it's too early in the morning!) is located on the solenoid block of the transmission. This sensor, senses the temp of the transmission fluid and dictates how much fluid should flow through the system at any given temp. Cold, it flows less fluid. Hot it flows more fluid.

Now, if this sensor is bad. That could explain your slipping issue because the ECM and tranny thinks the transmission is cold all the time. It will not allow the proper fluid to flow through the transmission, hince your slips.

I am not totally sure if the ECM actually uses the engines Coolant Temp sensor for any functions of the tranny.


I would go back and have another talk with the tranny shop, just in case and to clear things up a bit. If it is the TFT sensor, the solenoid block is located on the valve body. You will have to remove the valve body cover, then 4 bolts (I think). Change out a few gaskets and that's that. You will have to be prepared to also remove the battery and possibly move the A/C Dryer out of the way.

I'm not real sure about the price of this sensor, but IIRC, it is somewhere in the neighborhood of $200.

Good luck!

Phillip Jackson `98 Mystique LS 262K+ and counting... ATX rebuilt @ 151K "This storm has broken me, my only friend!" RIP Dime