Just p/u a 2002 XLT Escape with 138k on it. Great shape in and out. Paid $2500.00 for it knowing it had trans problem. To start car, you have to manually place automatic shift lever in 1st or low for the car to drive properly and then upshift as the car picks up speed. If you put the car into drive, then the transmission slips. At 60 mph, if you step on gas pedal, it will downshift automactically and then shift back up by itself. If I have to replace the transmision, then fine, but if there is a much simpler fix, then I'm open to suggestions as to what to try or tell the repair shop.
(Our other car is an 1994 Explorer Limited with 209k on it still running great, but this will be a local car.)
Any help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated as I have read many great suggestions re the Escape on this site.
Wired Heart

 

check out some of the forums about the CD4E Transmission. Not many people have anything good to say about them. Good Luck I wish I had a clear cut answer for you. BananaBoat any ideas?????

 

I wonder what a simple trans fluid exchange would do. Sounds to far gone though.

 

As I said in my first post, I knew there was a tranny problem, but with the cost of the car being low, we felt that having a new tranny, worst case, would still be well worth buying as we know the owner. This was a leased company car that was well maintained. I will try fluid change first. Any ideas as to whether I should take it to a dealer or a trannsmission chain repair shop? Thanks for your replies.
Wired Heart

 

Sounds like it's complete toast at this point. The bigger question is how much are you willing to spend to get it in running condition? I'd look for a used tranny if I were to spend anymore money.

 

There are rebuilt transmissions available on ebay. Do a search for CD4E.

 

Thanks for the info. I had Auto Zone plug their scanner in they reported a P1744 code which is dealer only. I found it online being described as the "TORQUE CONVERTER STUCK IN THE OFF POSITION". Anyone have any thoughts on how to fix this? I will doing a complete FLUID FLUSH including the torque converter so Im hoping maybe this might solve the problem. NOT! with my luck, but I can hope. Anyway, thanks again. wired heart

 

Torque converter lock/unlock is controlled by the PCM using a solenoid. I suppose that the solenoid could be causing the code. Exchanging the fluid sounds like a good first step, though.