1986 Ford Escort

[Berry0083]

I have a 1986 Ford Escort with an automatic transmission, when you put it into drive and take off it won't shift out of low (1st) gear, you can try shifting down into low gear and shift back into drive while you are going and it still won't come out of low (1st) gear, it has 125,000 miles on it and the fluid and filter have been changed on a regular schedule, the linkages are ok and the fluid level is ok, I was wondering if anyone would have an idea what I should look for.
Thanks
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[A. Souphound]

Failure to upshift could be caused by problems with the throttle valve. The throttle valve linkage could be binding on the sliding trunnion block, or a broken, disconnected return spring.
Alvin

[Berry0083]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

Failure to upshift could be caused by problems with the throttle valve. The throttle valve linkage could be binding on the sliding trunnion block, or a broken, disconnected return spring.
Alvin

Thanks Alvin, I'll check that out.
Berry0083

[Berry0083]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

Failure to upshift could be caused by problems with the throttle valve. The throttle valve linkage could be binding on the sliding trunnion block, or a broken, disconnected return spring.
Alvin

I checked the linkage and everything is free and the spring is good.
Berry0083

[UnexplodedCow]

It could be maladjusted, too. I'd check that out as well. Play with it and see if it works. Also, can you feel the detents (shift points in the gear selector) when you shift?