Hi all. I’m new here. Just inherited my dad’s '68 cougar. Beautiful, all original car. It’s been parked inside for 10+ years since being driven last. Fired right up with a new battery and new gas, but having issues with the transmission. First attempt to shift into gear and drive, it lurched forward then died. When ignition is off, we can shift from park to neutral to roll the car. When running now, we can’t get it into any gear. Shifter assembly feels very loose and teeth appear ground off so new one is ordered. Also, car will not crank in park, we have to place in neutral for it to crank. What could be preventing the transmission from going into gear correctly?
welcome to the forum! A couple of things to look at for you. There are a couple of bushings that are common to wear out, in the shifter bucket, under the car. Also, it sounds like they are worn out to the point that your neutral safety switch is out of adjustment. The bushings are easy to replace, and the switch is not hard to adjust. two bolts, and a small drill bit are really all there is to it. As for the stall, I’m willing to bet there is a leak, in the vacuum advance line. Post some pictures when you get a chance! These are just something to help visualize what I’m talking about-
Thank you! I will look into those bushings and get them on their way, also. Really looking forward to getting it back on the road! I’ll post some pictures once we get it cleaned up this week.
It’s common for the car not to move if the fluid level is too low in the transmission. You have to use the transmission dipstick with the engine running. Only Type F ATF.
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Forgot to mention, we did check the fluid level, but the car was off. Will check again with it running. Thanks!
It’s going to be dramatically different with the engine running.
With the engine off, fluid levels will read high - especially if it’s been sitting for a long time.
You must have the engine running to get any kind of accurate reading. Check it more than once, as sometimes fluid splashes around a bit, and it can be hard to tell with just one look.
Most shifting issues are due to improper fluid level. Too much often leads to weird shifting too, as it will foam, and foamy fluid can compress. Add half a quart at a time once you see fluid on the end of the stick, if you’re low.
Also, if you have a choice, use type F. Even if you have newer friction materials (which can almost all handle Dexron/Mercon) you will likely discover that type F shifts better, foams less, and is flat out the best stuff to use.
Update! I’m an idiot. Trans fluid was the culprit, after 3.5 quarts added it shifts great. I knew to check the fluid, but did not think to have it running. Thanks for all of your suggestions.
We just brought it back from CO to TN and got it off the trailer today. Shifter assembly should be here Friday to get that cleaned up.
Attached a picture, she’s still in pretty good shape! I can only add one pic at a time.
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