my ford escort is not moving forward or reverse before i take it to my mechanic to swap the transmission is there a possability its something smaller like something came loose or it needs more fluid (witch it has) some thing i could check before i take it to a shop. any help would be appreciated
If you live in a climate where salt and sand are used on the roads, you do not want to use a nice bike for transportation. If you are going to attempt it at all, get something disposable, because your bike will corrode no matter what preventative measures you take. In addition, if you plan to ride all year in such a climate, prepare to make a serious commitment to riding gear and bike preparation. I have ridden throughout the year here in Minnesota, and enjoy it, but I would never attempt to rely on a bike for winter transportation. I have ridden at fifteen below, but a freeway commute at that temp is just not feasible, even with heated gear. There are some days when it would be suicidal even to venture out into traffic.
Ford Escort Automatic Transmission Problems
I'm assuming you have an automatic and meant drive when you typed forward. You can check the trans fluid level. Let the car warm up(this is necessary for checking trans fluid only) and then pull out the dipstick while it's running. Clean it off then put it back in and pull it once more to check the level. If it's a few quarts low it could be that you have a leak. It might be a slow leak from a seal or gasket. If it doesn't even register on the dipstick this is likely your problem. Add some fluid thru the dipstick tube and make sure to buy the right fluid for your car as there are many types out there-it'll usually say on the dipstick or you owner's manual what to need. Also, note the color of the fluid. It should be a bright pink or red. If it's brown or any other dull color then you likely have a bad trans since it doesn't engage. If the fluid smells burnt then you probably have damage internally. Being a 1995 Escort, I'd say it's at the end of it's life in that case. If it were a 2005 it would make sense to get a trans rebuild but not on a 16 year old economy car. Assuming you have the right amount of fluid if the car doesn't move at all then you usually have big problems. If the car won't do anything when you put it into gear you at the least have a clogged trans filter or at most a bad torque converter or other internal problem. It's big $ to take a trans out and do any work to it other than a filter and fluid change and the mechanic will know if the filter is clogged as soon as he takes your old one out-it'll be obvious.
Check the transmission fluid level. did you do so with the transmission warmed up, on level ground, and with the engine idling, after going through all the gears? When was the last time, you changed the fluid and filter on the transmission? Did you check the transmission oil pressure? Did you apply the transmission oil pump TSB? Did you check the linkage? If you take it to the shop the only fix they ever do it to rebuild or replace, even if you don't need it, Everything I suggest above is easy enough to DIY. From what you wrote, I am assuming that you are not having trouble with the stupid interlock that sometimes prevents you from moving the shift lever (sometimes problematic in cold weather, but easily disabled). Problems are also common at the electrical connector at the top of the transmission, but I don't think that's your problem (unplug it and plug it back in anyway).
It's not worth it, for several reasons: -Having only a motorcycle for transportation is really a pain: Think about picking up groceries, pizza or friends (limit: 1), going anywhere that you need to be well-dressed. -Motorcycles are not built to handle salt. All parts are exposed. -The majority of motor and transmission wear occurs during warmup, and your bike may never reach proper operating temperature. -Only a seasoned rider should contemplate riding in difficult conditions. -Other motorists are notoriously bad at seeing motorcycles, even in good driving weather. Conclusion: Really bad for bike, potentially worse for rider. If you MUST do it, get a used, street-legal dirt bike. They are simpler and more rugged.
