Contents
2001 Lincoln Town Car Transmission Won’t Shift Past 3rd Gear
Symptoms
- The transmission will not shift out of 3rd gear.
- The transmission may slip or shudder when shifting into 3rd gear.
- The transmission may make a whining or grinding noise when shifting into 3rd gear.
Causes
- Faulty shift solenoid
- Faulty transmission control module (TCM)
- Low transmission fluid
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Clogged transmission filter
- Damaged transmission gears
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of the problem, the following steps should be performed:
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition.
- Scan the TCM for trouble codes.
- Inspect the shift solenoid and wiring.
- Inspect the transmission filter and pan for debris.
- Perform a transmission pressure test.
Repair
The repair for the problem will depend on the cause of the problem. Some common repairs include:
- Replacing the shift solenoid
- Replacing the TCM
- Adding transmission fluid
- Changing the transmission fluid
- Replacing the transmission filter
- Rebuilding or replacing the transmission
Cost of Repair
The cost of repairing a 2001 Lincoln Town Car transmission that won’t shift past 3rd gear will vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, the average cost of repair is between $1,000 and $3,000.
Prevention
To prevent the transmission from having problems, the following should be done:
- Check the transmission fluid level and condition regularly.
- Have the transmission serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Avoid driving the vehicle in harsh conditions.
- If the transmission starts to slip or shudder, stop driving the vehicle and have it inspected by a mechanic.
