Five problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1996 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was on the highway with my car and just as I exited, the car began jerking uncontrollably as I came to a stop light. Even with my foot on the brake the car would do this. The following day I couldn't even go to work and had one mechanic tell me it was the transmission and he could repair for $1600+(not incl tax). I took the car to another mechanic the following day and was basically told that this was common with the Taurus's and that the repair would cost $1901. 00 (tax incl). Apparently this is a common problem based on the complaints I have read. Ford should really address this. The problem specifically was:torque converter, neutral safety switch, overdrive piston, pump shaft, etc.
While driving about 55 mph on the highway and without prior warning vehicle shut down. Due to a broken torque converter.
0transmission goes into neutral when coming to a stop. The transmission was 'repaired' by metro auto repair service, 4633a auburn blvd. , sacramento, CA 95841, (916) 485-3240. This repair service stated in their work order: "transmission neutrals when coming to a stop. Remove for overhaul, found bad forward piston causing seal to bypass pressure. Also found forward clutch valve retainer broken, rebuild transmission replacing cluches, seals and gaskets also replace torque converter and refil fluid. " the total charges for this service was for "$1098. 25" (included "23. 36 sales tax"). On August 10, 2001, my wife noted the transmission would slip into neutral gear when coming to a stop; making very unsafe to operate the vehicle. This is the same transmission problem that we had experienced 15 months ago. Nhtsa service bulletin number 983112, describes the problem. I advised metro auto repair service of the NHTSA service bulletin; they acknowledged they were aware of it also.
Transmission began shifting in and out of neutral. Followed by hard shifts between 1st & 2nd gear and 2nd & 3rd gear. Returned to service center that rebuilt tranny in '99. They replaced shift solenoids and that corrected shifting. Shop foreman indicated tranny would still not lockout(torque converter would not lock out). He indicated this could cause overheating and premature failure of transmission. He could not get any trouble codes. Was able to disconnect computer and manually lockout torque converter. Went to Ford online service assistance and received a message stating that some computers for these transmissions had been flashed to not lock out and there should be a notice on the radiator stating so. There is no notice on the radiator. Suggested taking to dealer for re-flash of computer. Existing condition could potentially lead to additional transmission problems. If this is accurate this defect should be corrected by the manufacturer. This vehicle has had frequent temperature fluctuations also that may be related. The coolant requires twice yearly flush due to build up of rust.
Torque converter failed without warning or apparent cause.