95 t-bird- Tranny problem getting into 1st

I have to rev to about 4k rpm to get into first after starting vehicle. Once, I'm in gear, I'm good to go most of the time. At first, every time I stopped at red light or stop sign, I would have to repeat revving. I changed tranny filter and fluid. I realized my vehicle take Merv V atf, as I was putting generic tranny fluid in. Now, Once it gets into first gear, it is normally good until I turn vehicle off or put back in neutral.

Any ideas on the problem?

thx...kg

Wow kg i just resolved a similar problem only to encounter another. I swapped the whole harned under the car, from tranny to under the dash.

I could not get my car out of first gear, but once i did it rode fine till i shut it off and restarted it. You might want to check the harness under your car, around the tailshaft of your trans, there should be 2 square harness' one with 8 pins and another with 15 pins. Make sure those are not burnt, because mine were. There is a good possibility it is an electrical problem.

Mine doesn't do the 1st gear thing now, but it takes off in 2nd gear and has no OD (OD light flashes when i get to speeds at which OD should kick in). But it will go into 1st if i WOT it from a roll. And also the check engine light is on now. I was at the trans shop today and they said it might have something to do with the module and or harness going to the module on the side of the trans.

You might want to take it to a transmission or electrical shop and tell them your problem and see what they say. Don't let them tell you you need a rebuild unles they can explain exactly why, but it's always a good idea to get more than one opinion. Your transmission is most likely fine, but like i said im having a problem with wires also :banghead:

Are there any dummy lights on? And do you have overdrive? And im assuming you have the 4R70W transmission (has a bubble on the trans pan)

Im going back to trans shop tomorrow morning, so i will ask them what they think about your problem and let you know sometime tomorrow. I am no Transmission specialist, Just trying to use what i know to help someone in need.
David

yes I do have the bubble on the trans pan.
My overdirve does work and no dummy lights on.
However, my check engine light has been on for several years.
Guess I need to find out why. I thought it was from a vacuum hose that had a small hole in it that I could not get to so never worried about it, but finally found a way to get it taped up with some electrical tape.

thx....kg