Five problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1997 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Automatic transmission going out torque converter seal is leaking smokes because of transmission fluid leaking.
Experienced transmission hesitation while slowing down into a turn and rough transition ( banging) when reapplying acceleration coming out of the turn. Ford dealer reports after diagnostic and tear down that problem was in transmission forward clutches and torque convertor and needed replacement. Transmission only has 48500 miles and only 3 years old. Problem started about 46000 miles with only subtle rough transient shifting at first. Problem grew worse with banging and whole car vibration at times. Ford customer service center has been contacted and will contact service manager for a detailed explanation of what could have caused problem so that a decision can be reached for an out of warranty component financial assistance situation.
Vehicle failed to go forward after driving in reverse and has hard shift between 1st and 2nd gear frequently due to sliping torque converter failure. Yh.
The torque converter is going out the problem started around 35000 miles I did not take the car in because the previous Taurus did the same thing and I was told to drive it untill the transmission went out all the way. I did not know at the time that it was a torq converter problem or I would not have driven it. But the new Taurus is doing the same thing and I have had it at a couple of transmission shops and they tell me that it is the torq converter.
Transmision is going out. . . . . Torque convertor also failing.