AOD driving me mad....

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AJ_vares

New Member

Oct 7, 2003

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 12, 2003

#1

• Dec 12, 2003

• #1

I posted a while back about tranny problems... two months and two rebuilds later I'm still having a problem. My first rebuild, done professionally, was because the tranny would sometimes go into neutral when shifting. Got that taken care of, went off to college and returned. After getting back home the tranny was not wanting to shift out of first. It eventually did and I took it back to the shop. They said that it seemed over abused (which it wasn't since I babied it after the rebuild). They rebuilt it nevertheless... but said that the warranty was voided. They said it was the planetary gearset... which by te way was replaced along with the torque converter and what not...they also added a tranny cooler. Today on my way back I hit traffic so had to stop. My car wouldn't down shift. At 5mph my car started vibrating and eventually downshifted. When I accelerated it would shift out of first...@ around 3K rpm it shifted very hard. It kept this up all the way... I was lucky to only have 15 miles left. Any idea?? Is it the tranny again or something else? Sorry for the long thread....thnx

 

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billheis

New Member

Jul 17, 2003

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Longwood, FL

Dec 12, 2003

#2

• Dec 12, 2003

• #2

Sounds like to TV cable or valve is sticking. Disconnect the cable from the TB and see if it moves freely, if it does the TVavle is prob sticking in the valve body. Ive got my cable adj a little tight and it hangs on downshifting out of OD and the lockup clutch is still engaged. Its just like not pushing in the clutch pedal on a manual tranny.

 

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AJ_vares

New Member

Oct 7, 2003

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 12, 2003

#3

• Dec 12, 2003

• #3

... I will definetly check that tomorrow... but would it cause any extensive damage to the tranny? And does it occur after a long drive? Because both times it's happened after driving to college (roughly 250 miles)...well just wanted to be a little better informed about this. Thanks

 

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AJ_vares

New Member

Oct 7, 2003

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 13, 2003

#4

• Dec 13, 2003

• #4

Drove the car today, this is what happened. In R it went fine. Put it into OD and accelerated slowly. It wouldn't get out of first. Gave it more gas and it finally went into second and quickly into third. Slowed down to a stop and then gave it gas..it was still in third. Made some quick stops and it finally went into first. But after that I couldn't get it to shift out of first. Haven't had a chance to look at the Tv valve, but does it sound like the TV might be the cause? I thought it only affected downshifting...any help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW- on my last rebuild, the planetary gears where chipped and worn. It was replaced, but I believe it was the culprit in the shifting problem. (debris would get into the valve body wouldn't it?) Could that be the problem?

 

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billheis

New Member

Jul 17, 2003

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Longwood, FL

Dec 13, 2003

#5

• Dec 13, 2003

• #5

Yeah if something is coming apart it will circulate. Some will be stoped by the filter some wont. The tv valve adds pressure to the system, the higher pressure over comes the spring pressure in the valves. Thats why when at full throttle it shfts later, So if the valve is sticking the pressure is acting like its at full throttle. Check that cable first and if its ok drop the pan and check whats floating in there. Hope you dont have any major probs
Bill

 

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AJ_vares

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Oct 7, 2003

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 14, 2003

#6

• Dec 14, 2003

• #6

ok, I went ahead and disconnected my cold air intake so I could get a good look at the throttle body. The tv cable seems to be up to par, but it does give me some trouble to get it to WOT. Is this normal? It slides easily until a little before WOT.

 

ponyboy19

Founding Member

May 24, 2000

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Dec 14, 2003

#7

• Dec 14, 2003

• #7

Well i'm not sure your issue sounds like a TV cable. The more pressure the longer it will hange in a gear before shifting but if you had that much TV in it you would be able to kick it down doing 75-80 (with 3.27 gears) and it would downshift into second. (which would be way to much TV) none the less here is a link on how to adjust it. http://www.txchange.com/aodadj.htm when adjusted properally and when the car is in D, you should be able to go about 55-60 and floor it and have it kick down into 2nd gear. I almost wonder if your valve body isn't sticking and screwing up your shifts.

If your shop is the one that installed it and fixed it twice then I would tell them they are going to fix the thing regardless of their claim of voided warrentee, or your going to look into taking legal action and report them to the better buisness bureau or what ever you can do to them.. You paid for a rebuilt and working tranny you should get one.

 

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AJ_vares

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Oct 7, 2003

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 14, 2003

#8

• Dec 14, 2003

• #8

I also think the valve body is sticking. I looked and smelled the tranny fluid from the dipstick and it looked burnt, a lot for only a month of use. I'm thinking that the same problem is occuring over again.

