Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle 95 Mystique CD4E tranny help needed

I posted this in the troubleshooting section and continue to still have the same problems after fliud level top up ect. Here is copy of original post::

95 Mystique v6 engine, Automatic. This only started today on two 1hr driving trips. Seems like after driving on hiway for 30-40 mins at 120KM the rpms went up and like the tranny lost its gear position and came out of gear...backed off on the gas and it settled a bit, but still something not right...it shifted kind of harsh and seemed to go in and out of gear. It did the exact same thing coming home after sitting for 4-5 hrs. The first part of the trip home on the hiway it was running fine and driving at 120KM...then about 40mins into the drive it starts acting up and RPMS going up like and tranny acting strange chugging like...limped it home and coming off the hiway it shifts fairly quick and rough. Could this be the range sensor gone on it? I have replaced the TSS and flushed the fluid from tranny less than 5k ago. It almost seems electrical or a heat issue. Its not plugs or wires or anyhting like that I know for sure...cause they are all new...and this problem just started out of nowhere.Just seemed that when it warmed up after 30-40 mins of driving the rpm would go right up and it would like come out of gear...OD I pressume because it was on the hiway...but like I said even when I got off the hiway it was not shifting smooth and proper. Any clues what to look for or where to start? No codes of check lights at all.

Yeah, it sounds like your torque convertor is slipping. Mine did exactly as you describe and that is what it was. Reason it shifts harshly afterwards is because the control system is working in "Limp Mode" after the fault happens.

There could be any other host of problems as well; lose of ATF pressure, leaking valve body, pressure spike.... it's endless.

I don't recall your post in TB (I don't recall many things these days ), but did you have a CEL or Flashing O/D light?

I have no cel and the OD light does not flash. Everything was working fine and it was very sudden that this happened.
It has not happened before and is driving fine today. Could this be sensor related? and if so what sensor would be your first choice. I might go out later and use the test light procedure to check for any codes...I do have OBD I system.

Just checked and Im getting 3 codes. A 172, 173, and 452
I noticed the 452 is Vehicle Speed Sonsor and would relate to transmission problems. I cant find this sensor...can anyone tell me where it is. I know what it looks like but the location drawing and I still cant find it. Should I replace that sensor or follow the ton of diagnostic checks for it? I would sooner replace the sensor, clear the codes and see what happens after that...Just cant find it!!! Thanks

Since that is the only code that you got, relating to the transmission, I would.

I just replaced the VSS on my 95 V6. It cured my problem instantly. The 95's (at least the early ones - mine was built 11/94) have the VSS at the end of the speedometer cable. The VSS is on the transaxle near the right axle shaft. You will need to raise the front of the car and work on it from the bottom. It's not too difficult to change. I removed the driver's side tire to make it easier to disconnect and reconnect the electrical plug. The VSS was about $30 + 7 shipping. The local Ford dealer wanted about $45. Good luck!
Chas Randolph