hello, iam new to this site and need help diagnosing my escort. Its a 94 escort LX (auto trans) 1.9. it worked fine when i got it besides the starter wasnt cranking from the start position on the ignition so i had to cross terminals at the solenoid and install a switch. now when i go to take off in the morning after warming it up it doesnt want to shift out of first gear until im goin about 35 mph and the engine is revving very high. also at times the transmission doesnt have any output at all. What i mean by that is it will act like its in neutral while in drive then grab intermittently. I have no idea why this is happening but my best guess is a shift solenoid or something along those lines. Im hoping its not the trans and that its just something simple to replace. Please help.

 

Take it from someone who has owned many, many Escorts. This is done. The 4EAT trans is really a pain to overhaul, and most likely this has a pump problem (which was common on these). The pressure regulator valve in the trans would either max line pressures, or have very little pressure. There is a shift kit that fixes a bunch of problems with these transmssions, including this, but it's done with a overhaul. Most likely, if the oil level is OK (do check it; these trannys used to leak from everywhere), it's going to need an overhaul to repair the problem. These had a lot of problems with the 3-4 clutch burning up, leaving only first and second, also. The shift kit will help that problem also.
I'm sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but it doesn't sound good. Wish I could rebuild it for you, as many transmission shops won't touch these.
Good luck!

 

the oil level actually looks good... it works pretty fine when its cold...but it doenst have a working radiator fan and when it goes to the "L" on normal on the temp gauge it starts to slip and not shift well...either way as soon as i turn it on it doenst want to come out of first. my buddy told me to do a complete oil change on the trans and switch out the filter..do you think that will work..using amzoil and lucas treatment? i know absolutely nothing when it comes to auto trans.

 

What about fixing the radiator fan first? A transmission service with filter change should be less than $100. That's how much you can loose if it doesn't solve the problem. How much is a transmission replacement?
Really, if you want to keep the car for any appreciable time, get that radiator fan fixed. Heat kills transmission fluid. Bad fluid kills the transmission. So get the transmission service too. Only then you will know...
Just my 2 Cents.

 

Ok, I may be wrong, but it sounds like this box is done. Try changing the oil and filter and see how long it moves. I hope it's for a long time.
However, it might just be the sludge that's holding it together.
Let us know.

 

i added a bottle of lucas transmission fix...it says it stops slip and renews old fluid...it made a big difference but still slipped from time to time...i got another bottle tonight and put half in..it seems its a lot better than it was when i first posted...its all i can afford to do right now but im going to flush the fluid and change the filter asap..what do u think?

 

I'm glad to hear there was some improvement. I don't think any other work will be needed, as the slipping that happens 'from time to time' will probably require rebuilding to cure. You could give it a whirl. At least it'll be clean for the rebuilder.

 

94: the lucas stuff is good but it cannot make old fluid new again. The old fluid contains stuff that has rubbed off the bands, clutches and gears. some of that gets caught by the filter. The fluid also experiences deterioration by shearing the molecules, as a result viscosity drops and protection goes with that. The treatment added friction modifiers and some higher viscosity base fluid. That is the extend of "renewing the fluid". You still slosh the dirt around.
Another thing is the filter. As the element gets clogged with that dirt the resistance increases which could also affect the shifting and slipping.

Look around for prices and coupons and get that transmission serviced. And find out how much it would take to get that radiator fan fixed. You could look for one at a junk yard.

Or consider what that car does to your life. Obviously, it is a real drag on your cash. Can you do without a car? If you can, do it. It will free up your mind and money for things that are more important: flowers for the girlfriend!

 

I don't often say this; but, I Told You So. Of course this cars 2-4 band and 3-4 clutch are laying the bottom of the trans pan, that's why it slips. Once it starts, no Magic in the Can is going to fix it.
I'm glad it's doing better, but unless this root problem is permanently repaired, it'll get worst.
And since the point had been made before, you might wish to get the radiator fan fixed. If the motor is OK, I'll bet one of the 3 relays behince the airbox is bad.
Just seen it before. More then once.

mark

 

The trans fix worked for the time being...and when i put a volt meter to the plug on the fan im only getting about .25v...im getting 11.67v @ the relay and it does click over when i test it...it just doesnt click when plugged in...im going to put in a switch (just like my starter) except its going to be a dual pole single throw switch. im going to get the trans serviced asap and as far as the flowers go im on top of it lol..i just need the car to get to work so i can afford the flowers...and ive been without a car for too long now. This car was dropped in my lap for free as long as i an get it to work and i did. thanks for alll the help so far i really appreciate it! the trans shifts now and doesnt slip at all anymore so i know its just the fluid. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!