Questions and Answers

Tracer Lazy 2-3 Shift Q. Dear Vince, Here is my situation: I have had this car for 2 years. It replaced another one I had just like it that was totaled by being hit while parked along a street. The shifting issue has existed since I obtained the car with 81,000 miles on it. It has always shifted differently from my previous car that was the same model, so that is my basis for believing there is a problem.

Under full acceleration, the car revs up to close to 5,000 RPMs before it will shift from 2nd-3rd if you don't let off of the gas. The 1st-2nd shift is fine, but the 2nd-3rd shift doesn't happen until 65 MPH. Another part of the problem is at highway speeds of 50-60 when you step on the gas for more power, the car will do a 4th-2nd shift, with the net affect being a lot of RPMs and no real forward momentum. As long as you don't step it down all the way the car is usable but not the way it should be.

The car will go on indefinitely with this problem, but I was curious if it sounds like a vacuum modulator or something that is adjustable or replaceable without removing the transmission. I have adjusted the downshift cable to have a little more slack already, and it improved things a little. Fluid is clean and at the right level. Are the shift points on this car controlled by the EEC-IV computer?

Your advice is appreciated,

1994 Mercury Tracer
1.9 Liter
Automatic Trans. (4 speed. w/lockup converter)
111,000 miles
Fuel Injected
No ABS
P/S and A/C, no Cruise Control
Rack and Pinion Steering

Thanks,
Brian

A. The electronic system controls transaxle shifting in forward speeds and controls torque converter lock-up through solenoid operated valves. When energized (ON), the solenoid valves actuate clutches and bands to control planetary gear shifting. Shift timing and torque converter lock-up are regulated by the ECU with programmed logic and in response to input sensors and switches to produce optimum driveability.

In this particular case I would have to look at the 2-3 shift solenoid. That is the most likely cause of the problem. There is a distinct possibility that the wires for the 2-3 shift solenoid are pinched inside the transmission. This was a common problem with this trans mission. However to check this you will need to take off the transmission pan and drop the transmission valve body. Not something I recommend as a DIY job since there are a lot of small springs and check balls that like to run away when it is opened.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA