1994 T bird shift problem

Hi, I have a 1994 Ford Thunderbird LX, V6, a little over 120,000 miles with automatic transmission, P/S, A/C and cruise control. This is one of those intermittent problems that doesn't seem to have any particular cause, and doesn't occur at any particular time under any particular circumstances. It seems to occur most often at highway speeds between 55 and 75 mph, but it will also do it at speeds as low as 30 mph.
It does it in warm weather, it does it in cold weather. Sometimes it does it when the cruise control is on, sometimes it doesn't. Here's the problem: While driving at constant speed, usually on the highway, the engine will suddenly rev up. For example, at 70 mph the tachometer normally reads about 1,800 when everything is running okay, but when the engine starts acting up and does it's revving thing, the tach will jump up to about 2,800 to 3,000 rpm.

It usually holds at the increased engine rpm for three or four seconds and then in what seems like two or three steps will gradually drop back to normal. The entire sequence takes about eight to ten seconds. It might do it once, and then not do it again for ten minutes, if at all. There is no increase in the forward speed of the car when this happens, but there is a slight lag in forward speed just as the engine starts revving. Any idea what will fix this?
Thanks
Joe

possibly a bad torgue converter but Im not sure. Take it to a trans place and describe it to them and see if they have a guess.

rebuild, sounds like clutch packs are shot!

Could need a fluid flush, you ever flush the fluid?

Mine is the same 100,000 miles.but this whole winter is has not acted up.I put a bottle of Lucus tran con.in and that may of helped.I know I will have to get in to the tranny shop soon.They don`t fix them selfes.

Tom

Hi, I need some info, Engine size, Build date, Trans ID(AODE ?), Then I may be able to help...Lots of different issues with that year bird,,,,See Ya, Clay..

C. Cleve, thanks for trying to help, Its a 3.8 V6, the car is a 1994, I don`t really know what you mean by Build date? Do you know where the Trans ID is located? I`ll get all this information for you, I just don`t know where to get it.
Thanks
Joe

I have a 94 4.6, and I have had this problem too. I posted a message on the TCCOA.com forum ans someone came back and said that it was the neutral safety switch. Its basically a module that is fitted to the base of the gear stick, and tells the electronics that the stick s in P, or N, or 2, 3 etc. Apparently they are prone to being badly sealed and letting moisture in.

I haven't actually fittted a new switch to my car yet, but I sort of confirmed that that is the problem as I have had what I thought was a seperate problem for a while which is that ocassionally when I turn the car off, I can't remove the ignition key. If I move the gear stick into D and back to park (with the engine off), the key then comes straight out.

YOu can get a neutral safety switch from autozone for about £22, if you're lucky enough to live in the US.

Hi,Joeyd50, The build date is on the door tag, drivers door, gives you the date the car was built, The trans id tag is a white tag on the drivers side of the trans, It will be eiter an AODE or a 4R70W.. Your problem is probaly the TR sensor(neutral switch) but to be sure get me the info so I can check the TSB's for the correct TR sensor...They use different ones according to the type of trans and when it was built....See Ya, Clay...

Hi, Joe.....RE your trans shift problem, I found the info for you, Ford TSB# 95-5-15, You need to replace the TR sensor(ford part# F5AZ-7A247-A) abd the Oss, output shaft speed sensor(Ford part# F4AZ-7H103-A)< please do your self a BIG favor and purchase them from the dealer, The aftermarket stuff is generic and most likely will not solve your problem, GOOD LUCK, Clay..

Mine did this and it was the "Shifter Position Sensor" ..... it located on the outside of the tranny and is easy to change. I got mine at the Ford Dealer and it ran me about $70.00.

C.Cleve,Wow, thanks, I worked Saturday and just seen the post, this is great, how did you find it, do you work for Ford? I thought you needed the trans number and build date? Anyway thanks a lot. Is this the same thing andy625 is talking about?Thank for taking the time to help, I`ll let you know how things work out.
Thanks Again
Joe

Hi, Joe, I found the TSB and it covers both transmissions for that year bird, No need for you to get under the car for now, But you will have to when you replace the sensors,,, GOOD LUCK, Clay...

Hi, Joe,....Sent you a private message.....See Ya, Clay..

C. Cleve, I been meaning to get back to you, I got the parts you mentioned and the car is running just fine. YOU ARE THE MAN. Thanks again for all your help.
Joe