Transmission problems

[Chubbs765]

So today I've noticed that my car is shifting rather sloppily, it's not very responsive at all. When I try to get on it, it seems like there is a slight delay and the transmission light will flash 3 times then go away. The car has 54,000 miles so I really hope it's not a bad transmission. Solenoids maybe?

 

[Shredicus]

I think there should be a "Transmission Troubleshooting" sticky imo; this type of thread seems to come up a lot. First of all:

1.) Year
2.) Does it still have factory Mercon V?
3.) Has any transmission work been done on it in the past?
4.) During which shifts or driving conditions are the problems most noticeable?
9.)These transmission do not go "bad" unless you run it dry and it chews itself apart. There are several weakpoints that if corrected will return this transmission to perfect driveability listed here
8.) Have you tried unhooking the battery overnight and seeing if clearing the adaptive driving memory helps?
.7) So uh... what are you doing tonight?

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Pull codes for the blinking light.

 

[LS4me]

...... the transmission light will flash 3 times then go away.

What transmission light?

 

[joegr]

What transmission light?

Exactly. If he's talking about the check engine light, then flashing would indicate a misfire. The misfire would have to be corrected before trying to diagnose any possible transmission problems.
If he does have a transmission or O/D off light, then his is a very different LS than any I have seen.

 

[pagluy]

He might not have transmission problems at all. It could just be bad coils, which can definitely make it feel like your transmission is pooping the bed. In my experience anyway.

 

[Chubbs765]

It's a 2003. V8. No transmission issues in past. Everything original from factory. But yes my bad it is the check engine light. Flashes usually when I get on it. Feels rather sluggish

 

[joegr]

It's a 2003. V8. No transmission issues in past. Everything original from factory. But yes my bad it is the check engine light. Flashes usually when I get on it. Feels rather sluggish

Flashing check engine light = misfires. There are no exceptions.

You have one or more bad coils. If you have less than 100K miles, then Ford/Lincoln will find them and replace them (along with spark plug) for free. If you are over 100K, then you should replace all the coils and spark plugs. If you find oil in any of the wells, then you'll need to replace the VCGs as well. (Note that since this is an 03, if you have less then 100K miles, they will also replace any internally leaking VCGs at no charge.)

You almost certainly don't actually have any transmission problem.

 

[91300zx]

Flashing check engine light = misfires. There are no exceptions.

You have one or more bad coils. If you have less than 100K miles, then Ford/Lincoln will find them and replace them (along with spark plug) for free. If you are over 100K, then you should replace all the coils and spark plugs. If you find oil in any of the wells, then you'll need to replace the VCGs as well. (Note that since this is an 03, if you have less then 100K miles, they will also replace any internally leaking VCGs at no charge.)

You almost certainly don't actually have any transmission problem.

Might be a dumb questions but, assuming you bought the car new with warranty ford will replace that stuff? Or am I lucky enough to bring my car I purchased from a used dealer?