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Post by cobrala on Feb 1, 2006 18:02:49 GMT -5
Hello all. I own a '97 Ford Taurus LX & I've seen Venturi's help elsewhere and found this site through his sig. It has 118,000 miles on it and only recently it has begun to randomly blink the O/D OFF green light in the dash. Of course, I cannot engage O/D at that point. Twice the SES has come on, and turned off only a matter of minutes thereafter. However, I'm experiencing the blinking O/D OFF light much more frequently (every day). Shutting the car down, restarting ALWAYS 'resets' the problem, which I find odd. Anyways, I'm hoping you may know of some common issue w/the '97's or something someone could give me a heads-up on. I'm not knowledgeable about cars, but I learn pretty quickly so please, nobody assume I know what you mean, but don't worry about having to explain yourself twice either.  |
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Post by way2old on Feb 1, 2006 19:12:39 GMT -5
Welcome to the Forum. Glad you found us.
Ford had a problem for a while with the wires chafing in the steering column. usually they will blow a fuse when it rubs the metal. if yours is on the ground side it may cause the problem you describe. If you know anyone that has a scan toll that can access the codes, have the codes read and post back. I think the PCM will store the transmission codes along with the engine controls. Since you stated the SES light also came on, hace the codes read and post exactcode numbers and we will research it and offer you assistance.
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Post by cobrala on Feb 1, 2006 19:35:48 GMT -5
Welcome to the Forum. Glad you found us. Ford had a problem for a while with the wires chafing in the steering column. usually they will blow a fuse when it rubs the metal. if yours is on the ground side it may cause the problem you describe. If you know anyone that has a scan toll that can access the codes, have the codes read and post back. I think the PCM will store the transmission codes along with the engine controls. Since you stated the SES light also came on, hace the codes read and post exactcode numbers and we will research it and offer you assistance. Wait a tick: maybe it was YOUR sig because I recognise that fish picture in your sig here. I will go to an AutoZone. I've been wanting an OBD-II Tool for a long time now and never felt like spending the money. Any arguments for buying something of great value wouldn't be a bad thing for me either. When you talk about Engine Codes and PCM Codes, does that mean whomever needs to read codes from two different interfaces? I've also read people talk online about pulling codes from the transmission (which was news to me) directly. Thanks for responding so quickly! |
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Post by cobrala on Feb 1, 2006 21:14:37 GMT -5
I got back from AutoZone and their Actron scan tool cites P0761 which their receipt defines as:
"The PCM has determined that the voltage signal from shift solenoid "C" indicates inadequate performance or a "stuck off" condition."
OK, so what as the recommended next-step I should take?
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Post by way2old on Feb 2, 2006 8:10:14 GMT -5
P0761 in the Ford manual states the solenoid has a mechanical or hydraulic failure. It states to check all the wiring going to the transaxle. There should be a pink/black wire that controls the solenoid. Make sure it is in good shape from the PCM to the transaxle It goes to pin 53 in the PCM. It goes into the transaxle on pin 8 of the wiring connector. If wire is good, most likely problem is solenoid and it needs replaced. It is a DIY project, but fairly messy. You need to drop the trans pan and find sonething to hold all the fluid, about 6 quarts will drain. Then you will see the solenoids attached to the bottom of transaxle. Unplud, unbolt and replace. I am fairly certain the solenoids come as one piece, all 3 are in same piece. Good luck and let us know.
Oh, by the way, it is a FROG, not a fish!! ;D
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Post by cobrala on Feb 2, 2006 23:24:58 GMT -5
P0761 in the Ford manual states the solenoid has a mechanical or hydraulic failure. It states to check all the wiring going to the transaxle. There should be a pink/black wire that controls the solenoid. Make sure it is in good shape from the PCM to the transaxle It goes to pin 53 in the PCM. It goes into the transaxle on pin 8 of the wiring connector. If wire is good, most likely problem is solenoid and it needs replaced. It is a DIY project, but fairly messy. You need to drop the trans pan and find sonething to hold all the fluid, about 6 quarts will drain. Then you will see the solenoids attached to the bottom of transaxle. Unplud, unbolt and replace. I am fairly certain the solenoids come as one piece, all 3 are in same piece. Good luck and let us know. Oh, by the way, it is a FROG, not a fish!! ;D How much are these official manufacturer manuals and how do I get one? I have seen a tranny pan get pulled and yeah, that IS messy. So if "all 3" are in a single unit, do I infer that a 4-spd. transmission has 3 solenoids for 1-2, 2-3, and 3-4? Therefore any automatic has 1 less solenoid than gears? I really appreciate you looking this information up in that Ford manual. I assume I'm going to be visually-inspecting the wire for no cuts, knicks or kinks? Frog...Fish... I thought you Venturi originally... I'll get all my cards lined up nice and straight soon I hope... |
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Post by way2old on Feb 3, 2006 8:01:06 GMT -5
Go to ebay and enter ford repair dvd in search block. You can buy them outright really cheap. Most of them can be bought for 20$ or less. If you start bidding on them, you will pay more. I bid on 4 dvd's and they sold for 200$. Bought the same dvd's for 97$ on the buy it now link. The solenoids vary dependant on vehicle. The PCM will apply or release the solenoid depending on the gear chosen. either one is on or off, the other one is on or off, all are on. Varies. It gets rather confusing. If I get time today, I will post the application chart if that will help you any.
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Post by way2old on Feb 3, 2006 15:24:44 GMT -5
After looking in the manual a little more, the solenoids are not in the pan. They are in the square side cover. I haven't tried to remover one while in the vehicle yet so I can't tell you if it can be done. You would need to look closely on the drivers side to see if there is clearance to remove the side pan. It looks like the solenoids are separate in the picture. I am trying to find one to post so I hope I can for you. The solenoids are on the right. I can not find which solenoid is which though.  Here is the wiring for the solenoids in the transaxle  |
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Post by cobrala on Feb 4, 2006 15:43:59 GMT -5
OK, so I will look & see if it appears to be accessible or not.
These DVD Manuals: they include transmission information as well?
The car is now exhibiting random split-second hesitations under heavy throttle in at least 2nd and 3rd gears - have not noticed in 1st (yet). Does this symptom indicate anything further or new to you guys?
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Post by way2old on Feb 4, 2006 16:57:38 GMT -5
The manuals are all inclusive. Workshop, electrical, and emissions manuals on one.
I hate to say it, but all the Tauruses I have seen that develops a problem in transaxle, usually means a rebuild is in the future. Check the Throttle Position Sensor, If it is not operting smoothly or out of range, it will cause shift problems.
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