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Automatic Ford Escort 1990 "drive" Problem

I recently purchased a 1990 Ford Escort 1.6 LX automatic. Its a great little car with a few bugs that I have now ironned out (I think) except for this one:

When the car first goes into drive it really snatches into gear and would take off harshly if I didn't have my foot on the brake.

I have tried warming the car up first (which cures its previous problem of stalling at junctions, etc) but it still snatches into gear about 50% of the time. This only happens the once when the car takes off into drive for the first time. At other times it is ok. I am watching the revs and making sure that its not over-revving before shifting into D.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Richard

Reply to
Richard Fairbairn
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Is this the CTX / CVT? I know Ford fitted this to Fiestas but not sure about Escorts. I know a bit about CVTs.

Reply to
Mark W

Hi, I am not sure. It has a webber carburettor, if that makes a difference. The car sat for 6 months before I got it and I have now driven it almost 800 miles. The ride is a lot smoother now than in the first month as the clutch dragged a lot( I think).

Richard

Reply to
Richard Fairbairn

CVT transmission notoriously crap when they go crap I think yours has gone crap a fair few quid to sort as well or it may be a trait of the gearbox

Reply to
dojj

Assuming it's the same gearbox as old 1989 Orion Ghia Auto - 3 spd Ford auto, NOT a CVT, then it could be a worn engine mounting causing the clunk as you put it into drive. That's what was wrong with mine. On the other hand, it did snatch when put in gear much more than my wife's old Rover

216GSi Auto , so it could just be usual Ford gruffness :-)

Mike

Reply to
Mike P

These two things suggest the idle speed is too high. For it to both snatch and try and take off rather than just the usual creep would need two faults in the auto.

Dunno what the correct figure is for this car but I'd try about 750 rpm for idle.

You later on say it's got a Weber carb. If it's fitted with an auto choke these are notorious for sticking on and idling too fast.

Reply to
Dave Plowman

Well, if it is the CTX / CVT, they are well known for this kind of problem. (Harsh engagement and usually stalling the engine)

There is a mod that can be done to the transmission which will sort it out. I would think any automatic specialist will be able to do it. It involves making the clutch engagement a bit softer.

Mine was done a couple of years ago and the transmission has been fine ever since.

Reply to
Mark W

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