88 Town Car Weird Trans Problem

[marquis_82_withneons]

getting my buddys 88TC up and running and getting around to the tasks of the trans here soon.

its got a couple issues and wandering if you guys could point me in a good direction of the problem.

first off.. no reverse or overdrive. this led me to believe of a band problem.. (maybe adjust the bands)

2nd. it has ALOT of trouble shifting at all but after a few miles does go all the way through 1st 2nd 3rd with a little persuasion.

and 3rd.. ALL the gears, 123, D, OD, rev, even N, and even P makes a little jump before she stay in one spot. all act as though youre putting the car into drive when the car is running. however with it off, park and N both work how they should. this led me to think maybe a few stuck components in the valvebody (i think thats the name) pretty sure hes getting the trans done at a local shop where they warranty their work relly nicely for around 800 total.

just thought some of you guys may be able to shed some light on the subject.. thanks!

[tjc78]

First things first, check the TV grommet/cable. I'd be willing to bet the grommet is shot and someone drove it that way and in the process destroyed the trans. It has happened to many a box Panther owner.

Years ago when mine failed, I was about 35 miles from home and drove it. Big mistake, after that OD would only stay engaged till about 60mph. I still drove it a good while like that.

[marquis_82_withneons]

heres the kicker... 69,000 original miles.. how is it that bad already.. i cant believe ANY of it is this bad.. i know for a fact its sat alot in its lifetime.

actually bought it from a friend of mine. and he only owned it a few weeks, he put some stuff in the trans to loosen it up because aparently it didnt drive at all.

ill check out that grommet you speak of. is the one youre talking about up near the engine or on the trans?

[sly]

the problem is that bushing.

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00052.html

look at that page and compare notes. If it had the plastic bushing... there's a good chance the transmission is fried. The problem is that the fluid pressure drops to nil when that bushing fails and driving with the trans not flowing will eat it up.

[tjc78]

This thread: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthre...djustment-info should tell you all you need to know. I'm no expert, but if reverse is gone I believe the tranny is toast. Low miles means nothing if the grommet fails and you keep driving it.

[Ike Clanton]

I wish there was a way to make it upshift sooner without lowering the pressure too far.

I have mine adjusted to about where it "should" be but I think it holds gears too long. I once adjusted it to where it shifted sooner but was too worried I'd fry it so I put it back...

[marquis_82_withneons]

thanks for the help guys!.. we both figured it was going to need a rebuild with the way it was acting. his dads paying for it.. so were just gonna go with that. i dont feel like crawling under shit.. lol.

sounds like a really common problem with TC's..

[gadget73]

The plastic bushing is at the throttle body. No need to crawl under anything. Just pop the hood and have a gander.

[marquis_82_withneons]

thanks gadget. ill take a look.. we gotta swap the water pump tomorrow. so ill check out that bushing

[miamibob]

http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00052.html

[marquis_82_withneons]

thats great!.. but will this solve the problem of having no reverse?..

[marquisman]

Prolly not. One would think, only a trans swap could solve that problem.

[marquis_82_withneons]

my thoughts exactly.. worth a shot though

[zoomie]

reverse bands and sounds like 3/4 clutch bands going. rebuild time. i suggest a silverfox or lentech

[marquis_82_withneons]

quick update on the trans.. checked it out today and the grommet/bushing or whatever that typically goes.. is very much intact. either replaced or not. its there. we have a local guy that lifetime warranties his work and a friend of a friend and so on recommended him so were getting a good deal of 800 for removal rebuild and install plus lifetime warranty