Troubles in Tranny City

[coreydv]

85 TC Signature
3.0/ 65K total miles

I had an unpleasant surprise yesterday noon when I discovered the TC wasn’t shifting. In the usual Overdrive position, the engine just kept reving higher; I took it up to 20 before I decided it wasn’t
going to shift.

1) can manually shift it into Drive & 2nd without anything happening.
2) If I go down to 1st, I can feel the engine load, so maybe it is in 2nd
3) aside from the one forward gear, neutral and reverse work.
4) I checked the trans fluid and it is a translucent ruby red and full.
5) the antenna mast also works fine ; )

Some years back… ok, a lot of years back, I had a similar problem with a Dodge Coronet and had to drive it a week with one gear before I could get it in to the shop. The mechanic called, saying a rubber hose had come loose on the tranny and charged me $5 to replace it.

Are there any simple things I could check, before taking my TC to a shop? Preferably under $5.

 

[86VickyLX]

85 TC Signature
3.0/ 65K total miles

I had an unpleasant surprise yesterday noon when I discovered the TC wasn’t shifting. In the usual Overdrive position, the engine just kept reving higher; I took it up to 20 before I decided it wasn’t
going to shift.

1) can manually shift it into Drive & 2nd without anything happening.
2) If I go down to 1st, I can feel the engine load, so maybe it is in 2nd
3) aside from the one forward gear, neutral and reverse work.
4) I checked the trans fluid and it is a translucent ruby red and full.
5) the antenna mast also works fine ; )

Some years back… ok, a lot of years back, I had a similar problem with a Dodge Coronet and had to drive it a week with one gear before I could get it in to the shop. The mechanic called, saying a rubber hose had come loose on the tranny and charged me $5 to replace it.

Are there any simple things I could check, before taking my TC to a shop? Preferably under $5.

Sounds like the tv bushing broke. On CFI and carbureted models, when that breaks, the TV pressure is maximized. That basically meaning that your trans won't shift into 2nd until about 45mph. It would be the same as if you had floored the gas pedal.

Look on the drivers side of the unit, where the throttle linkage is. There is a rod that connects to the throttle bracket to the transmission. If it's not connected to the throttle body, the bushing broke, and you need a new one. Ford made a brass replacement one but I don't know the part number. If you can't find one, a new plastic one will work just fine for you.
3.0L? You mean 5.0 right?