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Could towing a caravan have caused a transmission fault in my automatic Mondeo?

I have a 1998 Ford Mondeo Ghia with automatic transmission. Purchased from new, it has covered 60,000 miles and is in very good condition. Yesterday a flashing warning light showed "O/D Off". I telephoned an automatic transmission specialist in Crewe who advised me that it appears the system has returned to default, to bring the vehicle to him and he would carry out a diagnostic test at a cost of £60. Have you any idea what the problem might be?

I appreciate that automatic transmission is a highly complex piece of engineering and that repairs might be expensive. I purchased this car from new, it continues to run well, easily tows my 1200kg caravan, and its appearance is good. I have not towed the van for three months so it is unlikely to be the immediate cause of the problem. To replace it with a new like for like (I have had Fords all my motoring life) will cost me the best part of £20,000 and, as I am 83 years of age might not be a good idea, so I would prefer to keep it if possible. Would you care to comment and give an opinion please?

Asked on 28 January 2012 by EB, Tarporley

Answered by Honest John
The transmission is 13 years old, and if the fluid in it is also 13 years old and you have been towing a caravan it could be near the end of its days. Unless the fault is simple and can be cured by reconditioning one of the servo valves in the valve box and possibly replacing the automatic transmission fluid, it is probably not worth the expense of repairing. But see what the specialist has to say.
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