Reader Question

Hello,

I have a 1988 Ford Crown Victoria Cop car that I recently purchased. I knew when I bought it that the transmission slipped between 1st and 2nd gear but it’s a classic and it was drivable. I took it to be inspected and he was pretty rough on her, and now she will not reverse. Forward, she does just fine. But she will not go backwards unless the car is off and in neutral. When it is on and in neutral she shoots forward when you take your foot off the brake. What should I do?

Thanks for your help!
LM

Hi there LM,

Unfortunately if you have checked the transmission fluid level and it’s full of fluid there is not much more you can do without removing the transmission or dropping the transmission pan and looking inside. I would suspect you have an internal wear issue and some form of “overhaul” is going to be needed.

Reverse gear is usually the first gear to go out followed by the forward gears soon after. Be prepared to overhaul the whole transmission if the shop wants to remove it for inspection.