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Automatic tranny help. 5th gear gone

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#21 ·
Stryker20000 said:
I took it to Wal*Mart until I noticed they never checked and filled ANY of my fluids even though I paid for it. Twice I complained about it to have it done. Plus I worked there for 3 1/2 years and got no where so I have a grudge with them still ^.^;
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Sam is turning over in his grave every time an "associate" is scared because they might be fired for having 2 minutes of accidental overtime. I've worked for a sub-contractor in Wal-Marts, and seen the new face of American labor. I even had a chance to meet some of the eastern Europeans and Asians who were brought over here illegally by some relative of a VP to do floor maintenance. Homeland Security busted up that ring in 2002- some of those people were being paid as little as $2 per day. I think white collar scum like that guy should've been fined $1 milllion per employee, and forced to pay restitution at government standard rates. Sadly, I think the taxpayers paid for the ticket home, and the illegal immigrants probably didn't get anything but empty promises.
 
Discussion starter · #24 ·
I just changed the fluid yesterday and noticed something thats scaring me because I think I overfilled it again. Alrighty, I drained out the old fluid, put in the new fluid and the container is about 3.78 liters. Well, I put in 2 about more liters from another container thats the same liter, 3.78. The first empty container I filled with the old fluid and it filled it to about 4 liters. So in total I put in about 6 liters of fluid inside of my transmission. Plus I am confused with the dip stick. Stupid question, could some one possibly post a picture as to what the proper fluid level should be on the dip stick? I always have problems reading it. So far the whole thing is covered lightly in the fluid.

Also, I drove about 80 miles on the car and the first 3 gears change pretty smoothly for an up shift, but downshift is harsh at times. 4th gear also lags a little bit before it changes. But, it changes at least

Last but not least. While I was under the car I tried to find the cables (I forgot what they are called) for the gears. Where are the located at?
 
#26 ·
Congrats.. you did a tranny filter the first time[thumb] Some people pay hundreds for the same thing- and probably the same level of experience sometimes too.

My crazy manual said there was supposed to be 7 quarts in there. That wouldn't be the first inconsistency I've found in the Helms manual. Sorry for the mis-info.

Dipstick? [scratch] [lol]
 
#28 · (Edited)
"My crazy manual said there was supposed to be 7 quarts in there."

There is, but it doesn't all come out when you drop the pan. A lot stays in the torque converter. In the old, old days, before FWD the torque converters had drain plugs and you could replace most all of the filter. A good manual typically will tell you the "total" capacity and the "refill" amount (the amount required to replace the fluid lost when the pan is dropped.) If memeory serves me right, my 1992 Explorer has a total capacity of about 7-8 quarts, but only takes around 4-5 when refilled after the pan is dropped.

Here's an link that discusses the difference, and how to replace it all without using an expensive "total exchange" machine:

http://www.carolinaclassictrucks.com/c-atf-steps.html
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
I have been noticing this in alot of manuels/instructions. It says to shift the gears to all that are available. To just normaly check the fluid level whenever I want to, do I have to do that or can I just usualy pop the hood and check it?
 
#30 ·
Check your owner's manual to be sure, but I'm positive that you should check the fluid with the car running in Park.

Penguin: I should've known that, I mean I know that, but I didn't think of it at the time. Thankfully the only auto I have in my family doesn't need a fluid or filter change at the moment- even though it sat for 2 years. It merely needs a few gallons of Febreeze and purple cleaner on the inside and a tie rod end.
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
I didnt want to make a new one so I will use this one again. Its about 1200 miles later and the car still has trouble getting innto 4th gear at times. It goes but it doesnt at times. When I drive in 4th gear the HP seems to just.... drop, dissapear. Its as if I am hauling something that is the same weight as the car is when the only thing I haul equals 30 pounds. Does any one have any ideas why? I changed my brakes recently so I was going to repack the bearings again to see if that helps, clean the routers and pads while im at it. Check the spark plugs to see if they are clean. I am also due for an oil change and will be doing it Wed or Thurs, im also going to clean the oil pan just to make sure. Does any one else know what could be causing this? I also changed the air filter about 3 weeks ago and that didnt help any.
 
