In my 02 mercury mountaineer the check transmission light came on, and the car jerks voilently at times, is there a way that l can fix this? by perhaps replacing the transmission fluid? l know the mechanic will quote me a ridiculous high price, just need some advice first.

did you check the level? probably just low. you can have it flushed, but not recommended. just drop the pan and install a new filter. this wo not get it all, but most, wo not repair it either

wait until car is completly cooled off feel for the tranmission line and follow it under the car some models tag TFP on the bolt others do not so look for that anyway also oil is thick fluid is thin and light so if you pull the wrong one recycle it and go for the next one

If the car is jerking ''violently at times, do not drive the car!!!

Some thing is very wrong. very wrong!! VERY, very, VERY wrong.

Did yu check the tranny fluid? does it need adding to?

You can always go to oil change places like Jiffy Lube (in my area) & pay about $50 for decent tranny fluid change.

But as l said, if it is jerking violently, something is incredibly wrong. If there is low fluid to make it jerk, that means it is almost dry.

My prayers r with you.

A 2002 Mercury Mountaineer DOES NOT have a transmission dipstick for a very specific reason. Ford does not want ''Joe is Garages'' topping up with the incorrect specification of fluid, thereby cutting down on warranty claim costs due to failed transmissions. To drain/fill ur transmission, there is a TWO-PIECE drain/fill plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. To drain it, get ur 7/8'' or 22mm wrench, & remove the plug. To fill it, using ur wrench, hold the hex fitting & using a TX-30 Torx type socket, remove the center plug. Using a ''plunger'' type dispenser, fill the transmission with the proper Ford Mercon V fluid, until fluid runs back out. Replace plug, & run engine up to operating temperature. Remove center Torx plug again, & repeat filling procedure until fluid runs out, & the transmission is filled to spec. Hope this helps