Hello,
I have a 1988 ford mustang LX, 2.3l. Automatic.
I recently went to Midas to have the car checked out. The only problem was the car idled a bit rough. They said the modulator valve was broken, and leaking fluids into a hose that should only contain air.
Replacement for modulator valve + install was $70, and they wanted to do a transmission flush, since the transmission fluid looked like used oil - it was very brown.
I agreed, and had both items done.
Here is the problem: Since getting the car back, the car no longer shifts properly. At around 25 mph, instead of shifting from 1-2 gear, it goes from 1-2 (pause 3 secs) shift 2-3, then 3-4, with the entire shifting process taking around 5 seconds. Keep in mind the car is still traveling at 25 mph.
Basically, the car goes from 1st gear to 4th gear, when it should only be shifting from 1st to 2nd. The other problem is that going from 2nd to 3rd, now has a 3 second pause. So if you are on 4th gear, and stomp on the gas, it'll shift into neural and stay in neutral for 3 seconds before engaging 3rd. Normal behavior would have it going from 4th to
3rd immediately.If I manually shift the gears, I can go from 1st to 2nd, then 3nd and
4th. The delay between 2nd and 3rd still persists even when done manually. However, if I go from 4th, and manually shift down to 3rd, it engages immediately.I'm at wits end. Midas tells me my transmission has "solenoid" problems? I don't get it, the transmission was fine before. Also, the car idles just as rough as it did before. It sits around 1,200 - 1,500 rpm. The engine shakes a lot. If I drive the car, the engine purrs and drives smoothly (besides the shifting issue).
Thank you in advance if you can help me diagnose this.