I also have a '92 ford taurus 3.0L w/ an automatic transmission that does not sem to shift correctly. when letting the car start off the line normally it feels like the vehicle is in 2nd gear. When started out in first gear by using the gear selecter on the stearing wheel the vihicle seems to accelerate much faster then normal. also noticeable the vehicle seems to hold on to first gear for far too long and then jerks from one gear to the next very thrustfully. what could be the problem and/or solution. p.s. i know this isn't the place to post this but where can i post things about my taurus in the future?

 

I would start by checking the fluid level and checking for poper operation of the selector.

Rockledge should be able to help, he's a Taurus owner.

 

My 94 3.8L developed the similar symptoms suddenly one day. No CEL, no codes.

Driving with my scan tool attached, set a code & caught the speed sensor's output signal acting out/hanging up, at about 30-35, which was one of the rough up & down shift points I was having.

Cruise control would also randomally drop out, or not engage at all sometimes.

So if some or all of these symptoms sound familar, suspect the speed sensor.

Replacement fixed pawpaw's Taurus right up.

Also if you havn't been changing the tranny fluid & filter on time as scheduled, I would opt for a full tranny fluid & filter change.

If you have a shop do this with a flush machine, SKIP the chemical flush. Just have them drop the pan, clean it out, cgange the filter, then pump in all new fluid with the machine.
In my area it'll cost an extra $25 or so, about $90-125, if the pan is dropped & filter & pan gasket is chnged.

You can do it yourself, by disconnecting the tranny return line & letting the tranny pump expell the old fluid, while you pour in the new, for about half that cost, if you like to turn your own wrenches & would like to spend 2 hours doing so.

I do it on my Taurus & Ranger rides & the shift difference is noticeable & worth it to me.

Any way, run this ride by your favorite autoparts store & have the computer scanned for trouble codes, to see if it's unhappy with the speed sensor.

The Advance Auto stores in my area use the Actron CP9145 scanner, which has cables that connect to the under hood diagnostic port, to pull the codes.

You can do it too, with a analog meter or test light. Just look up the proceedure in your repair manual or in the "Technical" thread atop this forums main page.

Let us know how it goes.