just bought 2003 s-type 4.2l

[justinb67]

I just bought a 2003 s-type 4.2l, and am having some *slight* transmission issues.  My mother purchased one brand new in 2003 and had the smae problem, but never took it into the dealer to get it fixed.  I was curious if anyone had a fix for it.

The transmission seems to slightly disengage at a stop, or close to a stop, and on throttle application, will let the engine rev to an uncomfortable range before engaging the transmission.  The problems in my car are *very* slight, but I notice that they exist, and if there is an issue that can be easily corrected, I would love to get it fixed. 

I've worked on quite a few transmissions in the past, but never on one from such an expensive vehicle (I previously owned mustangs, t-birds, etc.. and have one race car that has a GM auto).  So I understand the mechanics of automatic transmissions.

I noticed there was a link to "Lurch" - compaints about the 2003 s-type in the reviews section, but that link was dead.  I did do some reading on the ZF trans that is in the car, and see that it has a stand-by mode when in gear that disengages the transmission from the engine at a stop.  Is this problem ussually electrical or mechanical?

Thanks!
Justin

[Neil]

Thanks for asking.  I do have older S-type with 5R55N transmission, I wish I had the ZF one.

However, you may want to do the following:

-disconnect battery and reconnect
-check if latest updates are applied to your car ECU
-check the fluid level of transmission oil
-check the transmission oil color, smell and if any metallic parts are present
-change the transmission oil and filter, use recommended oil and make sure the level is CORRECT

The problem you are referring could be also solenoids - mechanical part, but I am not quite sure. For 1999-2002 there is a specific tranny part manufactured by one company that solves the slow engaging problem, but it's for 5R55N Ford transmission, not ZF. I hope this helps you and welcome to the JagPlanet's forum!

[12RM]

See - http://www.thelurch.com/

This seems to be a common problem with the later boxes.