Hi Everyone,

My Mom has a 2006 Ford Escape 3.0L AT 150K AWD.

She was driving it one day and she noticed it felt like the transmission was slipping (or popping out of gear to nuetural) and then eventually it would go back in. It seemed to start about 30-40MPH.

I drove it and sure enough it happened. The O/D Off light would blink on dash, the check engine light came on and then on the screen it said emissions something.

I was able to go to the auto parts store and used one of there computers it came back with torque converter something and these codes:

p0741 p1744

He couldn't help me any further other then go to a transmission place. I tried looking up the codes online and found a few things but basically it sounds like I need to replace/rebuild the transmission.

I wasn't even able to get far from the shop when it completely slipped out again and the engine shut off at one time and then finally nothing. It's basically stuck in nuetural so it has high rpms but won't engage. So after waiting for toe truck got it back to her place and made some calls.

I did call a few different shops and they said it would be worst case (not seeing the car just hearing about it) around 3-3500k. depending on how severe it would be and not seeing the car. It could be cheaper but he was trying to give me worst case. He said that it's really difficult to get to them since they are so tightly fit in once it's out it's not that hard to fix but just the labor getting it out.

I was wondering how difficult it is to remove yourself? Is this something that you would feel comfortable with? The guy said it would save at least 1K or more depending but was very cautiously with me.

Now I'm pretty good with working on vehicles. I have an older jeep and I have pulled the engine out replaced the clutch. I have never worked on her car before. I did find a great resources with step by step about 40-50 steps as well as the chilton's manual.

But how feasible is this? Is it something that you would try? Besides the basic tools what else would be needed. I did see some places said an engine lift (which I don't have here). I live out of state so I just have the basic tools.

Do I need jack stands? After I get this would all i need to do is add transmission fluid? Is there a gasket from the transmission to the engine? or is it just metal on metal? or some kind of seal?

The transmission guy did say that even if it was maintained he's seem them last 120-170K so she's right in there. Aside from tires, brakes, alternator and oil changes she hasn't put any money into it and now is concerned. So shocks next, but otherwise it's a great car for her and no problems.

Should she look at replacing the timing chain as well how long do those last?

I'm so sorry for all the questions. I"m just trying to save my mom some money but if it's way to complicated then It might not be worth it.

Thanks,