Ford Repair: Transmission has all Neutrals!, worst case scenario, metal shavings

Question
Hi,
I have a 97 Taurus that was giving "Service Engine Soon" warning. AutoZone says it's
P1744, Torque Convertor Trouble-Shooting. Well,
on the way home from work, the transmission went
from Drive to Neutral. I have all Neutrals! Is
this typical of Taurus's? Any ideas as to what
needs to be done to get it "back on the road again?" Thanks for your time!  

Answer
David-

  Yes, unfortunately that problem is all too common amongst Tauruses and Sables (especially with the 3.8L V6 engines).  I'm not exactly sure what the cause is, but my guess is that it's either a broken torque converter or input shaft.  Think of a torque converter like a clutch on a manual transmission.  It just uses hydraulic pressure instead of direct friction.  If a part of it breaks and isn't creating that pressure then there's no pressure and no gears get turned.  To get it back in working order you'll have to have a transmission shop look at it.  It's possible that it's limited to the converter but be prepared for a worst case scenario if there are internal problems as well...like metal shavings found their way into the rest of the transmission.  Hope this helps.

Steve