1998 Ford Escort transmission problems

Filed May 18, 2006 · Body, Engine · FL

I have had near accidents relating to car fuel pump or transmission shops couldn't find any problems but the drivablity of my 98 escort zx2 cost me more money in problem solving, 1,500 plus in recent repairs including emergency and repeat repairs and faulty repairs. My fuel economy is 160 miles per tank to almost 200 miles. No one can seem to find the problem(s). Large thunking in rear trunk (scary)when im taking off and reaching a steady speed. Take the car to major ford dealerships, to no avail. Car doesn't always "go" from a complete stop in traffic,this has caused quite a scare as well. Thank you for helping and making note of my account. Debbie

Filed Sep 1, 2005 · Transmission · 91,500 miles · FL

The failure involves the interlock that keeps you from shifting out of park without applying the brake. My left rear turn signal bulb had burned out. I stopped the car, put it in park, and set the emergency brake, to get out and check the other turn signals. First I turned on the left side and verified that the left rear bulb wasn't working. Then I asked the passenger in the car to switch on the right signals. She leaned on the shift lever to try to reach the turn signal lever, and when she did, the car went into reverse. It moved back slowly since the emergency brake was on, so I jumped out of the way and got in and stopped it. Upon further investigation, I found this: that if the left rear turn signal bulb is bad, the shift interlock is released when you turn on the left turn signal, allowing the shift lever to be moved out of park without stepping on the brake first. When I put in the new bulb, the behavior did not happen anymore. I put the bad bulb back in, and it started doing it again. If I had not set the parking brake, I could have been run over. My concern is that this defect may exist in several model years on this vehicle and possibly other ford vehicles. This problem was on a 1998 ford escort sedan with automatic transmission.

Filed Jun 30, 2005 · Transmission · NY · fire

Dt: consumer stated the vehicle was parked in the garage when a fire started in the left front underneath the hood. The vehicle had been driven the previous night, and had been sitting for approximately 15 hours. The fire investigator determined the cause of fire was from the power control module.

Filed Feb 1, 2005 · Transmission · CT

While driving the gears on the vehicle change from drive to neutral on their own. Manufacturer will be contacted by owner.

Filed Jun 4, 2003 · Transmission · WA

While traveling on the highway transmission had a loud noise coming from the gear.

Filed Apr 10, 2003 · Transmission · 64,544 miles · TX

When the keys were in the ignition , the consumer was unable to the move gear shift lever from the park position.

Filed Mar 26, 2003 · Transmission · NH

The vehicles gear shift locked and couldn't be moved from park to drive. Manufacturer notified.

Filed Nov 4, 2002 · Transmission · VA

Vehicle has been in for service 5 times for transmission, still lurches in first, has heavy sideways vibration until vehicle hits highway speeds. Have been charged for repair while under warranty from first repair, ford motor company did not provide assistance. Dt

Filed Oct 31, 2002 · Transmission · 11,019 miles · CO

The vehicle was experiencing transmission failure. It would only move in reverse and would slip in all gears. It has been determined that transmission failure is due to modification consumer made to protect the transmission when in tow. Warranty repair is denied by the dealer.

Filed Oct 2, 2002 · Transmission · NJ

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