Sticking transmission

[Donjordan]

I've got a sticking transmission on my 1999 Escort. I reallly don't know anything about auto transmissions, so I could use a little help and advice. The vehicle has over 268,000 miles on the tranny, and it's never been overhauled. I've never had a reason to. It shifts smother, up and down, with no apparant slipping. Gas mileage is in the mid 30's. It goes into gear normally. But, on very cold mornings after I leave the house and head down the street, the distance is far enough for it to go into overdrive. When I slow up to stop at the stop sign I find that the transmission is not coming out of overdrive, and the engine starts to bog down as if it were a stick shift. I can manually pull it out of O.D. and continue on as normal. It will do this for two or three stops, and then everything operattes normal for the rest of the day. I think I read somewhere that the transmission "Locks" in direct drive when it goes into O.D. It appeas that it is not unlocking on those occassions. Just a guess though, as I really don't know much about an automatic. Can anyone tell me what component pulls it out of O.D., or how that system works?

Don

[justin_jkj]

that is the exact reason i joined but mine does it all the time...someone help....

[phantom_smack]

It has an electronic solenoid that controls converter lock up.

Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid

The torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid is located on the valve body and is switched on and off by electrical signals from the PCM.

The TCC solenoid activates the TCC valve which controls lockup. When the TCC solenoid is off, lockup is prevented. Lockup is actuated when the TCC solenoid is on.

It doesnt list the solenoid seperately in the service manual but I have not checked with parts.

Does it have any codes cause it may be an electrical problem not a mechanical one.

I would flush the transmission fluid first.