Won't shift into drive
Asked by tcp289 Jun 30, 2015 at 07:23 PM about the 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible with Bench Seats
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My Son's "65" Mustang has a newly rebuilt motor and a dated freshened auto (289/c4).
The car has sat for approx 12 years, but the trans was freshened prior to the long period
of sitting. Fluid is bright red and smells ok. Issue: we have adjusted the linkage to the
point of now we're not sure where to turn. The car when driving, will not shift out of 2nd
gear, wether you leave it in drive or try to shift it manually. Suggestions????
Thank you for whatever thoughts you can share.
Todd
5 Answers
firebird338 answered 2 years ago
On that year vehicle I believe the transmission has what they called a programmable RPM trans shifter.
tennisshoes answered 2 years ago
Check the vacuum modulator and the vacuum supply to it, if it isn't working it can cause this problem, make sure the kickdown linkage is set properly, it is also possible that sitting that long some of the internal seals could have shrunk to the point where they are just leaking pressure. You can try an additive like TransX, it might help soften the seals, but eventually you will have to get back into the tranny.
Bob answered 2 years ago
I wonder if a mouse has chewed on the vacuum hose that feeds the modulator.
Bob answered 2 years ago
...or possibly the vacuum hose is kinked, plugged or missing.
GWL answered 2 years ago
I agree with the Modulator folks. It could be the modulator itself is bad, or a bug (a real bug) or dirt got into it or the hose. Or the hose is not connected tightly, or it is old and cracked and leaking vacuum . I've restored quite a few 65-69 Mustangs and on these cars, I don't know of anything programmable except for the radio stations on the radio.
Your Answer
Related Questions
-
Won't shift into drive 5 answers
My Son's "65" Mustang has a newly rebuilt motor and a dated freshened auto (289/c4). The car has sat for approx 12 years, but the trans was freshened prior to the long period of sitting. Fluid is br...
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible with Bench Seats
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
WHY WON'T MY 98 FORD MUSTANG SHIFT INTO DRIVE BUT WILL GO IN REVERSE 1 answer
1998 FORD MUSTANG WON'T SHIFT INTO DRIVE BUT WILL GO IN REVERSE. WHAT COULD THE PROBLEM BE?
1998 Ford Mustang Convertible
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
Ford Explorer Won't Shift into Drive. Help!!!
My 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4 Door 4X4 automatic transmission, V6 Engine. She had been sitting for four years after getting the tranny replaced. She likes to go into Reverse, Second, or First. But ...
1999 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
Ford Mustang GT not shifting into drive until car gets warms up. 1 answer
Trying to figure out why my Mustang will not shift into drive until the car has warmed up. It just started doing it the past few months. Options: Solenoid (but where), Vacuum, but why would it work...
2008 Ford Mustang GT Deluxe
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
93 mustang won't turn on 2 answers
93 mustang starts every once in a while if it starts I have to give it gas to keep it running then it will finally stay on. When I turn it off then it won't turn on there after. Changed fuel pump a...
1993 Ford Mustang LX Coupe
-
Maintenance & Repair

Looking for a Used Mustang in your area?
CarGurus has 37,082 nationwide Mustang listings starting at $2,150.
Shortcuts
Search Ford Mustang Questions
Ford Mustang Experts
-
#1Tom DemyanReputation4,970
-
#2F_O_RReputation1,490
-
#3Bob BeamanReputation1,430
Related Models For Sale
Used Cars For Sale
Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use.