My thunderbird seemed to only shift once off the line. I thought that I was not going into 3rd. But then realized I would nor be going 70 in 2nd gear. So I found that I am not starting in first gear but second. My column shift seems to go from neutral between the big green dot and the little one next to neutral to L. Meaning it only goes to d2. So always starts in second. I know that as it only shifts once and when I put it in L it chirps the tires and can't do that in this "big green dot or little one, I don't know" state. Another indicator. Is it linkage or something else. The pointer seems to be right with all the others (park,R,N). Help me please.
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Am I in D1 or D2?
Collapse
X
-
Tags: None
-
Your tests and thinking are right on, Sean. Start out in D2 and leave it there. You should find the Cruise-O-Matic will start in first, shift to second, and finally third.
Of course, shifting is more pronounced under a load, like when you give it gas. I use nothing but D2 in my '59 Galaxie. Three gears save gas and give better torque at the light. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, Michigan -
I always starts in D2 and leave it there.Comment
-
Thanks guys. The problem is that its stuck in d1... Meaning always starting in second. Makes sense why fuel milage is so crummy.
The shift lever seems to go from neuteral to d1 to L. And not hit the between point of d2. It does not click into anything elase and does not seem to change when i play with it up and down. I don't know if it is linkage or transmission problem. Any idea on that?Comment
-
Are you sure you have a three-speed trans? Was it ever changed?
What are the tag numbers?Member, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
-
I'm pretty sure. 95% that's because when I put in L it lights up the tires. And When it's between d1and2 it does not. I'll crawl under the car tonight and take a look to double check.Comment
-
Yes. Verified it is a 3 speed. Also when I have it in L it goes then move the lever to large dot and it shifts and then once more. 3 gears.
Is there something in the tranny that would cause that?Comment
-
According to my '58 owner's manual on pages 23 and 24, it states:
"The D1 selector lever position will give you the best combination of automatic gear shifts for full power starts and practically all normal driving. With the lever at this position, Cruise-O-Matic will always start the car moving in first gear without you having "to floor" the accelerator. The further you push the pedal, however, the faster acceleration will be. As the car picks up speed, shifts to second and third gear will occur automatically as needed".
"The D2 position will always give you starts in second gear, regardless of how little or how much you press down the accelerator pedal. Then Cruise-O-Matic will upshift automatically when the need for second gear has passed. D2 is especially useful when starting from a standstill on icy pavements when gentle sure-footed acceleration is needed to provide good traction".
"At speeds between 35 and 65 mph, and with the selector lever at either D1 or D2, you can quickly get the power and acceleration you need to pass cars or to climb steep grades. Just "floor" the accelerator pedal to downshift Cruise-O-Matic from third to second gear. When the need for the extra power has passed, release the pedalto shift back to third gear".
"In D1 range, you can also downshift from second to first gear at speeds under 35 mph".
"Don't use first gear in D1 to help brake the car on hilly roads. Shift the selector lever to L".
"When you shift the selector lever to L while driving on downgrades, Cruise-O-Matic will shift in and remain in second gear at speeds faster than 25 mph. If the car's speed should drop below 25 mph, Cruise-O-Matic will automatically shift to and remain in first gear. The transmission can be shifted back to a higher gear at any time
by flicking the selector lever to D1 or D2".
" The L position of the lever is also useful for driving in mud, sand, deep snow, etc., where you need all the power the engine can deliver".
"At L, Cruise-O-Matic will remain in first gear until the lever is moved to another position".
"Do not drive your Thunderbird faster that 35 mph in first gear".
With my '58 I was putting it in D2 just out of habit as with newer cars, that's the first drive selection it has. With mine, I started experiencing slippage when accelerating from a stop. So when all else fails got out the manual and read what it said. Started using D1 as it says and have had no more problems. Newer Cruise-O-Matics do start in D2.
Hope this helps
Leonardsigpic
Comment
-
After many hours of blood sweat and tears I got it. The detent Plate as well as worn linkage bushings caused the tranny to go from d2 to low. So, with some fiddling and some new linkage parts my baby now comes off the line like a champ. Just like it should. Also the lower stress on the engine allows for quieter engine and better gas milage.
By the way when I said blood, I meant it. 3 bandaids and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
Thanks guys.Comment
-
Am I in D1 or D2?
Congratulations, Sean, on finding and fixing the problems! That has to be very satisfying, banged up hands and all!
Ray Clark - Squarebirds Administrator
The Terminator..... VTCI #11178 ITC #6000 Yellow Mustang Registry (YMR) #12188
Contact me via Private Message for my email address, or Call (Cell) 210-875-1411
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm
Faye's Ovarian Cancer Memorial Website.
https://faye.rayclark.info/index.htmlComment
Comment