Hi,

Have 88 Ford Taurus with auto xmission. Xmission will go in reverse fine, but will not engage into drive unless the vehicle is going at or over 15 mph. Fluid level checks out fine. Any advice would be appreciated.

evaneric2

Sounds similar to the problem I had, are you sure your fluid levels are okay? I THOUGHT I had the correct fluid level, and indeed the dip stick showed it was full, and I even checked it while it was running, but it turns out I was still a bottle of transmission fluid short.

If its not your fluid level, then try changing it. Your fluid should be nice and red. Go down to an auto store, and buy a filter kit, and some fluid, and some oil soluble grease and try that. Or take it to a 10 minute oil change center and get it done there if your not comfortable.

Automatic transmissions have a filter that must eventually be cleaned or replaced. That means removing the pan on the bottom and replacing its gasket. Not a big job if you have a decent place to work. A dozen or more little bolts to take out. Be careful not to over tighten them or the pan will leak. Plan a change of fluid too.