2003 Grand Marquis Hesitates to go Into Reverse and Drive

Let me start this one by asking you whether you have checked the automatic transmission fluid lately? If the tranny is low on fluid, it is quite possible for your problem to occur. Let’s say your Marquis’ transmission was just on the ragged edge between a good level of ATF (automatic transmisson fluid) and not enough. Because the fluid is low, it takes time for the internal pressure to build to the point where all of the tranny’s parts have enough fluid flowing in which to work. The increased pressure forces the transmission fluid to move throughout the device case so it appears, most of the time, that everything is well and good.

Then there is that one time where it hesitates or goes out of gear or won’t go into a gear. That’s what makes me think your transmission is down a bit on fluid. I don’t think it much more than this, honestly.

To check out this condition all you have to do is part the Marquis on a flat surface, let the sedan warm up for about 15 minutes, set the parking brake, run the vehicle through each gear to assure that the ATF is distributed, remove the transmission dipstick, wipe it and then take a new reading. Be sure to look at the “hot” reading (it is marked on the dipstick).

If your Marquis is down a bit, go to your Ford/Lincoln dealer and pickup the proper ATF (Ford uses a special formulatiion), pour it down the filler neck (transmission) and drive your car a bit to get the new ATF mixed with the old.