tranny or computer, or am i way off?

[unrealrok]

Hey, i was driving my dads car today tryin to see what he's been whining about. He has a 1998 ford taurus wagon. Anyway, whenever you stop the car, it shifts out of drive. You have to put it in reverse (you don't have to move at all) then put it into drive again. Why is this happening? The tranny doesn't slip at all at any time, but could it be a sensor of some sort?? Thanks in advance

[FanaticalKilla]

Its most likely the linkage popping out when your stopping. Try holding it in gear when you stop and see if that works.

[unrealrok]

ok, i'll go test that, but if thats it, how do i fix it?

[unrealrok]

well thats not it, unless i'm "holding it in gear" the wrong way....what exactly u mean by that i guess?

[Steve Matthys]

my guess it is something in the tranny. how is your tranny fluid doing?

[unrealrok]

tranny fluid is fine, i'm guessin it isn't a problem with the tranny goin, just on the fact that thats the only time that happens, it NEVER slips, and what actually happens its actually like its shifting into neutral when i stop

[Dr. Disque]

this is an incredibly common problem with the AX4S transmission, about 75% of AX4S's develop this problem. What is wrong is that the clutch piston warps and gets stuck, causing you to force it out with the shifter. Unfortunately the only remedy for this is a new or rebuilt transmission, you might as well upgrade to a AX4N transmission, which is superior to the AX4S.

[racerette]

Originally posted by Dr. Disque
about 75% of AX4S's develop this problem

And no recall?

[unrealrok]

ok, i have another piece to add to the puzzle....i've noticed that when the car is still cold that this happens much more frequently. The longer the car has been running, the less often it happens. I don't know what this means, if anything, but i figured i'd post it none the less

[Dr. Disque]

no, there's no recall because the problem occurs after the warantees expire and ford claims that it's a product of normal wear and tear and will not admit a design defect. It's better when the car gets warm because the piston gets better lubricated.