I have a 1999 contour, 4 cyl, auto transmission.

Last night we replaced the starter. In the meantime the young man that was helping us figure out what was wrong, did something to the car, and now the transmission is jerking. He said something about a netural switch, and tried to test it, and I am wondering that is what is causing it to jerk.

After we got the starter in, we drove the car, and everytime the transmission shifts into the next gear, it jerks pretty hard. Also the speedometer isnt working.

I am assuming that somehow, wires got disconected, but I have no idea where to find these wires.

Hope someone can help me.

Thanks JR

 

What you suspect is entirely possible, but if he disconnected the battery at the time of starter replacement it is also possible the computer needs to relearn a new driving strategy. If after a few trips it doesn't improve then you might have him come back and recheck his work.

 

It is possible that he disconnected the Vehicle Speed Sensor also. That will keep the speedometer from working and will not allow the PCM to know when to shift the vehicle. Here is a picture of the wiring. Look at B11 C822 below.

 

We bought a speed sensor, and put it on. It solved the problem. Thanks so much!

We found the wire on the speed sensor, and it looked as if it got messed up pretty bad when they replaced the starter. It was old to begin with, so I am sure it needed to be replaced anyway.

The car has over 223.000 miles on it. It still drives almost like a new car. Has awsome power! Nothing has been replaced, so the starter and the speed sensor was probably ready to go!

Thanks, JR

 

Thanks for the fix post. Now we can go get a cold drink. Good job staying with the problem.