I have an '06 Tribute I with the 2.3L and 4 speed auto. A few days ago it strarted shifting very rough. It won't **** out of first until about 3,000 rpm's. Then when it shifts the rest of the gears they are very hard shifts and it tries to shift back down. Once I get it up to speed it drives okay. My over drive light is flashing and my check engine light is on also. Also more recently (yesterday morning) reverse started slipping very badly. Its under warranty but my dealer says they can't even look at it for at least 3 weeks. It is my families sole source of transportation so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have you checked the transmission fluid level? When was the transmission serviced the last time (how many miles ago?)
Please go to a auto parts store and let them scan the computer for the digital trouble codes. Write them down and post them here. It will help us to figure out what's wrong with the engine.

 

Thank you for replying. I have checked the fluid. It is full, looks clean, and doesn't smell burnt or anything. I was told by my dealership that the transmission had been serviced (fluid and filter change) right before I bought it (about 9,000 miles ago). I haven't made it to get the codes read yet. I work 12 hour night shifts and haven't had time. I will get that done and post the codes by this evening though.

 

how many miles are on the vehicle?

 

Yeah! Fluid change was probably too late.
READ: Transmission Fluid Life with standard Stock Bottom Rad as a Cooler

 

It just turned 128,000 miles. I have noticed that when the transmission is cold it shifts fine and the reverse problem is intermittent. When it is cold the o/d light stays off and the trans acts just as it is supposed to. It's only after it warms up the light starts blinking and it begins shifting rough.

 

In a worst case scenario the previous owner did not change the fluid at all and the dealer did the first ever change in order to get the car ready for sale at 119000 miles. This could mean that the transmission is shot. Most likely the pump does not create enough pressure once the fluid is warm and the viscosity drops.
At this point I like to suggest a low cost measure that may help cover up the symptoms. But then it may not help at all. Add Lucas Oil Transmission Fix. Follow the instructions on the bottle. This stuff adds friction modifiers and may bring things back into normal range......for a while. Also make sure the radiator is clean and the airflow through the radiator is not obstructed by anything.

We still need to know the trouble codes for the engine.

 

My thoughts exactly

This is what to expect when by an old car especially with an automatic. If it were a standard expect to change at least the clutch.

 

I just got the codes read and it is popping a P0750. Shift solenoid 1 circuit condition

 

Mj: I am not a transmission specialist. Amateurs like me give such work to pros. So this is only an educated guess:
You may only need a new solenoid set, maybe a valve body. After all your transmission works when cold.
This video shows a transmission after a drum failure. Your drum may still be fine...none the less you need ot talk to a transmission specialist.