# 1996 Taurus Tranny problem? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford, taurus\ **Created:** [August 25, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-taurus-tranny-problem/35606 "2009-08-25T22:56:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Taurus3times](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@Taurus3times](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Taurus3times)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-taurus-tranny-problem/35606/1 "2009-08-25T22:56:23Z")
Hi all: I have a 1996 Taurus with a 3.0 liter V6, automatic transmission. This past weekend while driving 55 it felt like I had shifted into neutral and the RPMs went from 3K to over 4K. I pulled off the highway, came to a full stop. After a moment I tried to go again but the car stayed in 1st gear. I shut the car off, waited 15 minutes, started the car and drove away as if nothing happened. This morning the exact thing happened again. Car drove fine, shifting like a new car. Later, stopped to do an errand in town, came out, started car and it idled 10 minutes while I chatted with a friend. When I put the car in gear, again all I had was first gear. After the first episode I had a mechanic check for codes. The only code he found was an O2 sensor that he said seemed to be working well now. No other codes. I have had the check engine light come on once in a while, but goes away after 24 to 48 hours. Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![Gary123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c37758/32.png) [@Gary123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gary123)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2009, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-taurus-tranny-problem/35606/2 "2009-08-25T23:14:17Z")
Your problem may be due to a cracked front clutch piston … a major (and common) Ford transmission problem. ---
**Author:** ![transman618](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/transman618/32/24_2.png) [@transman618](https://community.cartalk.com/u/transman618)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-taurus-tranny-problem/35606/3 "2009-08-26T01:11:33Z")
You’ve got a pressure issue somewhere. It would be nice to know whether the computer is commanding a second gear shift when you say its stuck in first. Sorry, but it sounds like you might have to let a trans shop look at it. Taurus transmissions, like yours are prone to problems. Dont be surprised if overhaul is recommended. 13 years is pretty good for a Taurus trans. transman ---
**Author:** ![Taurus3times](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@Taurus3times](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Taurus3times)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2009, 3:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-taurus-tranny-problem/35606/4 "2009-08-26T03:18:51Z")
I think you are probably right. I did a filter change tonight, no change, still won’t shift out of first gear. Was hoping for a clogged filter. Actually everything looked very good. Only minor shavings. Read somewhere about the possibility of it being the vss. Might give that a try before heading to the tranny shop. ---
**Author:** ![Taurus3times](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@Taurus3times](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Taurus3times)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2009, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-taurus-tranny-problem/35606/5 "2009-08-27T01:16:18Z")
Changed out the vss tonight, easier then I thought it would be (30 minutes). Happy to report she is shifting like a brand new car again!. Took it for a 40 mile drive with no problems. Keeping my fingers crossed for now because it has fooled me before. Thanks for the responses.