Tranny Question on Non- Mustang

Hey Guys, gotta question for you.

On a 2000 Ford Escort X2 automatic, the car never shifts into over drive at highway speed. At least, that is what I'm guessing at. At 65mph, the tach read around 3300 RPM's. That's a little high isn't it?

Anyway, I check ed the tranny fluid and it seems that all is well after running it a little. It seems that the car slips a little going into 3rd as well. I didn't notcie any metal flakes on the dip stick either, but would think anyhing like that should be in the pan, not on the stick.

I'm thinking the problem lies with the plates or the bands. Any suggestions before the car goes into the shop. I just need to be armed with some info before I go into a shop blind. Thanks!

I checked it cold and after 10 minutes of idling. If it smells like something, then I probably couldn't tell. I'll have to check it once it is back from errands and have someone else smell it for me. I will get back to you on this when the car arrives. I want to say there is too much fluid in it though, at least from what the dip stick was reading.

As a side note - the color looks good on it still, nice and red with no brown tinge to it. I did notice some large flecks of what appeared to be rust, and determined that it was coming from the dip stick tube, but no tiny metal flakes that would indicate some sort of metal on metal wear. I know, still no a good sign.

Stay tuned...

Sorry it took so long, but I finally had someone smell the dip stick after 15 minutes of hard driving, and the conclusion form multiple noses is that it smells like engine. I know, not much of a help here.

Any more thoughts on this before it makes a trip to the garage (I'm trying to get armed with some info before I have to deal with a slimey used car salesman)?