Scotty,
I have a 2003 Ford Taurus SES 3.0L DOHC Auto Trans w/212,687 mi. on it. The Trans. suddenly disengaged while in drive like I shifted into neutral. Won't engage in ANY other gear. No indications of slipping or noises. Always worked fine. Fluid clean looking, at right level and no burnt smell. Was told my transmission solenoid may have failed. A Trans Mech. said the the torque converter probably went out or drive train gears stripped out. I was quoted $2,400 to rebuild.
I'd really appreciate your friendly expert advise.
Thanks and have a blessed day!!!
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There's not much doubt the transmission in that car is toast, it is well beyond its life expectancy. (That model is known for weak transmissions.) To confirm you should seek a transmission expert that can do bidirectional testing with a professional-grade scan tool rather than guess. I would not put a lot of money into that thing.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Taurus/2003/
said the the torque converter probably went out or drive train gears stripped out.
stripping out gears would made an awful racket. You would know. And the pan would be full of shards.
Torque converter, unlikely. You would still get some movement not complete neutral. Unless it snapped a shaft or totally blew up inside, which again, you would know.
If the clutches were worn out, then your fluid would be black and sparkly.
The only remaining causes would be a failed computer or valve body.
A computer would most likely report a diagnostic failure (make sure somebody scanned it with really good professional tool)
solenoid failure would also likely be reported. So maybe a failed separator plate or check valve. Not out of the question with you mileage.
Chances are the transmission needs to come out anyway. DO NOT get a rebuild. Either replace the whole thing with a re-manufactured unit, or nothing.
It's up to you if that's worth it not. I'm not sure what is the reliability of those engines, but a 3.0L might still have life left in it.
