95 auto transmission issue

[blown86gt]

Need some insight/direction on a few issues...

first, transmission will not go into overdrive, the o/d button on the shifter has no effect, doesn't even turn an indicator on/off in the dash?

2nd, not sure if they are related but it seems if I let the car sit running just sitting in park for an extended 15-20 min or so, upon resuming driving, when you let off the gas/began braking to a stop the car seems to down shift really early at to high of a speed causing rpms to jump and of course a jolt like action in the car.

Any help/insight advice would be greatly appreciated.

Additional info, 95 SHO, 174k

I got the car on trade, the person I got it from bought it with a bad trans, (something to do with axle having play up and down) and it came with a supposed good trans which is now the one installed, and this is where I am now...

 

[rubydist]

1. does the cruise control work? your symptoms sound like they could be related to a bad vss - if the vss is bad the cruise does not work.
2. does the trans shift up 3 times or only 2 when you get it to 60 mph? what is the engine speed at 60 mph? the button on the shifter will turn the od off, not on, and often the wire in the shifter handle gets damaged and the button no longer works, but that does not keep the car out of od, rather it will keep you from preventing it going into od.

 

[blown86gt]

The cruise does work...the engine is at 3k at 60 mph. The transmission shifts 3 times and then the torque converter locks in....I know the od button turns it off I was just curious as to maybe it wasn't working causing it to stay in off position. Also have a check engine light come on intermintenly for first 10 15 mins of driving before it stays on constant, have had to people plug readers in and have been unanle to pull codes...

 

[SHORANGERBIRD]

-have you checked for codes??

 

[blown86gt]

I have had 2 people try with the handheld scanners(1 snap on, 1 craftsman) and neither could pull the code have a friend that's gonna hook up a ford scanner and see what he can come with on that

 

[kevinspann]

If the CEL is flashing, its telling you the codes. Also, a paper clip is one way to get the codes - I don't know off the top of my head exactly where you need to put the clip, but a search should tell you.

 

[whiteguy3]

By the way. All ATX's have 'play' per say at the axle to trans input shaft. It should have a little bit of movement up/down and side to side. The MTX's should not.

Also, please just check your codes with a paperclip and then post what codes you have. I would change the VSS regardless though. It is a $25 part and a good safety measure.

If you want, you are not too far from me. ShoAmo and I can take a look at it for you. We have done extensive work on ATX's. I own 2 myself. We can help you out if you like. You can call me if you want.

Scott
(240) 461-2206

 

[blown86gt]

Ill do some research on the paperclip trick for the codes and do that tonight or in the morning depending on how my work goes today...tthanks Scott ill be in touch if I can't get something figured out soon

 

[blown86gt]

The vss is the same as the tss correct the sensor on the driver side above axle...that's already been changed with the one out of the old trans

 

[nickdodd25]

Well i have the same problem except my o/d button works and the light goes on and off when i hit the button. i took mine to a trans shop and they said it was internal problems and recomended to rebuild the trans. But i will have to take it for a spin to see if the cruse still works mabe they didnt catch a bad vss!!

 

[whiteguy3]

The TSS is different from the VSS. You changed the TSS, which is right next to the valve body pan and slightly above the axle on the drivers side. The VSS is on the passenger side of the tranny underneath the rear exhaust manifold, and tucked just inside of the rear motor mount. It is accessed through the passenger side wheel well.

 

[blown86gt]

That's what I needed to know, thanks ill take care of that this weekend

 

[rubydist]

the vss is a royal pita to change, and there is no reason to change it if it is working.

sounds like the only problem the op is having is that he cannot lock out od with the button. this can usually be solved by changing the shifter, or by removing the shift handle and running a new wire up to the switch. some people have also mounted a switch in a different location that is less prone to damage.

 

[blown86gt]

I could really care less if I can lock the overdrive out at this point my problem is getting the car to go into overdrive which it is not doing and im trying to figure out why...

 

[rubydist]

The transmission shifts 3 times and then the torque converter locks in....I know the od button turns it off I was just curious as to maybe it wasn't working causing it to stay in off position. ...

I could really care less if I can lock the overdrive out at this point my problem is getting the car to go into overdrive which it is not doing and im trying to figure out why...

ok, now I'm confused. the auto is a 4 speed transmission, which means that if it shifts 3 times it has gone into overdrive. So which is it? does it shift 3 times, or does it not go into overdrive????????

 

[whiteguy3]

From what I understand from him he has lost 4th gear essentially. That could be the c-clip that has come off, but that does not line up with the o/d button not working. It could be the small smile wire that runs under the shifter for the o/d button. That would explain the o/d button having no effect at all.

Considering I have had similar issues on an ATX related to the early downshifting and such, and the VSS did not display codes, I would change it anyways. It can be a pain but it is not that bad really. When I had those issues I changed the VSS regardless and the problem was solved. It's such an integral part of shifting events I don't wait for it to go bad I change it periodically just for peace of mind.

 

[blown86gt]

It shifts twice and then torque converter locks in car has no od/4th fear is at 3k rpms at 60 mph

 

[blown86gt]

Okay I give, could someone please give me a link on the info for the paper clip trick, I have been unsuccessful in my attempts to find it...

 

[whiteguy3]

Here:

http://www.shophoenixproject.com/eec/eec.htm

You will want to reference the code numbers you get with the "3-Digit" codes list.

 

[cobrakidd03]

I am having an issue with the O/D light not going off when the button is pushed. The wires are all intact.