I have a 2003 Mecury Mountianeer, wondering if anyone has had a problem when you put the SUV in gear it does nothing??? I have had this happen a couple of times in both drive and reverse, usually taking it out of gear putting in drive and then back into gear does the trick, but the last time it happened in reverse and I had to go back and forth several times before it finally went into gear.........is it the transmission or is "something" slipping and not catching where its suppose to. I an vehicle dumb. So if anyone has any ideas or help I would appreciate it.
Thank You

 

check the electrical connector going to the transmission (can't remember which side it's on, but it may be difficult to get to since it's usually up on the top edge around one side of it. If you can get to it, make sure that it's securely connected. It could also be a gear shift position sensor getting worn out. But I have no clue if that's a serviceable part or even used on that vehicle. I would think so since the transmissions have been computer controlled since the early to mid 90's. It could just be gunk built up in the transmission causing it to not engage (lack of pressure). If the transmission has never been serviced, it sounds like you're overdue. You'll definitely need fluid and filter and if it's bad, you may need some hard parts too (pump, torque converter, etc). Straight fluid and filter change done at a trans shop should run you between $90 to $180 depending on filter cost and labor involved. A rebuild (involving soft parts - clutches) should only run around $350-500. Hard parts will increase it from there. Good example was a rebuild I had to do last year... trans needed the torque converter, pump, overdrive solenoid, clutches, bands, and filter and cost about $1800 if I remember right. But the car ran great until it blew the head (bad carb + detination is not good) so I dumped that car then since I didn't have enough to do an engine rebuild as well.

definitely be prepared to pay for the full rebuild just in case that's what needs to be done, but it may just need a mild rebuild or fluid.

oh yeah... check the fluid while the car is running and in park(make sure it's the transmission dipstick and not the oil dipstick). If the fluid is low it will cause all sorts of problems. This can also mean that there is a leak in the trans that needs to be fixed and if you haven't burnt stuff up driving it low for a long time, the fix should be minimal in cost.