Did the P71 Cop Car Have Transmission Issues?
The Ford P71 Crown Victoria was a popular police car from the 1990s to the 2010s. It was known for its powerful V8 engine and sturdy construction. However, some P71s were plagued by transmission problems.
Early Models
The early P71s used a 4-speed automatic transmission that was prone to failure. The most common problem was a cracked transmission case. This could cause the transmission fluid to leak, which would lead to overheating and further damage.
In addition to the cracked case, the early P71 transmissions were also known for having problems with the torque converter and overdrive unit. These problems could cause the transmission to slip or hesitate, making it difficult to drive the car.
2003-2005 Models
In 2003, Ford redesigned the P71’s transmission. The new transmission was a 5-speed automatic with a revised torque converter and overdrive unit. These changes helped to reduce the number of transmission problems experienced by P71 owners.
However, the 2003-2005 P71s were still not immune to transmission problems. Some owners reported experiencing problems with the transmission slipping or hesitating, particularly when the car was under heavy load.
2006-Present Models
In 2006, Ford introduced a new 6-speed automatic transmission for the P71. This transmission was designed to be more durable and reliable than the previous transmissions. It also featured a new torque converter and overdrive unit that were designed to reduce slipping and hesitation.
The 6-speed transmission has proven to be much more reliable than the previous transmissions. However, some owners have still reported experiencing problems with the transmission slipping or hesitating, particularly when the car is under heavy load.
Conclusion
The P71 Crown Victoria has been a popular police car for many years. However, some P71s have been plagued by transmission problems. These problems have been most common in the early models, but they have also occurred in the newer models.
If you are considering purchasing a P71, it is important to be aware of the potential transmission problems. You should also have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy it.
