Problems with my car when it is put into gear?

Question

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus with 122k miles on it. Up until now, I have not had any problems with it. I just had the struts and coil springs replaced. The very next day, I was driving and lost my radio, power steering, the seat belt light flashes and the RPM's rev really high. I don't have my foot on the gas and the RPM's rev. When I put the car into park, I get everything back. I was told by someone that the transmission is going on the car. I didn't know the transmission controlled the electronics in the car? Does anyone have any ideas?

Answer 1

The mid 80`s Tauruses are really bad for losing trannys, they usually die at 70K

The Power steering is controlled by a belt and pump, on the same belt is the alternator and water pump and A/C compressor (if yours still works)

Check to see if it is still there as the things you describe sounds exactly like you lost the belt. 122K would be a good lifetime for it too.

when the belt goes, you feel the loss of Power steering, the computer sensed the alternator went off-line sending some sensors into a frenzy (seat belt light, lack of radio) and when the water pump stopped spinning the water temp sensor didnt sense any more hot water which told the computer that the car is "cold" and richened the fuel/air mixture just like the car was first being started causing the revving.

Check the serpentine belt!

Answer 2

the key to what you said was power steering stopped....open the hood to see if the belt is gone.

Answer 3

the electronics control the transmission..not other way...got good battery and clean connections?? is it tuned up...either can confuse computer.......scan it...ck engine lite has to b on..