Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









Search Auto Parts

97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ???


  Email This Post



twotall4u99201
Novice

Jan 14, 2009, 7:48 PM

Post #1 of 6 (2942 views)
97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ??? Sign In

1997
Mercury
Tracer LS Wagon/Auto-Tran
2.0/L
152K miles

Just bought this car on 12/31/08 for under $2000 and i have read a lot (50+) of reviews and have found only one mention of the problem/situation im having. Its been an average of 20-35 degrees outside and when I put the car into O-Drive the transmission seems to have trouble finding the gear it wants to stay in. This only happens when im accelerating slowly or coasting at 5-15 mph and not quicker accelerations. Ive checked trany fluid and fuses and all seems fine. The transmission does not seem to "slip" in and out of gear. It just acts like the car is in an in between power range(unsure of proper term) and cant decide what gear it should be in. Im trying to find out if this is common to the model or is it a sign a bad things coming (loss of transmission)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 14, 2009, 8:48 PM

Post #2 of 6 (2940 views)
Re: 97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ??? Sign In

Is this to say if you select other than O = overdrive it behaves?

It might be the torque converter is locking up before it's time and not letting go. Not real sure what to check for that at the moment. Chances are this is a second trans for the car which doesn't mean too much either.

If all else is well I'd change out fluid for synthetic - just because and check on a TCC (torque converter clutch) switch that might be cheap and easy to try. See what others here have to suggest too,

T



twotall4u99201
Novice

Jan 14, 2009, 9:29 PM

Post #3 of 6 (2937 views)
Re: 97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ??? Sign In

In D (normal Drive) it still does it but only like 10% as bad. I should have mentioned that i noticed this the most when driving up the slight inclines of a hospitals parking garage at slow speeds. From 20mph+ and on the freeway it doen't do it at all not even a hint of it going up the steep grade that leaves the city i live in.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 15, 2009, 4:36 AM

Post #4 of 6 (2931 views)
Re: 97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ??? Sign In

Hard to say but since you just got this vehicle it could be normal for that vehicle. The whole reason for giving you a choice of drive and overdrive is to eliminate the torque converter from locking up which is capable of being more fuel efficient but can be annoying in certain conditions so you basically "opt out" if you will.

Most trans are designed NOT to attempt O.D. at lower speeds - perhaps this one is trying too early.

Hey - you just got it and if you plan to keep it I'd take this in for code reading (complete) and plan on a ton of periodic maint and checks so you know where you are with it in many areas,

T



twotall4u99201
Novice

Jan 15, 2009, 3:37 PM

Post #5 of 6 (2920 views)
Re: 97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ??? Sign In

Thanks for the info. Ive talked to a lot of other people yesturday and today that own late 90s Ford/Mercury cars and 90% say that getting a transmision flush and trany fluid change to synthetic oil helped alot with simular problems on their older (100k +) cars. That is my first step.

If anyone has had this problem, please still leave a reply with any info.

THANK YOU


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 15, 2009, 5:14 PM

Post #6 of 6 (2919 views)
Re: 97 Mercury Tracer Wagon Transmision ??? Sign In

I know this is going to seem "way out there", but you might want to check the fuel filter. If it's starving for gas, under accel from low speed, can cause eratic trans. shifting. The OD shoudn't have any effect below 40mph.
Loren
SW Washington






  Email This Post
 
 


Feed Button




Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap