[gdono1001]

My 96 GT's transmission will rev to 5000 RPM if I let it in 1st gear (when I'm not even pushing on it) and not shift into 2nd. If I let off the gas, it will shift. But if I don't completely let off the gas, it will not shift and will redline.

It seems to only do this going from 1st gear to 2nd. However, if I floor it on any other gear (like 3rd or 4th for example), it appears to downshift and go to redline if I let it (just like it does from 1st to 2nd), so I can't get it to take off because if I try to it will just go to redline and not shift until I let off the gas like it does from 1st to 2nd.

However this only happens in the other gears if I'm flooring it. If I drive normally/non-aggressively, it shifts fine in all other gears without me having to let off the gas in order for it to shift.

My question is... what type of issue is this? Sounds like a transmission issue, but since it seems to shift just fine when I let off the gas, I'm hoping its something else that isn't that serious? Like the car computer maybe?

Any idea what might have gone wrong? And if so, how much it should cost to fix?

Thanks in advance guys!

[sharkbait]

Did you ever look into this --

[96 GT] Issues shifting into 2nd gear?

[Ruffellbaker]

Sounds like shift valve or modulator problems to me. Have you had any work done to the transmission in the past? Just a peice of hair is enough to hang up a shift valve.

[p4ndiamond]

Lol did you ever attempt to fix this ? Its going to be your shift piston in the transmission casing. you don't have to drop the valve body to upgrade to the rubber bonded piston. Its easy but messy .

[gdono1001]

Lol I am finally going to try and get it fixed tomorrow, I just wanted to get a second opinion so I could sleep better at night knowing that its not a serious transmission issue and also so I can know what is wrong for sure before some shady mechanic tries to convince me that I need something far more expensive done in order to fix it.

I'd do it myself but I just can't answer to a certain someone if I screw it up further, rather just pay $200 to pass go and move on...

Is there any issue with driving 200+ miles before fixing it? I'm not trying to put it off indefinitely, but I may need to drive 200 miles or so before I can get it fixed.

Not to sound like a bitch, but what should I tell the auto shop I want fixed when I go to get it fixed tomorrow? I want to make sure I sound like I know what I'm talking about so they don't think I'm clueless and say that the only way to fix it is to do a (put expensive repair here).

Also what should it cost to get it fixed if I go through an auto shop?

Thanks for bearing with me guys... lol

[p4ndiamond]

you need to tell them you need the shift piston replaced. but you need to go buy it from ford first else you will be having the car in that shop more than a day. The 4r70w can hold up to some playing. i beat mine almost everyday but you need to change those accumulator piston out . buy it first then get them to do it.

The issues is going to be that.
and if not its an MLPS or TPS issue. all simple fixes. keep fresh fluid in her also. 12-20k mile changes . and do the jmod if you plan on keeping it auto

[gdono1001]

Originally Posted by p4ndiamond you need to tell them you need the shift piston replaced. but you need to go buy it from ford first else you will be having the car in that shop more than a day. The 4r70w can hold up to some playing. i beat mine almost everyday but you need to change those accumulator piston out . buy it first then get them to do it. The issues is going to be that. and if not its an MLPS or TPS issue. all simple fixes. keep fresh fluid in her also. 12-20k mile changes . and do the jmod if you plan on keeping it auto

Is there more than one type of shift piston for the 96-98 GT's?

Just to clarify: is it a bad idea to drive 200 miles before getting it replaced? I don't want to damage anything else further by driving it 200+ miles before getting it replaced - if that's the case I'll just get a tow.

Also, what do MLPS and TPS stand for?


I need to take a shop class... Lol

Thanks for your help!

[gdono1001]

Here's a video I took of how it shifts... turns out I don't have to let off the gas for it to shift from 1st to 2nd, but it will wait until 4000rpm to shift instead of 3000rpm like it does when I let off the gas.

Shifting issue - YouTube

Shifting issue - YouTube

Is it bad to drive it with the shifting like this for another 200 miles? Like could it cause more damage?