Transmission Shifting

[Micetic]

Hello again and thanks for all the assistance.

I used to drive an '89 Mercury Marquis with what I believe is the same tranny as my '89 TC and there is a difference in the shifting that I have noticed (I have driven sticks for the last couple years so I may be imagining things).

1. The tranny seems to hesitate to shift when I am light on the gas but seems to shift perfectly when I put the pedal half way or to give full gas.

2. When I coast and even when I brake a little it seems like there is also engine breaking going on, this is an experiance I do not recall from the Merc, but it may be my imagination. Is this normal?

Thanks again everyone!

[87 town]

Hello again and thanks for all the assistance.

I used to drive an '89 Mercury Marquis with what I believe is the same tranny as my '89 TC and there is a difference in the shifting that I have noticed (I have driven sticks for the last couple years so I may be imagining things).

1. The tranny seems to hesitate to shift when I am light on the gas but seems to shift perfectly when I put the pedal half way or to give full gas.

2. When I coast and even when I brake a little it seems like there is also engine breaking going on, this is an experiance I do not recall from the Merc, but it may be my imagination. Is this normal?

Thanks again everyone!


regarding the trans shifts....
it may take you a little bit to get used to the shifting points. approx. shift points that are normal.... 10-15 mph 25-35 mph 45-55 mph which takes you into overdrive. on the way back down from OD you may feel a kick at around 30-35.
the reason for the variance on the shift points of anywhere from 5 to 15 mph is that your acceleration also determines these points. if you hit it hard and steady on a take off you will usually feel less on the kicks and you will shift smoother rather than going slower between 1st and 2nd for example where there is hesitiation on the pedal on your part. Then if you are starting to accel at about 25mph, at your approx. shift point, and then back off right away and hit the pedal again quickly to accel again you may feel a kick. It is sort of about you learning the pedal. When I am in that mode I just mentioned I will try and either accel slowly or back off some and let her drop back into 1st gear and then go ahead an accel smoother. Hitting it hard at that point will usually cause a kick.
Basically, these tran's seem to be really strong. I have 205k miles on mine, with the new bushing also, and it works very well. Also, great idea to keep the trans fluid and filter changed. every time i change mine it feels even smoother.

[Mr Wiggl3s]

regarding the trans shifts....
it may take you a little bit to get used to the shifting points. approx. shift points that are normal.... 10-15 mph 25-35 mph 45-55 mph which takes you into overdrive. on the way back down from OD you may feel a kick at around 30-35.
the reason for the variance on the shift points of anywhere from 5 to 15 mph is that your acceleration also determines these points. if you hit it hard and steady on a take off you will usually feel less on the kicks and you will shift smoother rather than going slower between 1st and 2nd for example where there is hesitiation on the pedal on your part. Then if you are starting to accel at about 25mph, at your approx. shift point, and then back off right away and hit the pedal again quickly to accel again you may feel a kick. It is sort of about you learning the pedal. When I am in that mode I just mentioned I will try and either accel slowly or back off some and let her drop back into 1st gear and then go ahead an accel smoother. Hitting it hard at that point will usually cause a kick.
Basically, these tran's seem to be really strong. I have 205k miles on mine, with the new bushing also, and it works very well. Also, great idea to keep the trans fluid and filter changed. every time i change mine it feels even smoother.

Ya, also with the transmission check the TV brushing

[Tman70]

A little adjustment goes a long way on an AOD. The TV bushing is a possibility. The proper adjustment is done using a tranny pressure gauge. You can try small adjustments to get the 'feel' you want, but if it's shifting fine...?

[Micetic]

Well, I guess it is shifting fine, I just thought the sensation of engine braking was a bit strange. As for the TV bushing, I actually just replaced it with the brass one yesterday.

[gadget73]

Might want to increase the pressure just a little bit. It should make the shifts a bit more responsive. I usually like the pressure set a bit higher than stock as it gives a more responsive downshift and a more solid shift feel.

[nicholas77586]

same here, I like so adjust it on the high side, this also seems to keep it in gear a little longer so the engine doesnt bog between shifts. As long as it doesnt feel like its falling into gear your good.

[Micetic]

Might want to increase the pressure just a little bit. It should make the shifts a bit more responsive. I usually like the pressure set a bit higher than stock as it gives a more responsive downshift and a more solid shift feel.

How do I adjust the pressure?

[gadget73]

Tech section to the rescue!
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00138.html

You'd have the type at the top. I wouldn't adjust it a whole lot, a little bit goes a long way.

[Hensley]

Right after I got my car a few months ago, I noticed it seemed to shift even lazier than my '89 TC. The trans had just been rebuilt by the previous owner ($1,800 including many heavy duty upgrades) so I knew it was in good shape. I adjusted the TV cable closer to the max setting, and wow, what a difference. It doesn't bang into gears, but it is much firmer. I may back it off a tad, since it's a little harsh when you shift from Park to Drive, but recommend the adjustment on a healthy trans.