94 thunderbird

My transmission has been having occasional murmers [Was suggested to put Mervon 5 transmission fluid in, Haven't done it yet] But tonight on my way home my Overdrive cut out and it wouldn't come back on. What can I do about this? I don't have the money to get my transmission rebuilt and I don't have any other means of transportation. [I live in a small town, no busses or anything.]

Suggestions please?

patience my friend patience-- i was slightly delayed in my endeavor by the 2 1/2 inch rusty nail that went through my foot but the fluid change should help the overdrive problem too---should have pics or a video up for you by wednesday at the latest--if not fast enuff change the fluid anyhow but use dexron/mercon 3 cause its alot cheaper for now--until you get 1-2 shift accumulator piston and all that --just have a little patience-i didnt forget u

patience my friend patience-- i was slightly delayed in my endeavor by the 2 1/2 inch rusty nail that went through my foot but the fluid change should help the overdrive problem too---should have pics or a video up for you by wednesday at the latest--if not fast enuff change the fluid anyhow but use dexron/mercon 3 cause its alot cheaper for now--until you get 1-2 shift accumulator piston and all that --just have a little patience-i didnt forget u

I'm being patient, Just figured this was an entirely new problem. I'm worried I'm going to mess up this car due to the fact that I have to drive it everyday. I was going to change the transmission fluid this weekend, Could you possibly give me just a little description on how to do the shift accumulator piston? I was planning on doing all of that this weekend until the Overdrive died which scared me quite a bit. I've got a 93 3.8L v6 thunderbird but the engine is dead but the transmission is fine, If worse comes to worse are they compatable?

I have a 94 4.6L v8 now.

yes they are compatible.. when you remove the trans pan at the forward-drivers side on the trans you will see an 1 1/2 snapring in a groove-- remove the snapring and the piston should slide down out of the hole and the spring(s) should follow ---the spring(s) is probably broken causing the 2nd gear shift flare-- install new spring followed by updated design piston then snapring and your done---when you change fluid just in front of the pan on the bottom ther should be a rubber cap/plug remove that and you should be able to see the torque converter bump the engine with the starter until you see the 11mm plug screwed into the converter and remove it--that will drain about 8qts of old fluid out and when you put the pan and the plug back in/on it will take roughly 12-13 qts to fill it back up hope this helps

yes they are compatible.. when you remove the trans pan at the forward-drivers side on the trans you will see an 1 1/2 snapring in a groove-- remove the snapring and the piston should slide down out of the hole and the spring(s) should follow ---the spring(s) is probably broken causing the 2nd gear shift flare-- install new spring followed by updated design piston then snapring and your done---when you change fluid just in front of the pan on the bottom ther should be a rubber cap/plug remove that and you should be able to see the torque converter bump the engine with the starter until you see the 11mm plug screwed into the converter and remove it--that will drain about 8qts of old fluid out and when you put the pan and the plug back in/on it will take roughly 12-13 qts to fill it back up hope this helps


I've called around quite a bit for the 1-2 shift accumulator piston, I haven't tried a dealer yet. Is a dealer the only place I'll be able to find it?

Thanks, Doesn't sound too hard at all

There aren't any metal shavings in the transmission fluid off the dip stick, and the fluid doesn't smell burnt at all, so do you think other than the transmission fluid/accumulator piston that it's ok [Don't have any other problems with it other than the Overdrive going out today..]

Also, where is the transmission fluid filter?

You can get the piston, spring and filter at the dealer. Call them ASAP to see if they have them as they might have to order them. Once you have the new parts, remove the transmission pan and you will be able to tell what the filter is by comparing it to the new one.

the piston should be in stock because its an updated design (there was a bulletin for revised part and procedure) the spring may have to be ordered depending on the dealership most in my area have large parts departments so they can stock alot-----if you are going to do the piston and all use the mercon 5 fluid, but if your just changing fluid and filter just use the dexron/mercon 3-- and the fluids are not compatible(meaning cant put in mercon 5 and top off with cheap stuff or vice-versa or mix fluids)

Yes, I've got 15 quarts of Mercon 5 fluid, the 1-2 shift accumulator piston and the spring. I'm going to do the switch this sunday! Wish me luck! Thanks everyone for your help.

GOOD LUCK ill be back on late sat nite and maybe late sunday nite after race if not deff be back monday evening let me know how it goes

It rained -all- weekend and I don't have a garage anywhere to do it in, so I couldn't do it! *Ugh* Going to try again this weekend.. *Yay!..*

Ok Coon, I successfully changed the transmission fluid and filter [mercon v], the shift accumulator piston and the spring [it was indeed broken in half] and I also cleaned the mass airflow intake and that stopped the bogging down, But, I had 2 transmission murmers on the way home, is that just normal for new transmission fluid/filter? There were very little metal shavings in the pan and nothing new [as in, no shinies..] The old transmission fluid wasn't dark like motor oil [was still red and you could see thru it] and didn't smell burnt.

PS: The murmer only seems to happen when in the 'Overdrive' gear.

sorry been gone for a couple days---od only sounds like tcc locking in and out--thats normal as long as it isnt flareing(revving way up in between shifts)mine does it all the time when on and off throttle in od

Nope, It shifts fine, Like a new car with the new fluid and that piston! Just that murmer in overdrive worried me a bit as I can't afford to have the transmission rebuilt.

PS: You wouldn't happen to know anything about sunroof/moonroofs, eh? Mine keeps opening while driving and it won't close correctly unless you slow to about 20 MPH. This wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the fact that it opens enough to let rain in!

i would have to see it to figure it out but sounds like the gear on the motor might be bad or the brake on the motor might not be locking letting glass open with th vacuum over the car also might be a track out of adjustment does it operate with the switch at all should tilt or slide in any condition except weight sitting on top