Hello! I'm new here and have a question. My 1991 Mustang LX convertible with a 2.3 4 cylinder automatic overdrive transmission is having a problem. If I put it in overdrive and go it lacks power, almost as if the brakes are on. It will go and seems to get better as it's driven. If I start out in D it goes fine and if I upshift to OD once going it's fine except it occassionaly feels like the brakes are on again. About a month ago I had new brakes installed. The rear wheel cylinders were leaking causing the brake pads not to return which did actually hold the brakes on a bit until it got rolling. It was doing what I described above then only much worse. The brakes are fine now [just had them checked yesterday] and are working properly however I fear I've caused some harm to the overdrive due to the brakes sticking previously. The fluid is red, in good condition and right on the mark when checked hot. My question is, can I disconnect the overdrive altogether? Is it an electrical connector or? I was told I can do this easily but don't know how/where, if it's advisable or if it will possibly cause additonal damage. I had the transmission rebuilt in 2000 [about 12k miles ago ~ it doesn't get used 7 months out of the year] due to slippage but it's a different feeling this time. Thanks in advance for any input.

 

Okay. I called the transmission specialist at my local Ford dealer. He said alot of times the grommet on TV cable comes loose/falls out, causing this problem. I've never heard of that cable before nor knew what it's purpose was so between his advice, some info here on thi site and some searching online I was able to figure out how it's adjusted. It was not loose and the grommet was not deteriorated but it was positioned all the way back [I think the clip came undone at some point??]. I pryed the little clip that secures it and made several adjustments forward until I got a better/quicker shift as well as an actual kickdown when needed. I guess I became so used to it that I forgot how it is supposed to shift but but I know it never wanted to kickdown. It certainly shifts better now, nice and crisp but the overdrive problem is still there albeit not as bad. I'm not sure if it's because I know its past actions, if it was warm from all the test runs after setting the TV cable or if I'm just hoping for the best but it does seem much better. In any event, I'm going to drive it like it is until it needs towed somewhere before I spend a fortune for another tranmission rebuild. I'm hoping for the best!