Clunking sound emanating from engine compartment. Took in for oil change, was told that the engine cradle ( sub-frame ) was dangerously rotted out. Cradle replaced with one without rot.
1997 Ford Taurus: harsh or hard shifting
11 of the 768 complaints about the 1997 Ford Taurus describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 40 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
Transmission goes into a neutral position while gear is in drive. When this happens, vehicle has no power, then it drops out of neutral and engages. It acts as though vehicle is revving and slamming into gear. Ford mechanic said that problem ia a cracked forward clutch piston.
The transmission shifts up and down when you maintain a steady speed of approx. 60 miles an hour. The whole car jerks when this happens. It feels like the power to the car turns off it is such a hard shift. I reported this problem at 32,000 miles to jim skinner ford. They said that there is nothing wrong with it, "taurus's do that". It also jerks really hard when I shift from park to drive but they said this is normal also. Periodically, when you come to a stop it surges forward.
Vehicle slips into neutral when at a stop position. While vehicle was under warranty dealer said this was normal. Valve body has been replaced, problem has not reoccurred, although there is rough shifting. *ak
When applying the gas and going down hill, transmission makes a jerk forward and a loud clunking noise. The clunking and jerking has become progressively worse. Dealer has seen the vehicle, but does not know how to correct it. *ak
While driving driver heard a clunking noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. After pulling the vehicle to the side of the road, owner saw that the rear end suspension had fallen. Vehicle was towed to a body shop first, and later to the ford dealership for repairs. *ak
Trans failed to engage at stop-then slammed into gear. Vehicle then stopped when going 40-slammed into gear again.
Subframe mounts were loose and damaged, causing the vehicle to make a clunking noise over the last three months. Dealer replaced the mounts on may 19, 1999.
Fails to shift into 2nd or sometimes 3rd gear. Engine races in nuetral and car decelerates. Then very harsh shift into gear with tire noise and bang in transmission
While accelerating to 50 MPH vehicle locked up in second gear, causing shaking of vehicle and stalling. Vehicle also had previous clunking noise prior to transmission locking. Also dealers found no fault code.
While driving vehicle and making a right turn there seems to be excess pressure on left, causing clunking and popping noises. Owner is very concerned for safety. Dealer told owner that problem could not be corrected.
Service bulletins that may apply
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park with the vehicle parked on an incline
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes P0741 or P1744 stored...
- Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park
- Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position
- Brake shift interlock
- Some vehicles may exhibit a harsh 2-3 shift after installing a remanufactured automatic transaxle
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
- Risk
- The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Recall number 97V097000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator shows that the vehicle is in park.
- Risk
- Unintended and unexpected vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property damage.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
Recall number 96V166000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford Taurus harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
11 of 768 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Taurus (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2002.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
There are 2 recalls and 40 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford Taurus
Transmission failure 44Stalling 33Slipping 26Loss of power 24Engine failure 21Overheating 20Wipers 20Jerking 19Brake failure 17No deployment 15Check engine light 14Seat belt 13Grinding brakes 12Fuel pump 12Headlights 12Coil spring 11Fire or smoke 11Tire blowout 11Adaptive cruise 10Power steering loss 10Sudden acceleration 10Knocking 9ABS 8Won't shift 8Door locks 6Power windows 6Steering noise 6Hesitation 5Won't start 5
VIN decoder
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