AOD not Shifting

This my be off track not because of the parts but the car itself. I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on what to look for with a problem I am having with an 83 AOD. I am working on my projects and don't have the money to just take it to an expert. I have a 5.0/AOD in a crown vic. The other day I accelerated hard (well for this car). The tranny would not and will not shift out of 1st gear. Any ideas on what to look for? Could it be a simple fix? The last manual (4spd) I had looked at was popping out of second and that was over $1000 to fix. I should have bought a new 5 spd. I can't afford the same thing happening again.I have a couple of spare AOD's if I cant find a simple solution. I have done a search and read about cables breaking and such. Please take a moment and steer me in the right direction if you can. I am always impressed by the knowledge I find on this site.
Neil

One other thing. Every so often There is a buzzing noise coming from what sounds like the transmission. The only thing I can relate the sound to is a 63 two speed automatic when its low on fluid. This is random and the AOD level looks fine.

5.0 con-vert said:

When was the last time the filter was changed? Also, what does the fluid look like? You may also want to make sure that the linkage is still in the right place. For example, does reverse work but D only gets you first gear? I had that happen before. But check the fluid color/texture/smell and get back to us.

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Thanks I will check and post that information. The car does go into reverse. Same gear for 1,2,3,and D. I have had the car for about 10 years and have probably 1000 miles on it. When the last filter was changed I can not say.
Thank you, Neil

Update on AOD fluid

5.0 con-vert said:

When was the last time the filter was changed? Also, what does the fluid look like? You may also want to make sure that the linkage is still in the right place. For example, does reverse work but D only gets you first gear? I had that happen before. But check the fluid color/texture/smell and get back to us.

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I checked the fluid last night. I was red and smelled kind of like motor oil. I checked the 85 transmission I have and it was about the same. The 91 I have had no smell. I think on other transmissions in the past that the burn't smell was very noticable. I have not had time to get it up and check underneath. I will get to thatbut it is a very busy time of year and my other toy is also in a bad way. It has not been a good couple of weeks for me and cars.

neil

PS: I just found this:

"The AODs are purely mechanical, so I highly doubt the computer has anything to do with your problem. I have heard of a bad tv adjustment keeping a car in first right up to redline, so that is definitely where I would look first. After that, the problem would likely lie with the transmission itself. GL."

I have to get underneath.

to Bother again

5.0 con-vert said:

Definitely! Make sure that stinkin TV cable is right on! I smoked one because of improper adjustment before. If you need to know how to adjust it, run a search since I know this has been brought up before. Good Luck!

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I just got to look around on the car. The TV ROD (metal thing) is disconnected from the Throttle Body. There is nothing there. I called Napa and they have no idea what it was so they can't get one. I checked on my sparte 85 engine and its gone there also. Can I get that locally or do I have to go to Ford? I have some other parts houses not to far away but can you give me a suggestion or a discription so I can help the parts guys find what I need.

Great site... I always get headed in the right direction. I don't know newer fords. My next project will make me learn or drive this site crazy.

Thanks for your help, Neil

Got the part from Ford. Thanks.