• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-

Only have 2nd gear

  • Thread starter Thread starter David A
  • Start date Start date Sep 14, 2020
D

David A

Member
Sep 20, 2018
80
5
18
81
Beaufort, SC
Sep 14, 2020
#1
  • Sep 14, 2020
  • #1
I have a1965 coupe with 289 and c4 trans.
When I put it in gear it will start out in 2nd gear and never shift to 3rd. Also not sure what the center forward position on the shifter Is for. It has the little green circle on it. My apologies if this was discussed before. Any help is appreciated
 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Sep 17, 2020
#2
  • Sep 17, 2020
  • #2
I could use a pic of the shifter green circle.
But the second gear only best case scenario I can see is the valve body is experiencing “sticktion”. A fluid/filter change and a bottle of trans medic has helped similar troubles on auto trans of several different makes. When the pan is off, an inspection could show a lot of wear or other problem.
I’m fine if a C-4 specialist comes up with another answer. Until then, this inspection and fluid change is a common step.
 
D

David A

Member
Sep 20, 2018
80
5
18
81
Beaufort, SC
Sep 17, 2020
#3
  • Sep 17, 2020
  • #3
Thanks I’ll give the additive a try.
 

rbohm

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
6,698
550
204
67
tucson,az
Sep 17, 2020
#4
  • Sep 17, 2020
  • #4
if the transmission is stock to the car, then you have the dual range C4. it was designed so that you could start off in first gear as normal, or in second gear in adverse weather conditions, such as snow or other traction limited situations. as i recall the big green dot means you start off in first gear and the smaller one means you start off in second.

now here is where the issue comes in. in 67(?) i think, ford switched to the normal pattern, where you pull the shifter into drive and start off in first gear all the time. however there is on little quirk of automatic transmissions of the three speed variety. if you pull the shifter into second gear, the car will start off in second, and wont shift into third at all.

what may have happened in your case is someone swapped out the early dual range C4 for a later one, and you are starting off in second gear. try pulling the trans into neutral and then down into drive and see what happens. if you have the full range of gears at that point, then problem solved. if not then go with the advice you were given by 7991LXnSHO. if that doesnt work then change the modulator valve, after making sure the one there is connected to the engine vacuum. also note there is an adjustment on some modulator valves. make sure that adjustment is in the middle of its range. you can adjust from there as needed to get the shift quality you are looking for.
 
D

David A

Member
Sep 20, 2018
80
5
18
81
Beaufort, SC
Sep 18, 2020
#5
  • Sep 18, 2020
  • #5
I didn’t try going from park to the green dot selection or from neutral to any other gear. I’m trailering the car home tomorrow and will check things out then. My restoration guy said that he would not want to get into transmission problems. I serviced the trans lasr year and put on a new modulator valve. I never checked to see if it was adjustable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
1965 289 xmission
  • sctang
  • Nov 15, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
206
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Nov 30, 2025
Mcmahst
C
C4 trans help needed
  • CPH89LX
  • Apr 26, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
224
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 28, 2026
CPH89LX
C
Mustang II 4 cyl gear hunting and possibly messed up vacuum system
  • oesterreicher
  • May 31, 2026
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
11
Views
316
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Jun 14, 2026
manicmechanic007
S
Engine Stalls when downshifting/coasting
  • Scott_S
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
741
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 6, 2025
Mustang5L5
S
Car shakes when taking off help???
  • STANKYstangs
  • May 10, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
12
Views
343
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- May 27, 2026
LILCBRA
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?