Does anyone have a line on a good web site for transmission problem solving. I have a 92 merc sable 3.0 V6 automatic with a slipping transmission or transaxle. I keep getting quotes for $1600.00 and I don't like the sound of that. Can a novice make a repair or rebuild if he has good instructions? I have done such repairs as replacing timing belts and struts as well as ball joints and tierod ends. Or should I just buy a rebuilt trans and try to install it?
Have had no luck finding a site for repairs on Ford cars just gripe sites.

Northsea

 

I called my buddy who owns a tranny shop and he said that is the going rate for the taurus/sable tranny jobs.

Those trannys have always been a weak spot. He advises against a junkyard or used trans.....because they are junk too, or will be soon.

The transmission must come out the bottom, Meaning you have to suspend the engine, remove the subframe, Then unbolt the trans. Its a big job, but not too bad if you have a hoist.

 

I agree with the junk trannie part, for some reason Ford has made two auto transmissions for the Taurus since day one, one good, one a POS. Currently its the AX4N and the AX4S, the N is good, and S junk at 100K or less. Back in '92 its two other (earlier versions of the AX4N & AX4S?) transmissions with similar charactoristics. Unless its VARIFIED low mileage (not gonna happen on a '92) I wouldn't bother with a junk yard trannie from a Taurus.

My understanding is its easier to raise the car, unbolt the exhaust and sub frame and drop the entire engine, transmission & frame out the bottem of the car and then work on it, I'll also admit I've never done it - yet.

 

northsea- Not a do it yourself job. Most home mechanics don't have the proper tools or a lift. And, the trans does come out the bottom of the car, and you need a special support for the engine. Rebuilding a front wheel drive auto is not for the novice! This is one time I'd pony up the cash and just get it done, if the rest of the car is worth spending the money on! Besides, you take it to the shop and a few days later it's all done, and you are not cut, sore, or greasy, just $1600 lighter.

 

Is there a chance the trans slipping and not going into gear could be something other than a full trans rebuild or replacement?

 

Nope, its gone. Ford could have saved about 40-50% of its AXOD failures by utilizing steel pistons inside the forward drum as opposed to the aluminum ones they used - that crack and break off due to being weaker and also the expansion/contraction characteristics associated with aluminum. Would have cost Ford 11 dollars per transmission. The poor lubrication associated with 92 and later Taurii (done for performance reasons - hah!) can at least be corrected somewhat with a auxilliary tranny cooler.

1600 is a pretty good number for a rebuild. Removal plus reinstallation...nice. I'd recommend just taking the 1600 and putting it towards a new vehicle. If you have the Taurus because you have a family...look for a full-size like a Crown Victoria. 91 and later had 4.6's. 92 or 93 I think they got 4R70W transmissions (before that it was AODE I believe). Either way the Crown Vic shouldn't give you problems if it were maintained, and if it does give you a problem AT LEAST IT IS WORTH FIXING.

If you had the Taurus..just for some odd reason, then go get a Truck. Around here I've seen Bronco's selling for 2 grand. And the thing was in good condition (Hardly any rust, paint still shiny)!

I was getting 2100 dollar estimates for the rebuild process....