stokemoney

Hey guys having problems with my 1998 Mustang (V6/automatic).
The problem seems to be that when I'm driving and I hit about 40 mph and it should shift to 3rd, but it doesn't the rpms just shoot up. It drives fine in the first two gears so I'm hoping the whole transmission isn't screwed. I checked the transmission fluid but that was fine, just wanted some opinions so I can be a little more informed before I take it to the shop.

socalwrench

Does it eventually go into 3rd gear? How many miles are on the car?

The transmission could be slipping. Other possibilities are an incorrect fluid level or malfunctioning valve body.

stokemoney

No it doesn't make it to 3rd. It has about 118k miles. Also it's due for an oil change but I don't think that would effect it, would it?

socalwrench

Well, poor fluid could make it shift poorly, but it wouldn't prevent it from going into gear. If it doesn't go into 3rd gear at all- then there's most likely a mechanical failure inside the transmission (IE band, clutch pack, valve body).