1997 Ford Taurus: transmission slipping

Filed Jun 29, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 153,000 miles · FL

I purchased my 1997 ford taurus in february 2010, and shortly after experienced my odometer stopping and my power steering stopping at the same time. It usually happens if I drive the car longer than 30 minutes, or if I sit at a stop light to long. It also seems to happen at speeds of 40 MPH or higher. I also noticed that my transmission will slip, and I will find my car moving forward after stopping. I have gotten used to staying a good distance from cars so I have room to stop.

Filed May 10, 2011 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated the transmission slipped and the rpms increased while driving at various speeds. The contact performed a diagnostic test and the failure was located within the transmission head gasket and filter. The transmission head gasket and filter were replaced. The failure was not corrected. The transmission continued to slip and the rpms increased. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 136,000 and the current mileage was 137,777.

Filed Apr 28, 2008 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · AZ

I purchased my taurus in dec. 2004 needing new heads for the engine. Before I could drive it in the cold weather I had to let it idle for about 20 mins or it would slip and I would only be able to go 15mph. Mechanic took to transmission shop but they found nothing wrong. I didn't drive the car for six months at a time (2xs) and the transmission is slipping even more now. Motor mounts also need repaired since my engine is jerking back and forth when I press on the pedal. The front passenger tire feels like it wants to fall off when driving 70mph on the freeway. My daughter and I are moving from phx.,az to ft. Hood,texas to be with my brothers wife while he is in afghanistan. Do you think I can at least make it to texas without it stranding us. Because with all things aside that car has been through a lot with me. I love my ford! Plus I can't afford to buy another one so hopefully this one is going to hang in there.

Filed Aug 5, 2005 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · NV

I have a 1997 ford taurus lx. I was on my way to las vegas when the transmission began to slip and sometimes not work at all. I had to turn around and head home(in order to not get stranded in vegas) and on the way the transmission started to not work at all. I was forced to drive about 45 MPH the whole 3 hours back to my home on the highway. This was very dangerous. I have made numerous calls and everyone I have talked to have said that year taurus has been known to have transmission problems...why does ford not recall the transmission?

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission, Visibility · 44,200 miles · CO

Right rear window won't always close after opening. Transmission slips during low speed starts through intersection or parking lot. Feels like it is in neutral. Then when transmission engages, it suddenly lurches chirpping the tires.

Filed Jun 2, 2003 · Transmission · 84,900 miles · IL

Transmission failure,keeps slipping and shifting up and down while drivingat 65mph. It will shift down to second gear.

Filed Apr 1, 2003 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · PA

1997 taurus with 75000 miles, bought new. Transmission began slipping into neutral when coming to a stop. Then would either bang into gear when accelerating, or would have to place the car in park, turn off the engine, restart the engine, and place it in drive. Often all would be fine for 2-3 weeks, then the transmission would act up again. After three or four months of this the transmission began slipping when accelerating from a dead stop. There are no unusual noises, the transmission fluid is clean and full, and the transmission appears to shift fine once I get going. I called ford motor company and they have no recalls or known defects (of course). The dealer urged me not drive the car and bring it into the shop right away. He said it would likely cost between $1300 and $2600 to repair.

Filed Oct 29, 2002 · Transmission · AZ

While traveling on the highway without prior warning the vehicle transmission slips the dealership is aware of the problem., ts

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Transmission · IL

Transmission would intermittently slip from drive to neutral while driving. Dealer was notified, and unable to duplicate the problem. *ak

Filed Jan 2, 2002 · Transmission · KY

Bought the car used with about 20,000 miles on it. Had several sensors replaced fairly soon after that. Around 30k, reported several problems I was having while at a stop/starting from a stop. Dealer could never replicate. Eventually discovered that these problems were only ocurring when the car was warm...which it never was when the dealer tested it after it sitting on their lot for several hours. Problems started getting worse. Would slip into neutral at stops. Could shift car into neutral, gun it enough to get the RPM's over 2000, and then put into drive and it would catch. After the weather turned warm again, and it started doing it more, then the dealer could find what the problem was. Said I needed a rebuild or replacement. Drove it until my husband nagged me enough, and it was doing it constantly. Total cost now, through a transmission shop, not the dealership, is $1800. Still having some adjustments made. Still having more senor problems. The electric door locks started going up and down on their own a time or two.

Filed May 24, 2001 · Transmission · OH

97 v 097 000/automatic transmission: transmission slipping intermittently. Dealer was notified and informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN. *ak

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Transmission · IL

Transmission has been slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears for 3 months, now it jerks very hard and RPM's get very hi being stuck in first gear. Had to replace transmission.