The problem I'm having is that the shop claims that I mistreated the car, which is not possible. The first rebuilt was just the normal wear 'n' tear (12 years). Nothing was burnt, just some seals deterioating. A rebuild kit, planetary and tc were replaced. That same planetary, only a month after, needed to be replaced...it was giving me the same problems. They also replaced everything else and tranny cooler. With that they discontinued my warranty because they said that I misused the car.

Now what should I do? There is no way I can prove that the car was not misused... except for my word. And I can't prove malpractise on their part without having another professional shop look @ the tranny... which would cost money, and may not prove anything. Can the shop void a year warranty that easily?? And if I do convince them to fix it, which I doubt, I don't think I want them working on my car again. Any idea what could be causing this??

Sorry for the long thread it's just that we're talkig about a lot of money, especially for a college student. Also, it's my only mode of transportation and I got school starting on Jan. 5th.Thnx

 

ponyboy19

Founding Member

May 24, 2000

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Dec 14, 2003

#9

• Dec 14, 2003

• #9

I hear you.. This is what I would do.. First I would make sure that I have all my reciepts to fully document the history you have with this shop. Then I would look on the original reciept and see what it says for warrentee. 1yr, unlimited miles, 12,000 miles what ever. If your inside that window then as far as i'm concerned it's not up to you to prove you didn't mis treat the car it's up to them to prove you did. I would tell them in a very ticked off way that your not dealing with this BS anymore and they have two options.. Fix the car right and for free and fix it now, or your taking it to another shop and getting signed letters from the mechanics stating in detail what they find wrong with the tranny and if it was normal to wear in this short amount of time or if it was put together incorrectly. This may get them thinking and tell them if they choose to ignore you that your going to see a lawyer, contact the better buisness bureau, and pass the word on how they mis treated you to every person you have the chance too. As long as you speak the truth you can say what you want. Basically show the shop that your not taking this BS, that your willing to persue this in what ever manner needed, and you will be a thorn in their side until this is resolved. they may change their tune. Also what mods do you have done to this car. I would make sure that if you have to take further action that is was claimed to be stock although if they new it was modded when they did it they still gave you a warentee so i'm not sure it would matter. did you put a shift kit in it or any upgraded parts? I know my friend had a worthless mechanic try to install a B&M in his and he screwed it up bad. Also how old are you, If your young then I would take your dad or some other middle aged person with you. Sadly I got push around when I was younger from a ATV mechanic and the older i get it seems people try to put the screws to you less IMO especially if your correct and aren't going away.. not sure on your age.

 

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AJ_vares

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Oct 7, 2003

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 14, 2003

#10

• Dec 14, 2003

• #10

My mods are cold air, headers, o/r x-pipe, and 4:10. I'm not positive about their knowledge of the gears, now that I think about it... though I remember them asking me because my speedo was off, just don't remember if it was before the first or second rebuild. Gears shouldn't be a problem though. No shift kit or anything else, just a stock rebuild. I'm 18, but both my father and I were present on most occasions. But my father has been the one to make the decisions, since I was away @ college.. and he's paying for it . When it comes to money, my old man will not easily be persuaded. He is willing to having it looked @, but just wants to make sure it's money well spent. It's a one year warranty, 12K milies,...so far it's been three months and 3K miles. I will definetly give the shop a call tomorrow... yeah I've noticed how rediculous they are when I'm around by myself. I've already told the mechanic off because I called him once to find out about my cars status, and the first thing he did was start blaming for mistreating the car. He started raising his tone, my dad was right next to me, I told him he had no right to disrespect me in such manner. When my old man's around he's all calm and tries to negotiate. Just hope to get the stang on the streets before college, but I'm still looking forward to working on her this winter...just not the tranny of course. thnx

 

ponyboy19

Founding Member

May 24, 2000

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Dec 14, 2003

#11

• Dec 14, 2003

• #11

AJ_vares said:

I will definetly give the shop a call tomorrow...

Click to expand...

No phone calls do everything in person so they can 1. see and drive the car themselves, and 2, see the fury in your face when you tell them to get it right.

 

Cammed90Notch

New Member

Mar 26, 2003

592

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Greenville, SC

Dec 14, 2003

#12

• Dec 14, 2003

• #12

Find a new shop &/or include better parts in your build. Better servos, clutches, yata yata

 

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AJ_vares

New Member

Oct 7, 2003

34

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Duluth, Ga

Dec 14, 2003

#13

• Dec 14, 2003

• #13

I dunno if I can trust it on the highway... I might if I can get a friend or family to drive along. Taking it directly to them is a good idea...just hope it can make it...10 mile trip. I wish I never went with this shop to begin with, it was recommended by a friend... what a friend. I shall be doing all other mods with another shop I assure you of that. Thanks for all the replies.

