Hey, folks... got a '91 Nite I'd like to restore. However, I want to get the mechanics solid first. Already added the Flowmaster exhaust system (sounds Awesome!), but now I've got a more serious problem. Anytime the truck goes into OD, the Torque Converter refuses to lock up, and the engine just revs freely. If I leave it in regular drive, no problems.

I need some help with debugging whether I have a transmission problem, a Torque Converter problem, or something else. The truck runs great, all the fluid levels are fine, and there are no codes being set (read with an NGS to be sure...).

I don't want to spend my restoration cash to rebuild a transmission unless i'm sure it's the problem. I'm thinking I've got a sensor problem, a wiring issue, or maybe even a bad solenoid. Of course, in the worst case scenario, I've got a bad transmission with a missing OD gear... that would suck. But if it helps any, I never heard a sound when it suddenly stopped working (I was driving down the highway at 65mph).

I've looked for sites on the web, with no luck so far, but that doesn't mean there are none. I could use some help in where to start the debugging process. The more money I save here, the more money I have to restore this old classic. The longer it takes me, unfortunately, the worse the truck's exterior will get. There's only so much time in the day.

Nite91

 

...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!

See you on the boards. ….

 

Sounds to me like somethings wrong with your torque converter. If the truck has no problems with shifting or engaging, then your transmission is probably just fine.

I think it's your torque converter.
-"$lick"

 

Drain the trans and torque converter, new filter new fluid.

Just cuz the fluid level appears ok doesn't mean there isn't a problem. That's the cheapest place to start.

 

well if the trans shifts fine, then its not the transmission, and there is no way the truck would move if the overdrive gear is missing. try new a trans flush, dont go to a jiffy lube go to a trans shop, the price is well worth it. Jiffy lubes just pull the pan and let the fluid drain, tranny shops hook ur tranny up to a machine and flush everything it can out. WAY better than jiffy lube. Try this, tell us what happens

 

this may or may not help but i have a 89 t-bird that had the same issue. turned out some one took the servo for od out of the valve body, it would shift 1,2,3 but no od. bought a used aod for $75. and been going great ever since.

 

maybe a dumb question but whats a NITE.........

 

Aww. poor farelaneman.

I explain nite as the PRE-Lightning.

I was lucky with my 91, I had mazda 5 speed. No AOD to mess with.

I'm going to back everyone up on changeing fluid.
And yes, have a tranny shop flush it and change the filter.

They hook it up, and zipo, clean it out really good.

Hopefully all your belts and such are working, and your gearing isn't screwed up inside the trans.
Free spinning sounds wierd, but i dont see why it would make a diff in the torque converter if its in OD or not.

All the TQCvtr does is transfer intertia from the engine to the transmission with fluid....

Get that trany flushed. see where it goes from there.