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#1 Automatic gearbox issues
Posted: Fri May 08, 2026 7:24 pm
by kevjimbryant
My 1970 2+2 has two automatic gearbox issues.
First, when moving from park to drive it doesn't do so smoothly, it jolts and the car wants to leap forward.
Second, I'm sure I'm not getting third gear.
Any thoughts as to the possible causes and remedies?
Thanks kev
#2 Re: Automatic gearbox issues
Posted: Fri May 08, 2026 7:57 pm
by Gfhug
Kev, it may seem patronising, but isn’t meant to be. Have you followed the manual as that will talk through lots of these issues?
I’ve no experience of auto boxes, however if you can detail what you’ve been able to check and compare to the destructions in the manual it will help those much better experienced in the black art of auto boxes.
Good luck, Geoff
#3 Re: Automatic gearbox issues
Posted: Sat May 09, 2026 8:33 am
by 40GT
The manual would be best to check first, It's quite a comprehensive section, but look at Service instructions.
Having bought my S1 with one in, I did have much work to do, from memory the first thing I did was adjust the mechanism so ''Park'' and ''L'' actually matched the detents, then following the manual did all the adjustments and checks from the outside of the box, like rear band and governor etc, all accessed through the grommets in the tunnel. Next I think was the kickdown cable, what a horror that thing was.
#4 Re: Automatic gearbox issues
Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2026 7:14 pm
by kevjimbryant
Thanks for your help so far. Slow progress (been sorting the tr3 and tr6) The gearbox sump is now off, only about 3 litres of fluid came out despite the dipstick showing the gearbox was full, ie 9 litres - where are the other 6 litres?
No horror stories.
The service manual says the front and rear bands should be adjusted every 21,000 miles. The operating, maintenance and service handbook doesn't mention this at all.
Why?
40GT Any tips when adjusting the rear band and checking over the governor, or just follow the service manual?
Are there any other "routine" maintenance issues like this I ought to be aware of?
Kev
#5 Re: Automatic gearbox issues
Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2026 8:52 pm
by 40GT
Go here to the Auto section, all info is here and quite comprehensive.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/3yrkl1ecrxdr1 ... n.pdf?dl=1
Rear band is adjusted outside the box, but front band is adjusted with sump removed.
The other 6 litres is in the Torque converter.
Be wary of internet recommended ATF fluid, the boxes don't shift properly, I bought 20L here, Smith and Allen ATF Ford type F, M2C-33F M2C-33G