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Topic: Stuck in first (Read 1954 times) previous topic - next topic

Stuck in first

New guy here. I am buying a 1984 Cougar LS - 5.0L with assumed AOD . The transmission is stuck in first. Is this a vacuum problem typically or is there something else I should look at. Car has 113K original miles.

Thanks,
Gary

Stuck in first

Reply #1 –
hmmm, the issues i can think of:

TV cable needs adjusted
ATF fluid too high (that'll cause it to hold gears)----To check, have the car at operating temperature. in park. car on level ground. check the dipstick.
or maybe your shifter linkage "broke" somehow, so that its not actually moving the selector valve on the valve body----Does reverse still work?

Thats what i can think off

-Kyle
1986 Ford Thunderchicken, 5.0 AOD w/ Shift kit,  354,XXX miles. 1-Family owned. Original engine+trans.
8.8 Disc Rear w/ 3.73 Posi. CHE Control Arms. '04 Cobra brakes all around. 2000 Cobra R wheels. Tubular front LCA's. MM Steering Shaft. Unlocked Speedo, Lowering springs, Eibach sway bars front and rear. Ram air intake.

Stuck in first

Reply #2 –
1-2 shift valve in the valve body could possibly be stuck.  Check the linkage on the side of the trans.  It may be hung up.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Stuck in first

Reply #3 –
I second the linkage issues. The AOD is not vacuum governed, it's controlled by a Throttle Valve linkage (usually a cable, but sometimes a rod).

The linkage has rubber bushings that dry out and fall out, causing the linkage to come off. But that usually causes erratic shifting, if I recall correctly, not holding a single gear.

I bought an 87 anniversary with low miles that had been sitting, and it would not come out of 1st on the test drive. The TV linkage was rusted into position. I lubed the linkage up and worked it back and fourth, and all was well. I call that a lucky break ;)
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Stuck in first

Reply #4 –
I was actually referring to the linkage on the trans itself.  You can spin them up out of position rather easily causing the vehicle to stay in first as well.  Been there, done that.

The gas pedal SHOULD give you some feedback/resistance when you apply pressure.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Stuck in first

Reply #5 –
Get him to drop $500 off his asking price, nd get a 3.8 t-5.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Stuck in first

Reply #6 –
Probably the TV cable linkage on the transmission is seized. You can probably free it up by moving it back and forth and dousing it with penetrating fluid
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