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2000 TownCar 2nd-3rd shift problem


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Momscar
New User

Mar 21, 2016, 1:29 PM

Post #1 of 5 (3842 views)
2000 TownCar 2nd-3rd shift problem Sign In

2000, Lincoln, Town Car, 4.6L SOHC V8, 60,000 miles, automatic transmission
On accelerating after a full stop, the transmission makes a smooth shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear at about 15 mph. However, the problem is with the 2nd to 3rd gear shift. When the car accelerates to about 30-35 mph the transmission seems to shift to neutral; the rpms increase without any increase in the gas pedal; the velocity can decrease; after a few seconds of high rpms the transmission will shift into 3rd with a small lurch.
I checked the transmission fluid with a hot engine in idle on a level surface: fluid level is normal, color is normal, odor is normal, no impurities in the fluid.
Possible diagnosis? What to check next?
Thank you for your help.


kev2
Veteran
kev2 profile image

Mar 21, 2016, 1:51 PM

Post #2 of 5 (3838 views)
Re: 2000 TownCar 2nd-3rd shift problem Sign In

you checked the fluid. So next would be to scan for codes - yes even if the CEL is off.
Scans are free at many auto parts stores, I expecting there are some codes especially in the P074x range. Its FREE and fast a scan.
Post all the codes the read - someone will advise.


gsferraro
Veteran

Mar 21, 2016, 3:39 PM

Post #3 of 5 (3829 views)
Re: 2000 TownCar 2nd-3rd shift problem Sign In

Hello,
I would get this scanned for codes, but If this has no 3rd or 4th, you may have a problem internally with the direct clutch, If the fluid does not smell burnt, possible direct drum splines stripped, or the 2-3 accumulator piston which is bonded rubber is no good(possible bonding came off)that is located under the valvebody. Either way your looking at an internal issue, common on this trans, trans is called 4R70W. Completely eletronicly controlled.


Momscar
New User

Mar 22, 2016, 5:44 PM

Post #4 of 5 (3802 views)
Re: 2000 TownCar 2nd-3rd shift problem Sign In

I took the Town Car to my auto parts store and asked for a computer check and they did do one for me which showed no error codes. The guy that did the test showed me the screens and there was nothing. I took the car to an independent transmission mechanic. He took a test drive with me as passenger and experienced the problem and he thought that it might be skipping 3rd gear entirely; going from second to fourth. In any event, he said the transmission would have to be dropped and visually inspected, rebuilt. He quoted a price of $1800 max, $1500 min. After I went home, I found a website (Link deleted .................. not allowed) where someone had a similar problem like mine with the 4R70W, however my transmission will shift into a higher gear after a few seconds of high RPMs in neutral.

"Question: What could cause my AODE (or 4R70W) to lose 3rd gear, and Overdrive? Ansewer: This could be a small or large problem. We will start with a possible cause that would not require transmission removal. If the car shifts from first to second, and then stays in second, never shifting to third or OD it may have a number 2 shift solenoid that is failing to activate, or failing to seal when activated. This could be caused by a defective solenoid, wiring problem, or bad processor. If you have had any recent electrical problems one of the above problems is more likely. This same condition could also be caused by a stuck 1-2 shift solenoid in the valve body.
If your transmission shifts from first to second, seems to hold second longer than normal, and then finally neutrals out completely at the point where it would normally shift to OD then the most likely cause is a damaged Direct Clutch Pack. This would require transmission removal and disassembly to repair. The Direct Clutch pack is the last one to come out of the transmission during disassmebly, so plan on a complete overhaul while it is apart. You may also want to upgrade your direct clutch using raybestos blues, or the alto direct clutch pack kit as listed in our AODE Product Section. Another possible cause of the same symptoms is a broken stub shaft. We also offer an upgraded version of this shaft."
This second possibility is what gsferraro posited. Thank you gsferraro and kev2 for advice/help.


(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Mar 22, 2016, 6:01 PM)


gsferraro
Veteran

Mar 23, 2016, 4:12 PM

Post #5 of 5 (3770 views)
Re: 2000 TownCar 2nd-3rd shift problem Sign In

Hello,
A mechanically clogged shift solenoid for no 3rd and 4th, possible, (IMO not likely, i dont see that problem with no 3rd or 4th) .
The shift solenoids have been updated through the years.
Just to explain how this unit works, when you have no 3rd you will have no 4th, the direct clutch comes on in 3rd and stays on for 4th
an overdrive band also comes on in 4th.
You can have 3rd but no 4th(this would mean a problem with the o/d band).
I read the post when the guy said it feels like it skipping 3rd, unless its slipping through 3rd then going into 4th, it cant skip 3rd.
Also, if this makes the 2-3 shift and goes into neutral than the 2-3 shift valve is stroking, so i would look at the clutch pack or the 2-3 accumulator piston. Gary

1500 to 1800 is the going rate for these units, just make sure that includes the torque converter.


(This post was edited by gsferraro on Mar 23, 2016, 4:13 PM)






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