95 Escort won't pass first gear.

motor · 04-07-2009, 05:52 PM

I have read a bunch of threads on here about the same problem... has anyone had this fixed?

motor · 04-07-2009, 05:53 PM

i may try to change the vss if it is the most likely solution.

LastTudor · 04-07-2009, 06:19 PM

What are you talking about? Does it shift out of park into 1st? Is the shifter stuck in first? Does it go into Reverse or Neutral? Can you shift it into 2nd manually and will it engage 2nd?

motor · 04-07-2009, 06:33 PM

ya shifts out of park into first.... then thats it, won't engage 2nd. Was running fine (aside from the speedo and odometer not working).

oh ya... It's Automatic.

motor · 04-07-2009, 06:34 PM

reverse and neutral r fine.

plasticspaceman · 05-31-2009, 08:59 AM

I have read elsewhere online that the vehicle speed sensor can make this happen. Is your speedometer jumpy at all?

My car did this a few years ago, and I gave up on it (thinking the tranny was bad).

Let me know if you fix it.

--M

kinker · 09-01-2009, 05:20 PM

I have the same problem and am about to change the VSS.I am in the process of changing out my speed sensor on my 1993 escort I have the clip taken off but the darn thing seems frozen in place any one have any ideas on how to get the thing out of there ???

95FordEscortLX · 09-05-2009, 06:19 AM

I am having a similar problem that may be the beginning stages of this, Can somebody please explain to me what the VSS is and how the speed sensor works? Are sure it isn't just a transmission problem Motor?

Intuit · 09-10-2009, 10:27 PM

Try twising the speed sensor before and as you pull it out of there. Damned hard to get out, I know. Just have to be damned persistent. May be able to wedge a thick screwdriver beneath the clip and try prying it loose from opposite sides; possibly with someone on each side.

The speed sensor has both a mechanical gear, which drives the speedometer and an electronic component, which reports wheel speed data to the computer. Computer may use this information to determine shift points. No data, no shift.

If fixed and still no shift, the other possibilities that come to mind are damaged wiring (ugh) or bad transmission. (octuple-ugh)