1997 Ford Taurus 3.0 with 83,000.AutoTrans. slips in first when cold, fine when warmed up. What is the fix?

Answer 1

they make an additive called seafoam transmission treatment.this is super stuff i've used it before.sounds like maybe u have a valve in the valvebody sticking.seafoam will loosen it up.

Answer 2

Torque converter is draining down, and when its cold the fluid takes longer to start flowing causing the problem. I would take your car in and have the transmission flushed, there's a system out that circulates cleaning detergent through and completely removes the old tranny fluid and replaces it automatically. Its a pretty cool system but it will really help revive an older transmission. I've had the service done on my Jeep and you can actually tell a difference in transmission performance after the service. It costs me $85 every 55,000 miles to have the service done, but its a lot cheaper than $3,000 for a new transmission.

Answer 3

They have a process that will replace 100% of the fluid, I would spend the money on that first. If that doesn't produce the results you want then it is time for an assessment from a shop that does have transmission mechanics, not the guy on the corner who says oh ya I can fix that.
Stay away from chain places and go to the neighborhood guy, like me he will do you right.

Answer 4

the fluid has to travel back and forth in the tranny to shift gears. when the fluid is warm it's thinner ( viscosity ). it also goes through a filter . I've always had my trans fluid and filter changed every 25,000 miles . only took one new tranny in my life to learn that lesson. It' cheaper to service it than replace it.

Answer 5

Start with a service, if that doesn't work you might be looking at a rebuild. Go to a reputable shop, not a chain, they'll drive it and tell you it needs a rebuild.