#32 ·
^^^ You're all over the place now, shooting in the dark. Don't waste your time on any of these things.

I think that first you should determine positively whether the trans is slipping, or brakes dragging, or the engine simply running poorly. It may well be that it won't go into 4th because the PCM senses that there's not enough power available from the engine to warrant that. These are all speculations, but I do know for sure you have to answer this most basic question first before you have any possible chance of fixing this in your lifetime.
 
#33 ·
The automatic transmission has 4 gears and the 4th gear is the weakest so it's not surprising that it's slipping. Take it to a more reputable shop.

I just paid a performance shop to overhaul my automatic tranny, they didn't just rebuild it, they built it up to handle 200+whp for $2,200-10% for being AAA member $1980+Tax which includes Rays clutches (NASCAR), 2200RPM stall speed on the Torque converter (raised from 1700), and a recalibrated valve body!!! $2600 is a RIPOFF DO NOT PAY 2600!!!!
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
Its like.... maby 10,000 miles later, probably more and I got a questions. Also sorry for reviving this thread. 2nd gear is slipping REALLY bad lately. Also 4th gear is sluggish and 3rd is starting to do the same thing. I have a feeling its slugish due to the engine, so I was thinking. Does the spark plugs have anything to do with it possibly? I remember reading that some plugs dont work worth crap on the Focus.
 
#35 ·
did you ever figure out how to properly read the tranny dipstick?

anyways... yes.. engine problems can at times seem like tranny problems...

how long has it been since youve done a basic tune up? (air filter, plugs, wires) I would suggest motorcraft double platinum plugs, ford racing wires, and any filter ( I prefer K&N)

what does 2nd gear feel like? does the motor free rev while your driving in 2nd?

also.. have you checked your fluid lately? a lot of times, those filter kits have junk pan gaskets and they tend to leak... so check your fluid...

i personally suggest replacing fluid/filter every 30,000miles and a lot of people suggest flushing instead of just replacing filter...

-AcId-

-EDIT-
considering your previous problems... I would strongly suggest taking it to a local dealer or shop and having the tranny flushed and filter replaced....
 
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Discussion starter · #36 ·
What would happen with 2nd is the engine will rev into the high RPMs and not shift. I have to let off the gas peddle entirly in order to help free up the tranny to let it shift. Also I just changed my oil about 500 miles ago and every time I do I replace the air filter, so basicaly every 5,000 miles I do that. I checked my fluid and its all normal. Looks like a nice cherry red to.

I would love to take it someplace to have the whole thing clushed, but I just recently got married so me and my wife literaly dont have money to freely spend. Instead its money to freely repay stuff :p
 
#38 ·
then that wouldnt be slipping... when the tranny slips.. the motor will slightly free rev and the car will not pull...

^^^
sounds like a shift solenoid sticking... a clogged filter or low fluid level would also do this

-AcId-
 
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#39 ·
Hey i have an ATX and i always thought that the o/d just made the gear chenge early to conserve gass and a 4speed was standard. B/c when i turn off the over drive or when the green light is on it would change at high 6 but with the o/d is on or green light off it would change at high 4, 5 depending on how i am accellerating. Was I wrong all these yrs????
 
Discussion starter · #40 ·
My car has 75,000 miles nearly and I put in some of that additive that helps the tranny from slipping. So far so good. But heres a question I have. Even before I put in the liquid my transmission started to act up again, maby a month ago. Well, I noticed that when I shift gears it makes a electrical buzzing sound before it gets into gear. It does that to all of the gears. Also I can hear a humming sound whenever I am in D gear or after I shift gears. Usually that humming starts after I drive for a bit and the car is warm, either driving or sitting still. I will most likely change my filter next week in case that fluid doesnt work. But so far its working.

So my questions... What is that buzzing and humming sounds from and is it bad? This car is a love hate relationship so far.
 
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Stryker20000
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