 

sea ya

Founding Member

Oct 25, 2000

161

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17

where are we going,& why am i in this handbask

Dec 14, 2003

#14

• Dec 14, 2003

• #14

hello all it sounds like your tv cable is to tight
"which would make it shift higher & not
downshift right,jus imo.my friend had his rebuilt @ cottman
& he went through holy hell w/ them it was back in
there shop @ least 6-9 times, i dont think many people
understand the aod & what to do to make it last.
again imo,mine is tci sf been great so far,
"knocking on wood",fyi,he paid them $1,800
mine was $ 1,300 "jegs" to my door,lots of luck, chuck

 

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AJ_vares

New Member

Oct 7, 2003

34

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0

Duluth, Ga

Dec 16, 2003

#15

• Dec 16, 2003

• #15

Well I called the shop yesterday (sorry, had no way of getting there). I told the him that the same $h** was happening and asked if it was just a coincidence that it's happened both time they've rebuilt it. (BTW that was just my greeting) He then started saying that he's never had this problem before. I told him I didn't care about his past rebuilds and the only thing I'm concerned with is the condition of my tranny, which right now is undrivable. I asked him if he still wanted to discontinue my warranty for no reason and he said no..and added he couldn't and never did (not smart on his part). I told him that I needed a working transmssion and expect it not to break down after a month, and that's something I don't think he can provide me with.

I guess he understood where I was going with this and asked that my father and I come down to his shop to discuss $. He said he'd rather pay us off than have to deal with this later. I told him that we can work something out, but not to through low numbers on the table, because I rather deal with this later if it's going to benefit me in the end. So hopefully this will be over with soon. I felt kinda bad though, just the way I acted...I'm not an angry man, but I won't let someone walk all over me either. So, would ya'll recommend another rebuild or a new tranny?? Or should I just beef up my recent tranny... I was looking into a manual valve body...mmm. What parts should I replace to reinforce my aod. Thanks for all the support and hope never to have to post snything like this again.

 

Icepick

Founding Member

Jul 30, 2002

378

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0

Ft Lauderdale

Dec 16, 2003

#16

• Dec 16, 2003

• #16

My original tranny was doing that exact same thing. When cold it wouldnt upshift until about 3500 rpms or downshift until the car almost stalled. Playing with the TV cable made minor differences but not enough. Plus the shift points REALLY suck anyways. So i bought a brand new T5Z and had the auto to manual conversion done, i couldnt be happier to be rid of that piece of crap.

 

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AJ_vares

New Member

Oct 7, 2003

34

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0

Duluth, Ga

Dec 16, 2003

#17

• Dec 16, 2003

• #17

Icepick, how much did it cost for the T5Z conversion? I like my AOD when it works, but then again I wouldn't mind a manual either.

I don't really think it's the Tv cable, check my tranny oil and it's burnt...plus, I never had this shifting problem till after my trip. I think my tranny's a lemon . Recommend some trannies or altleast some good rebuild kits.
Any ideas would be helpful

 

tvmango

New Member

Oct 27, 2003

667

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0

bradenton florida

Dec 16, 2003

#18

• Dec 16, 2003

• #18

Your tranny sounds to me like it's junk, seems to be a piston sticking in the valve body, the tv won't cause all that mishap, it will make it shift in a higher rpm and harder if it is to tight, or will make it shift way to low and like a lincoln if its to loose, but it wont effect it for taking off in third from a light or things like that, sounds like they messed something up!!!! give it back to them, I would call the better bussiness burea and tell them what is happining if the shop doesn't fix it. They can't just say (you beat on it), Any proof? And it's a mustng you idiots not a escort, they seem like there just covering up there own mistakes....... I'm taking my aod out in the next month and giving it to the lincoln gods it cam from, I hate them!!!!

 

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AC91GT

Member

Aug 13, 2003

36

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6

Belmont, NC

Dec 16, 2003

#19

• Dec 16, 2003

• #19

Call Art Carr and get yourself a quality high performance rebuild kit. Or buy there already assembled Extreme AOD. I bought the kit with torque convertor and rebuilt the unit myself. First time by the way. Tranny works great and all of the parts were high quality. When you get it apart (or someone else does) be sure to clean the case really well and look for anything that may be causing the valves to stick. Tranny work is a B but such is the price we pay. Good luck.

 

Icepick

Founding Member

Jul 30, 2002

378

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Ft Lauderdale

Dec 16, 2003

#20

• Dec 16, 2003

• #20

These guys have pretty good deals http://www.daves-mustang-parts.com , you can get used or new trannies and everything you need for the conversion from auto to 5 speed including clutches in their conversion kits. A brand new T5z with new clutch and all the conversion parts cost me $2200 shipped. You obviously can spend less if you dont want the Z or want a used one, it all depends on what you want. Only problem i had was the bolts they sent were not the right ones for the Ram HD clutch.