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Hi,I own a 1993 Ford Fairmont (5.0L V8 Australia) with an automatic transmission. Last week it suddenly began having gear change issues. It would remain in 1st or 2nd until I lifted my foot from the accelerator and wont change into 4th. The torque converter still locks up ok in 3rd @ 80km/h and above. I've checked fluid levels and they are fine. On friday I had it put on the universal diagnostics machine at work (I work for a GM car dealership) and no fault code came up, prior to this I was leaning towards the TPS being a bit dicky. The other thing I've noticed is that the idle speed once the engine is warm is down to about 200-400 rpm. Probably a side point the starter motor solenoid seems to be on the way out as well, it doesn't always seem to thow out enough to catch the flywheel every time. It will miss maybe 5 times out of 10 and doesn't always release once the engine has started, but I think this would be a seperate issue.
Country: AustraliaMake: FordModel: FairmontYear: 1993Engine: 5.0L V8 SEFI Already Tried: transmission fluid level check. ran a diagnostic scan which came up with no error codes.
Hi, it's Glenn here, glad to have you as a JustAnswer customer. I'd like to help you with your question.You are probably correct, by the sound of the shift symptoms the TPS may be the fault, another item that could cause this is the speed sensor (speedo transducer), although lifting your foot off the accelerator helps it change plus the engine idle is down then the TPS is definitely a prime suspect. It's unusual that you didn't get a code though, I wonder if the scan tool that was used communicated with the car as generally only dedicated tools will communicate.It does sound like the starter is on it's way out - probably time for a new one.To rule out any internal transmission problems I need to know, when you take off that it shifts twice not once - for example it's not revving right out in 1st then when you back the throttle off it shifts to third missing second gear? (one shift)Also how many km's has it done?Cheers Glenn
Hi Glenn,
It's done around 360,000ks, which to my understanding isn't that huge for a v8, but I've found with fords (I've owned 2 previously) that once they hit the 300thou electrics and bolt-ons (waterpumps, a/c units, brake boosters etc.) begin to let the mechanical reliability down.
It may miss 2nd. I don't push it too redline, only about half way to 2500-3000 then just drop off the throttle and let it slide into which ever gear it decides to go into, which I assume is 3rd, by this time the vehicle is already travelling @ about 50-60ks so I assume the ECU is reading vehicle speed correctly.
I have it booked in with a transmission specialist who does a lot of work for the dealership and I'll see what he says about the internals of the transmission itself, just to cover my bases.
Any further thoughts?
If the transmission is the original then 360,000km's is getting to the worn out stage for that series of transmission.If it only has 1st and 3rd gear then the 2/4 band may be worn out or broken causing the symptoms that you have, that would account for no codes as well.If that was the case then you'll be up for a replacement or a recondition job.Once the transmission tech drives it he'll be able to tell which gears are missing and then you'll know whats going on with it for sure.Don't forget that if you have any more questions or you are unsure of what I mean in the information provided please ask for more clarification, I'm only too happy to work with you to achieve a good result. Remember even after clicking 'accept' we can continue the current conversation without further payment. Cheers Glenn.Glenn Bradley41015.0337957523
Experience: Ex Transmission Shop Owner, Driveline Specialist, 30+ years in the Australian Automotive Industry
Hi, just catching up with you on how things are going. If you need any further help with this matter please come back to me so we can continue the current conversation.Cheers Glenn
2nd and 4th have failed & the tech isn't keen on finding out exactly why. Suggested swapping a 2nd hand box straight in. I've done some hunting and found it's cheaper to do a full conversion from auto to manual anyway so I'm contemplating that route.
A friend of mine has also expressed interest in purchasing the vehicle from me as is for a project. Prior to the trans failing, we'd both discussed working on achieving 400hp from the small block & eventually converting to manual anyway.
Due to family circumstances changing, I'm also considering purchasing a 1993 Manual v6 NH Pajero to replace the falcon as my daily drive and family outings car. Do you know of any major issues these particular vehicles are prone too? I can't find anyone on the net that has a bad thing to say about them apart from normal things like heater hoses, 4x4 mode needing regular exercise & valve stem seals.
Thoughts?
Going to a manual would be a wise move if the engine will end up producing 400hp.As far as the Pajero's go they are a good vehicle, we don't get many questions here on JustAnswer about them which indicates their reliability, as you said there are the common things, just make sure the superselect lights aren't flashing as that's the most asked question on this site for that model series as most of them are road goers and see very little 4wd action. A flashing superselect is an indication of a 4wd selection issue and the computer flashes a light, also make sure all of the superselect lights work individually.Cheers Glenn