:confused: Here's our situation: Our car is fine after the 20 mph mark if we're on a level road - it's great on the freeway. Below 20 mph, we have a hard time making turns, especially left turns. The only way to get going after stopping at an intersection is by putting the car in D2. If we're at a red light, and the car is in drive, the car shakes and feels like a big bull that's rearing to go. And when we go up any incline, the car shakes like it's about to fall apart - although we're putting it in D2 even at very slight hills, which seems to be working. And right before the car hits 20, the rpms shoot up, then go back to normal - sounds like we're revving the car up while in neutral.

Does the transmission have to be replaced? Anything we can do? Is it okay that we're driving the car around? It still works - just have to keep changing the gears.

Thanks for any advice!

1. Check for any codes being thrown, by attaching a scanner. Autozone will do this for free.
2. Check the condition of the transmission fluid. Is it pink or somewhat brownish? Does it have a burnt smell? Is the fluid filled to the proper level?

If the transmission is throwing codes and the fluid is in poor shape, the transmission likely needs an overhaul. Automatic transmissions, with proper maintenance, should be able to go 150,000 miles. In the future, change the transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles and use Mobil 1 Synthetic Multi-Vehicle ATF, which meets Fords Mercon V requirement.