1998 Ford Escort - Transmission Slipping

Suspect the transmission fluid, either quality or level. It may be too thin, in which case it needs changing. It may be insufficient, in which case, top-up.

cant remember what sort of ear linkage if cable then cables are sticking,

but i think the gear linkage is part of gear box, if the fault wasn't there before then i would suspect the linkage is stiff and not allowing full engagement of gears because baulking rings are not pushing gears together

Check to see if you have a plugged transmission filter.

Taz

Given you have problems "everywhere" I'm thinking low fluid level (check physical rather than rely on some sensor (possible?), and failing that and other as below (eg. poor fluid, blocked filter) some other reason for loss of hydraulic pressure in the control system. One possible "other" there is a failed (rear) bearing leading to wear on the seals that feed hydraulic fluid to the rotating gear box shaft/speed sensor (I am assuming your configuration is like this as at least some older model others are).

Oldtechnewtoys, I agree with your assessment on the seals hardening thus causing the symptoms described. I had an old mechanic tell me a technique he uses to soften/reconstitute the rubber seals is adding some brake fluid to the transmission fluid and then draining/replacing the fluid after the problem is corrected.

All the above are good things to check. But dont forget to check the drive shafts, especially if it is losing drive on left turns.

Check boots, remove boots and check brgs etc.

What you are describing appears to be common to all gear positions, one thing comes to mind, I believe your trans has an electronic pressure control soleniod. It is possible you may have an electrical problem between the computer(ECM) and the trans. Believe it or not sometimes these things correct themselves after being run awhile. Just don't abuse it and it just might correct itself.I know this sounds wierd , but I have seen this happen before, especially since there was no problem when you placed it into storage. I know you stated the fluid level was fine, but recheck it again. Hang in there!

The more I think about this problem more comes to mind. There is an electrical plug on the left side of the car comes from the ECM to the driver's side of the trans. When you make left turns the engine shifts slightly and you may be losing contact form the ECM at that plug in connector. Sometimes all it takes is to unplug the connector and replug it. The signal from and to the trans goes through this plug in connector. Also you might try to unplug and plug in the manual position switch connector on the top of the trans. it has the control cable connected to it.

Just for the record, you are talking about an automatic transmission and not a manual transmission.......?

I cannot imagine anything else with this problem, but I would just like to be 100% certain.

My bet, if the fluid level is correct and its the correct fluid in the first place!, is a worn pump. eg. The transmission probably needs to be rebuilt....

Yes i concur is it an automatic as i assumed it was manual.

if automatic then the brake bands are not working, First choice would be fluid, do you know your supposed to check it whilst in gear but be carefull not to rev itwhile your checking for obvious reasons.

it may be hydrulics are seized up the ones that operate the bands, strip and clean

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_transmission

http://www.rebuiltautotransmissions.com/troubleshooting.html

Ive just had a horrble thought is you transmission the CVT type?

which uses metal belts?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuously_variable_transmission

Dave brought up a good point. The fluid level should be checked with the engine running and in park. Sometimes the simple things escape our best intentions.

Take Aook At This Site it will show you everything

http://www.familycar.com/transmission.htm

Thanks to all for your advice.

Problem solved . OK now.

Guess what ... after dropping the pan to look see and change oil and filter., i discovered that the tech. who did the last trans. oil/filter change forgot to install the filter o.ring !

Sucking air on left turn because of oil starvation !

Funny thing is she ran ok for appox. one year before the symptoms started to occur.?

Go Figure ?