AdventurerSport

Hello all, I'm new here, and have a problem, what do you all think?

91 Mustang LX, 5.0/AOD...I've had since 1998, has always run very well.

I live in the rust belt of NW Iowa, so I don't drive this car in the fall/winter time around here. I got busy this Spring and did not get this car out until now. The AOD shifts 1st to 2nd and that's it...won't shift up from 2nd gear, but otherwise works fine, does not slip, goes into Reverse, Park, N, etc. Just won't shift up from 2nd. ??

Any ideas? I talked with the local Ford dealer service manager, and he thought that the fluid was bad, and suggested that I change it. It was pretty nasty, so I flushed the system and installed a new filter.

No difference. Ford dealer claims that the 1st to 2nd shift requires use of clutches and is an indication that the trans is not bad, just something small is wrong to keep it from shifting up from 2nd..?

Of course, he really doesn't know what it could be.

I'm a Mopar guy, and I don't really know a lot about AODs, any ideas? Thanks!

JS

Grundy

mabye a shift solonoid?. how did you change the fluid? best way to do it woulda have been to drop the pan, drain the torque converter and flush the cooler.

mjr46

since the car sits alot and if it was fine when you put it away last it may have some crap/tarnish that has formed in the valve body from sitting. mine did that once and I took it out and ran the crap out of it until luckly it shifted finally after that it was fine. also check to see if the tv cable is adjested right the bolt fell out of the kick down /tv adjustment on my 85 when it used to be an automatic and it wouldn't shift out of first for nothin'.

AdventurerSport

That's just what I did, thanks!

How do I check the TV cable, and adjust it properly? Anyone? Thanks!

JS

aode08

you mean its not kicking down.
if you didnt touch the kickdown cable and its ok, dont touch it. The groomets tend to come off at the the throttle body or trans, try there.

its the plastic/rubber things that they are pushed into.

verify you have enough fluid .

If all is ok, the drop the trans pan, and inspect for broken pieces/debris

aode08

I KNOW the 3-4 Piston is prone to cracking and seal breakage and sticking from gum.

The AODE changed em to aluminum I beleive.

AdventurerSport

That's a good idea, thank you

I looked at a FSM (factory service manual) for this car and it shows a detailed view of the Low-Reverse piston, the OD piston, and 2-3 piston...

So, I would thereby assume the 2-3 piston is cracked or otherwise not sealed...

If I get a new 2-3 piston, is it that hard to replace? I'm looking at the FSM and it doesn't look too bad...can I do it with the trans in the car? When I take the valve body down, will the little check ***** go all over, and can I possibly get them back in the same spot?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you!

JS

AdventurerSport

This appears to be an excellent forum, thanks again! I appreciate all replies!

JS

Joel5.0

If for some reason the TV cable popped off the throttle lever, and you drove the car with the TV cable disconnected..........the AOD needs an overhaul.

AdventurerSport

It's not the TV cable, but thanks for suggesting that, it's hooked up and looks fine...

Why would that ruin the trans? Just curious...

JS