06 Escape 2wd V6
So today my neighbor was leaving CVS about 1 mile away she said she would go about 100 feet and it would stop moving and she said she heard a noise that sounded like a vacuum cleaner. Anyway she would shut it off or put it into park and then back into drive and go another 100 feet or so and it would repeat, took her 45 minutes to get home. She was able to back it into her garage almost when it once again failed to move so we ran over to help push it up hill and into the garage.

just a quick search I found these are prone to transmission problems. If it is a trans any idea what it would cost for a rebuilt unit? Can't do much until Monday.

BTW there is no check engine light or any warning lights on.

 

CEL doesn't necessarily have to be on for there to be stored codes, especially transmission codes.

 

I would check the fluid level in the transmission. A pump run low on fluid can make a pretty good imitation of a vacuum cleaner. As she cycled, the fluid could have drained back into the transmission for the pump to pick it up and apply pressure for a bit until it again sucked air.
If there was a 'code', the OD light would flash to indicate a code was present. The transmission will NOT store the code for later retrieval. You have to get it right now.
tom

 

I asked her if there was any fluid in her garage floor cause it's always parked there she said no. So if the fluid is low I guess it is escaping (hehe) into the cooling system via the cooler. I dunno.

 

Went and looked it over. She said she noticed the coolant tank was empty. I checked the trans fluid level and it was 1/2" or so above the cross hatch. I can't rule out coolant leaking into the trans via the cooler. I know by experimentation coolant and trans fluid mixed 50/50 may look a bit odd but they mix well enough to not be easily detected. Shifting through the gears and they all had delayed engagement. She's having it towed to a trans shop tomorrow, guess we will see what happens.
BTW I checked for external coolant leaks and didn't find anything obvious.

 

It will look like "strawberry milk".

 

not necessarily, I have replaced 2 transmissions because coolant leaked into the trans and until it was opened you couldn't tell. Plain water would be more obvious but coolant mixes pretty well, try mixing a 50/50 of coolant and water and trans fluid. You'll see what I mean.

 

Did you check the trans fluid level with the engine running? There is a valve that operates when the transmission is at temperature that may keep fluid in another area. At least I think it does. When the trans fluid is cold, the level will be higher than normal as the valve opens. When the fluid heats up, it closes the valve, and traps some fluid in a higher chamber {valve body cavity?} so the level will be lower on the stick.
tom

 

I checked it cold engine idling after shifting through all the gears. All of which had a delayed engagement. I checked alldata and it basically said check idling in park. I guess she towed it to a trans shop here nearby and they told her you need a transmission (duh). She asked if it had anything to do with the coolant being low and the guy said oh... I didn't check that. Now I'm reminded why I don't let anybody work on my stuff.

 

So heres the new question, what is a 06 Escape V6 fwd XLT w/ 90k worth with a blown tranny? She might just pick up a beater for a few months and is interested in selling it.

 

Ballpark, subtract the full RETAIL cost of replacing the transmission, or having it rebuilt. Then add in a 'inconvenience factor', as in someone has to find a reputable repair shop, have it towed there, pay for the tow, be 'out of a vehicle' for as long as the repair takes, deal with the repair if it doesn't come back quite right, and only then get to use the vehicle...
My opinion is that if the repair would be $2k, for example, I'd want to take $3k off the expected price, maybe more. I would expect to get about $1k for my troubles, and if you really break it down, it might not even be that much. There are several hassles of timing, getting a ride here and back, arranging drop off and pickup, and a trip to the DMV.
If it were mine, I'd look in a boneyard for a used transmission with a guarantee, and install it myself, or have it installed. That is if I were unsure about keeping the car. Might even do that if I were to keep it. Depends on the source, price, installation cost and condition of the replacement. It can be done without pulling the engine, but you have to be imaginative.
tom

p.s. I would also check that the solenoid that controls oil pressure internal to the transmission may be worth a check, as a failing solenoid could allow the 'apply' pressure to be too low, or to fluctuate. I haven't torn into one, but the 'shift feel' is determined by this solenoid, varying the pressure to get 'smooth' to 'firm' shift feel. Replacement does not require removal of the transmission if it were found faulty.

 

Well to end this she ended up getting it rebuilt to the tune of around $3k.