2001 Ford Escort ZX2. Automatic transmission. 120k miles.

I've had intermittent starting problems for the past 2 years, and was finally able to re-create the problem at my mechanic's shop. On Tuesday, they replaced the starter. Less than 100 yards from the shop, the transmission slipped out of gear while making a turn onto a highway entrance ramp.

It was after closing time for the shop, so we drove it home. No issues on the way home. This morning, it slips again. Now, this evening, the problem is obviously worse. I do expect to be able to limp it to the shop tomorrow.

My transmission fluid is clean and full, and a full transmission service was done about a year ago. No leaks visible.

* At speed, I am having no problems. Shift timing and feel is normal.
* It often slips out of gear while slowing to a stop, and going over a speed bump (regardless of how slowly) will guarantee it happens.
* If I am stopped and it is out of gear (while in "Drive"), slightly revving the engine pops it back in.

Is there any remote possibility that this will be something other than a major overhaul? Is it possible that my mechanic (and long-time friend, Ford master mechanic, and great guy) did something while replacing the starter to cause this problem? No fluids were changed or added during that service.

3/10/2010 8:31:24 PM

sounds like Torque converter is slipping. drop tranny and replace

3/11/2010 8:53:17 AM

If all they did was take out the old starter and put the new one in, then I highly doubt the mechanic had anything to do with the transmission slipping.

3/11/2010 9:53:44 AM

rather than create a new thread, what does it mean when third gear randomly pops out (5-speed)? it doesn't happen enough for me to care that much, and it doesn't happen in any other gear...145k on the saturn so far

3/11/2010 10:28:17 AM

3rd gear synchro is going out quag

3/19/2010 10:24:35 AM

All I read was this:

Quote :

"2001 Ford Escort ZX2. Automatic transmission. 120k miles"

I'd say very screwed.

3/19/2010 10:54:11 AM

Quote :

"3rd gear synchro is going out quag"

how expensive/easy is this to fix? should i even care?

3/19/2010 11:00:34 AM

Transmission repair is never cheap. I'm not familiar with the sl2's (I'm assuming or Ion/l300?) but replacing a synchro would easily be 500 upwards. As far as urgency to fix it... it's unsafe and up to you to decide when to do something about it. The car won't blow up by any means, but if you're ever in the situation when you need to accelerate and are in 3rd gear then it pops out...

3/19/2010 11:26:13 AM

^I wouldn't call it unsafe...I'd call it a pain in the ass. And it ain't cheap to fix because the transmission has to come out and be taken apart. I've done several, but I really don't see replacing a gear (NOT a syncro; it's the gear engagement teeth that are worn out) as financially justifiable unless you're planning on keeping the car for another 50k miles.

3/19/2010 12:43:43 PM