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  • Select shift problem

    I’ve been having trouble with my select shift. After I use it for an extended time, and especially in hot weather, it just stops working. I can go from 1 to 3rd but no farther. When it happens I just go to automatic and that work fine. If I stop the car and wait an hour or so the select shift works again. Any ideas on what is happening?
    Ed.

  • #2
    Re: Select shift problem

    Sounds like a an over-heating problem that you might have to have a Ford dealer look at. Hope you have an extended warranty. If not be prepared to shell out some big bucks. Leroy

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    • #3
      Re: Select shift problem

      On rare occasions the sealed TBird tranmissions has shown odd operating problems and the cause was a low fluid level. I believe the only way to measure the fluid level is to have it changed and measure what comes out when the new fluid is put in. Oddly, the flush / change machine replaces fluid, but it does not "top off" the transmission.The Lincoln LS has the same transmission so you've got your choice of dealers, (and Lincoln may have more experience with the transmission,) if you don't have a Ford ESP.

      Tom
      sigpicRIDGE TOP PERCH FOR A THUNDERBIRD

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      • #4
        Re: Select shift problem

        Originally posted by ewclement View Post
        I’ve been having trouble with my select shift. After I use it for an extended time, and especially in hot weather, it just stops working. I can go from 1 to 3rd but no farther. When it happens I just go to automatic and that work fine. If I stop the car and wait an hour or so the select shift works again. Any ideas on what is happening?
        Ed.
        I agree with what others have said here. The transmission fluid level could be as much as 2-3 quarts low and the unit will still function. But it is not necessary to change the fluid out unless it is dirty. When they take a sample at the Ford dealership they will be able to tell if it needs changing. I did mine at 46,000 miles and it was black. After servicing it acted very strange and it wasn't until 2 1/2 quarts of additional fluid was put in that the transmission started working properly. It now acts better than ever. I hope that is your problem too, fluid is cheap!

        Cal Ellison
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        • #5
          Re: Select shift problem

          Since it works fine when shifted to automatic, it sounds more like a linkage or switch problem.

          My problem is similar in that it does not always select D4, or once selected it will intermittantly go to D4 and back to D5. Checking the shop manual for my 02, it talks about the overdrive cancellation switch, so it is either the switch or the connection for the electronic link to the transmission, not a mechanical one.
          Has anyone had their shifter area apart to offer some advice before I tear it apart?
          ( an 03 shop manual would probably have similar info for the select shift)
          Last edited by luvbirdz; Aug 10, 2009, 06:03 PM.
          Martin

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          • #6
            Re: Select shift problem

            Piece of cake! The decrative covers & trim just pops off. Under it you will find a switch that the shifter actuates as you move through the selection. On my the switch's mounting screws were loose and the switch moved with the shifter. There is adjustment specs in the service manual, if you already have that info it is a simple repair. And then the trans cover just pops right back on. Just be careful of the one little clip that holds the leather boot of the parking brake to the plastic cover. It breaks off easily.
            Mike

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