Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle Just bought and trying to diagnose

I just bought a 97 GL with Zetec/CD4E. I have read through many of the post and trying to figure out if the trans problem is electrical or mechanical. I shift into gear and nothing happens except going into Neutral. All gears act as Neutral. I changed the MLPS (O'Reilly Auto Parts - Borg Warner - S26100 - $24! - Lifetime Warranty) this morning but no difference. The transmission was rebuilt 20000 miles ago. The fluid is clean and has no burnt smell to it. There is no noise. Everything else on this car seems to be in great shape. The PO had kept it up well but go frustrated after thinking the trans was out.

TSS?
OSS?
VSS?
TCC?
Others?

Bill Gullatt
Harvest, AL

None of the above.

2nd and R are hydraulically controlled. Since you have neither, the fault is internal and is either mechanical or hydraulic.

The PO was correct.

Next diagnostic steps require a scan tool and a pressure guage or a flatbed truck.

Steve

Welcome . Most tranny shops will charge about one hour labor to run a tranny diagnostic.

I'll be scanning next. I just don't think it is a complete overhaul. Could be the convertor or valve body.

Other than transmission what little issues should I look out for on this car?

I printed a list of the recalls and I was supprised.

Bill




Automotive Recall and Technical Service Bulletin Titles for 1997 Ford Contour L4-122 2.0L DOHC VIN 3 SFI.


TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
01S22 SEP 01 Recall - Blower Resistor Inspection/Replacement
01S22 AUG 01 Recall - Defective Heater Blower Resistor Connector
00S03 MAR 00 Recall - Pressure Control Reducing Valve Replacement
99S14 JUN 99 Recall - Headlight Switch Connector
98S26 OCT 98 Recall - Gear Position Indicator Deterioration
98B21 JUL 98 Recall - Engine Block Heater
97S73 JUL 97 Recall - Recall 97S73 Supplement
97S73 APR 97 Recall - CNG Bi-Fuel Option Disabling

TSB Number & Issue Date TSB Title
01M07 AUG 01 Campaign - Blower Motor Switch Extended Coverage
99M03 OCT 99 Campaign - Under Hood Wire Harness
99M07 SEP 99 Campaign - Defective Blower Switch or Resistor
98M04 JAN 99 Campaign - Front Coil Springs Sagging/Broken

We hooked up the scanner last night and it returned no codes. I thought for sure we would see something.

Linkage is fine, replaced MLPS. Fluid level is high on dipstick.

Will the codes only report sensor problems? It is starting to look like some kind of hard part. Torque convertor or valve body. Will check the pump before removing anything. It acts as if it has no trans fluid in it.

Bill