Transmission seems to start in Drive

[mrothwell]

Make

Ford

Model

Escape

Year

2003

Miles

145000

Engine

v6

I'm looking at picking up a 2003 Ford Escape with a tranny issue. It seems that it is starting out in Drive, rather than starting in 1st, then shifting up. If you put the shifter in 1st, it does start in 1st, then if you move it to 2nd, it shift to 2nd, then to Drive, etc... This doesn't seem like an internal issue to me, more of a sensor, or computer issue. Can anyone give me more to look at. I just need to know if I would need a new/rebuilt transmission if I were to buy the vehicle.

thanks.

 

[bp042665]

need to check for code possiable electric problem

 

[grcauto]

The range selector position sensor may be having a problem.

 

[mrothwell]

I wondered the same thing on the Range Selector sensor. Not sure if that will throw a code or not.

 

[bp042665]

this transmission fail safe to 3rd gear when there is a electrical problem or if it detects a gear ratio problem

 

[mrothwell]

With it operating fine when putting the shift lever in 1st/2nd/ect... would I be safe in saying that it is not an internal issue?

 

[grcauto]

With it operating fine when putting the shift lever in 1st/2nd/ect... would I be safe in saying that it is not an internal issue?

Yes it's mechanically sound if the shift points are good and works fine with the manual valve.

 

[mrothwell]

Thanks for the replies.