Q: Car won't shift out of 2nd gear and is at 4000 rpm at 25 mph. Hasn't had oil change in awhile and dirty trans fluid. 2002 Ford Taurus
Wondering whether the issue is a gone transmission or something else. Car was running ok yesterday and now today it won't shift past 2nd gear and is revving at 4000rpms going 25 mph. Other noticeable issues are the transmission fluid is dark and the oil definitely is over due for a change.
My car has 218000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Transmission Fluid Service | $140.08 - $502.73 | Get a Quote |
| Change Oil and Filter | $103.58 - $181.08 | Get a Quote |
| Gears slipping when accelerating Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi there - while you have lots of miles on your Taurus, it is a cheap investment to have a fluid/filter service and engine oil/filter service performed on your transmission. Should that not restore proper operation of the transmission, I recommend a transmission inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What is the trailer sway control system?
While not all models have the trailer sway control system (TSC), if yours does, it provides important controls and safeguards when towing a trailer behind your SUV. Here’s what you need to know about this system: The TSC system is...
Trunk not closing
Hello. First, please keep in mind that the trunk cannot be locked until the convertible top is completely up or down. This prevents any components from binding and becoming stuck or broken. Have a mechanic, such as our YourMechanic experts,...
Vehicle wobbling when driving
Hi there. If your vehicle feels like this while you drive then you either have worn out suspension struts or you may have a loose suspension part. A mechanic would typically start by checking to see if there are any...
Rattle by strut bar
Hi there. If you are hearing a rattle from the rear passenger side of the vehicle, then there may be a problem with the suspension. Rattling noises can often be caused by blown shocks, or worn/damaged suspension components, such as...
Fuse keeps popping in car
After looking at the wiring diagrams for your car, I cannot find any 30 amp fuses in the fuse box location you describe. I see all different sizes up to an 80 amp. Most big ones are 40 or 50...
Gear shift lever not shifting out of park
Hello, the first thing to check would be the operation of the stop lamp switch. When you press the brakes does the stop lamp illuminate? If they do, good that tells you that the switch is good. Now if it...
Engine shuts off suddenly
Hello. There may be a problem with the electrical system, which includes the battery, starter, and alternator. In addition to the starter relay that you just had replaced, it is possible that the starter itself needs to be replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement)....
Can a leaky CV axle seal ruin a CV axle?
The oil leak itself may not necessarily ruin the CV axle, however if the oil leak progresses to a point where the CV joint lacks the proper amount of oil to sufficiently lubricate it, the lack of lubrication can cause...
I have gray smoke coming out of my tailpipe but it's not heavy smoke and my car check engine light is orange my car shut off
You did not mention why the radiator was replaced but I think your engine was overheated causing the head gasket to go bad. This would cause the white smoke out of the tail pipe and an engine misfire and overheating...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-250
When When it comes to large, heavy-duty pickup trucks, the 2012 Ford F-250 only has two competitors – the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the Dodge Ram 2500/3500. Though the F-250 doesn’t outperform the Ram in the towing department, it certainly...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in the Country
Living Living in the country is a whole different way of living. You deal with rough and uneven roads, mud, snow, rain, and ice and you need a vehicle that can stand up to these kinds of conditions with ease....
The Best Used Cars to Buy That Can Be Towed Behind an RV
Summer Summer is a great time for a road trip, but often travelers like bringing all the conveniences of home along, in the form of an RV. Then they tow their car behind it – sometimes this practice is called...
Browse other content
Services
Maintenance
Cities