Ford Escort gear problems?

outatimejm · 01-22-2008, 09:34 PM

Hello,

I have a 1991 Escort LX that I have had going on about 9 months. I have had no major problems to date, just general maintainance. Last week I got into the car, started it up and began to drive down the street. I noticed something odd when it shifted into the next gear. It normally is nice and smooth but, this time the engine rpms went high and then it shifted gears. I just assumed that I had accelerated to quickly. I had to stop at a light before getting onto the interstate and noticed the same thing happening again. Once on the highway I accelerated the car up to speed and was alarmed when getting up to about 50-60 miles an hour the car refused to shift into the next gear. I backed off the accelerator so that the rpms didn't blow up the motor. Sorry, to be so long winded but, I am clueless as to what is wrong. I consulted my Chilton's manual and did the routine checks such as tranny fluid levels, leaks, hoses and loose wires and cannot find anything wrong. Is this the result of a bad sensor? Please, Help

ABE · 01-23-2008, 10:06 AM

In general a sensor problem will cause a check engine light.

I am not sure exactly how your trans is controlled, electronically or mechanically (by throttle valve cable). The throttle valve cable will be attached to the throttle plate shaft and go to the trans. There would therefore be two cables, one for throttle and one for transmission. Check to see if this cable is attached and appears to be working correctly since the mounting can fail. An out of adjustment cable will cause your problem and burn up the trans if not repaired quickly. If you don't have the second cable then the trans will likely be controlled electronically.

If you cannot see anything wrong then take the car to a good trans shop that is recommended by your friends and get an estimate. It will be free. If you have a problem that needs the trans to be re-built then get estimates from 2 other sources too.

Hope this helps.

outatimejm · 01-23-2008, 10:59 AM

Thank you. I will check this. Hopefully, that is all that is wrong. I really do enjoy the car.

outatimejm · 01-24-2008, 04:08 PM

No dice. I checked both the throttle cable and the kick down. Both looked to be ok. I am at a loss to what is wrong. I guess I will have to take it to a mechanic. Please, leave any other information that you might have. I will be taking the car in next week.

ABE · 01-26-2008, 03:00 PM

OK, so the TV cable is good at the throttle plate, but did you check where the TV cable attaches to the trans? And that the cable is not broken.

Reaman · 03-05-2008, 11:33 AM

Okay I have a 94 ford escort LX Automatic and it had been doing fine wit no problems.Just about 3 weeks ago it hasn't been wanting to move very fast in first Gear like something is holding it back.So the only way it doesnt do it is if I drop it into Low Gear from a dead stop but once you slow down again it seems to come back sometimes.I just got a Tranny Flush and it seemed as if everything was fine but two days later it started doing it again...It really doesn't seem like it would be the transmission cause it does good most the time but if there is anybody out there that could maybe tell me something else to try i would luv that....

PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP ME
THANK YOU