Transmission diagnosis help

[blinkskaterkc]

Hi Everyone–

I am driving a 2000 Ford Taurus. V6 3.0 liter engine with 160,000 miles on it. About two weeks ago there was one incident where I noticed the automatic

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[John B Kobberstad]

You need someone with the proper scanner to check it for transmission trouble codes. Inner tie rod ends are something you can do yourself with an inner tie rod tool you can try and borrow from your local parts store or purchase one at Harbor Freight for about $40. (I think that’s about what I paid for mine there). It will pay for itself the first time you use it by what you will save in labor cost. You will need a front end alignment though after the job is done. Alternator is another job that you can easily do. I would change the belt also unless it’s been changed recently.

[blinkskaterkc]

Thanks for the input johnbkobb. The transmission light is indeed flashing. I didn’t know the transmission light stored trouble codes too. Unfortunately, I don’t have a scanner to read the codes. My main concern is that I am currently looking for a new used car, but I would hate to spend the money on a new used car if my current car can be fixed for cheap. I mainly want to know if my transmission problem (given the symptoms) can really just be a dirty filter.

1) Is there a transmission trouble code for a dirty transmission fluid filter?

2) Did I already do too much damage to the transmission (probably worth just getting a new car)?

3) Is there any value to the car assuming it has a bad transmission (and needs an alternator and tie rods)?

Thanks,
Kurt

[college man]

it would help if you could get the codes read and post back. C8-)

[blinkskaterkc]

No can do. I would have to have it towed..

[EricTheCarGuy]

I would not consider transmission repair to be ‘cheep’ but the only way you’ll know what’s going on is to have the codes pulled and if you need to have it towed to do that then so be it, transmission diagnosis is not one of those things where we can say ‘replace part x and everything will be fine’, it just doesn’t work that way.

[dreamer2355]

You could also rent a code reader from an auto parts store….

[John B Kobberstad]

If the body and everything else is in good shape I would get these problems fixed and then you know exactly how the vehicle is. Buying a used vehicle is a craps shoot (like rolling the dice) unless you know something about the car you are looking to buy. Does it have service records? So you know what problems have been fixed in the past. When I go to look at a used vehicle I always take my Snap On MT2500 vehicle scanner with me to check all the systems to see if there any problems and ask for service records. If putting the new parts in will get you another 3-4 years use with a vehicle that isn’t rusted out I would go for the repairs. This is just my opinion though, others may not think so.

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