1997 Ford Taurus Transmission Won’t Engage After Car Has Sat
Symptoms
When you try to shift your 1997 Ford Taurus into gear, the transmission does not engage. This can happen after the car has been sitting for a period of time, such as overnight or for several hours.
Causes
There are several possible causes for this problem, including:
- Low transmission fluid
- Dirty or contaminated transmission fluid
- Faulty transmission filter
- Damaged or worn transmission components
- Electrical problems
Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot this problem, you will need to:
- Check the transmission fluid level. The fluid should be at the “full” mark on the dipstick.
- Inspect the transmission fluid for any signs of contamination, such as dirt, metal shavings, or burnt fluid.
- Replace the transmission filter if it is dirty or contaminated.
- Have the transmission inspected by a qualified mechanic if you suspect that there is a problem with the transmission components.
- Check the electrical connections to the transmission. Make sure that all of the connections are clean and tight.
Repair
The repair for this problem will depend on the cause. If the problem is caused by low transmission fluid, you will need to add fluid to the transmission. If the problem is caused by dirty or contaminated transmission fluid, you will need to have the fluid flushed and replaced. If the problem is caused by a faulty transmission filter, you will need to replace the filter. If the problem is caused by damaged or worn transmission components, you will need to have the transmission rebuilt or replaced.
Conclusion
If your 1997 Ford Taurus transmission won’t engage after the car has sat, there are several possible causes. By following the troubleshooting steps in this article, you can identify the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs.
