COmputer shows always in 1st gear

[tmonis escape]

So my wifes 2002 Ford Escape stalls when coming to a stop or when changing gears after backing up. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he says there are no codes stored, but he found that the computer shows the transmission stays in first gear even when the car is in park or neutral. He wants to start by dropping the transmission pan and checking a sensor on the valve body. He says that the converter is staying locked up and that is why the engine stalls. But I tried power breaking it and the engine would not rev over 2500 rpm. During that time, the brakes held the car stopped. So if the converter was staying locked up, would the engine bog down at all rpm's or shudder when taking off or coming to a stop? Has anyone else had any of these problems?

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by tmonis escape

So my wifes 2002 Ford Escape stalls when coming to a stop or when changing gears after backing up. I had a mechanic friend look at it and he says there are no codes stored, but he found that the computer shows the transmission stays in first gear even when the car is in park or neutral. He wants to start by dropping the transmission pan and checking a sensor on the valve body.

There is no "sensor" in the valve body that says what gear the transmission is in. Neutral and Park are "special conditions" as the shift lever cable moves a spool valves that directs fluid pressure away from shift solenoids/elements.

He says that the converter is staying locked up and that is why the engine stalls.

Possible, but not likely.

Take it to a shop that specializes in transmission.