AOD Problems

[MarX]

Alright, I just bought a 1990 Mark VII LSC and didn't check it over well enough before I bought it
It's not shifting out of first under normal acceleration, under WOT it does.

Just checked the TV Cable bushing and surprisingly it's intact. Going to replace it regardless when I have the time(car isn't my DD yet)
However I'm not sure what would cause it to act as if the cable wasn't hooked up. I also noticed a kinda burnt smell so my guess is the trans is toast unfortunately.

Any other ideas before I get it rebuilt? Been quoted at between $700 and $1300 (Canadian)to do the rebuild and I'd get them to add a shift kit as well to firm up the shifts.

Was considering a T5 swap but I think I'd rather keep the auto to save the hassle of driving a stick in traffic+mountains and the clutches later on.

How long should I expect the rebuilt auto to last with proper maintenance?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Frat-man-du]

I dropped a Jasper reman in my 85 T-Bird - it lasted 10 years and was still strong when I sold it. I used Mercon V and every 30K or 2 years did a full fluid change and filter.

 

[kahunasteve]

hey,,have the trans flushed (converter too ) add new fluid and a trans cooler,,have the tv adjusted and road tested ( and problley readjusted )

 

[Elessee]

Some particulars for the first gear problem if this is the standard AOD tranny... stuff from the manual diagnostics section.
-------
Condition: No 1-2 upshift

Improper fluid level
Manual linkage- misadjusted / damaged0
Low main control pressure to intermediate friction clutch
Vacuum diaphragm bent, sticking or leaks.
Valve body bolts loose or too tight
Valve body dirty/sticking valves

other possibilities that may or may not apply.... Governor valve sticking, Intermediate band out of adjustment, Vacuum leak to diaphragm unit, Valve body bolts loose or too tight, Valve body dirty/sticking valves, Intermediate band and/or servo assembly burnt.
-----------------

Condition: Rough/harsh/delayed 1-2 upshift

Improper fluid level
Poor engine performance
TV linkage - misadjusted (high TV) / damaged. (All shifts will be harsh)
Main control pressure too high
Governor valve sticking
Valve body bolts loose or too tight
Valve body dirty/sticking valves

Other possibilities that may or may not apply....Kickdown linkage misadjusted, Intermediate band out of adjustment, Main control pressure too high, Governor valve sticking, Damaged intermediate servo, Engine vacuum leak, Vacuum leak to diaphragm unit, Vacuum diaphragm bent, sticking or leaks.
------------

There's another section of stuff if it's not shifting or having troubles from 2 to 3.. etc., etc..

Imo it's kinda premature to go for a rebuild. I'd take it to a shop (or two) and have it diagnosed. There are lots of tests they can run like vacuum and fluid pressure checks as the tranny shifts... I mean.. is the filter all clogged up? What did the previous owner do with it.. race the car? Never checked fluid levels?
burnt smell.. Does it have a leak and is the leak burning on the exhaust pipes?

As for a shift kit I wouldn't mind softening my shifts a little.... my Mark is bone stock but i prefer a comfortable, quiet ride. And I don't think I'd buy a car that someone put a shift kit in. I'd be wondering what else did they do, and how hard did they push the poor thing..

 

[leejoffe]

I would not recommend a shift kit on a 90. The 90 shifts to 4th at 45 mph and if you drop below that it will shift back to 3rd, which is fine, except with a shift kit it will ker-plunk both ways if you are not on the throttle some. I know, i'm living with it.

 

[Frogman]

Any other ideas before I get it rebuilt? Been quoted at between $700 and $1300 (Canadian)to do the rebuild and I'd get them to add a shift kit as well to firm up the shifts.

What's that, like $4 US? Oh wait... the way the US Dollar is losing value... $9US.

How long should I expect the rebuilt auto to last with proper maintenance?
Thanks in advance.

Good rebuild with proper maintenance should last you quite some time. I wouldn't sweat it for at least 160K km's. Make sure you install a good aftermarket Tranny cooler while you're at it.