light throttle AOD shift points
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
light throttle AOD shift points
Since i dont have a tach ive just got to go by the speed it shifts at. Under VERY light throttle it will shift to 3rd at about 17mph and then 4th at 35mph. Is this normal?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
NO, those are not normal shift points. And shifting that early will burn up the AOD very fast. Shifting too early and soft is much worse than it shifting too late or hard.
What year is your truck? Does it have a carburetor or fuel injection? Is this a stock AOD, and how long has it been shifting like that?
You will need to adjust the TV rod (carbureted models) or TV cable (EFI) to get the correct shift points. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
Under the driver's side sun visor, there should be a sticker explaining what gear to use for maximum fuel economy and for towing duties. There it will tell you that the overdrive gear should come in at approximately 45MPH.
Under very light throttle (1500 RPMs), my 1985 F150 with AOD will shift to 2nd at 17MPH, 3rd at 25MPH, and 4th (Overdrive) at 45MPH.
What year is your truck? Does it have a carburetor or fuel injection? Is this a stock AOD, and how long has it been shifting like that?
You will need to adjust the TV rod (carbureted models) or TV cable (EFI) to get the correct shift points. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
Under the driver's side sun visor, there should be a sticker explaining what gear to use for maximum fuel economy and for towing duties. There it will tell you that the overdrive gear should come in at approximately 45MPH.
Under very light throttle (1500 RPMs), my 1985 F150 with AOD will shift to 2nd at 17MPH, 3rd at 25MPH, and 4th (Overdrive) at 45MPH.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Its an 86 5.0 efi. Ive read about the TV cable and from looking at mine i have about 1/8th at most from the point it would have tension. This is too loose im assuming? I just bought it recently so i dont know how long its been like this, would you recommend a fluid change to help out a little? Thanks
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,742
From: Virginia
Don't be afraid to adjust the cable. Most of them you just push a button to release it, and while holding the button push the throttle to wide open(engine off of course) while holding it at wide open throttle release the button. That's it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
YES, that is too loose. And that is why your AOD is shifting too early. It will also have trouble downshifting with pressure that low. The sloppy, early shifts that occurs with too little throttle valve pressure will burn up your AOD FAST.
When you adjust the TV rod or TV cable, you want to have full TV pressure at full throttle. Adjust the cable to where there is slight tension at idle. That should space your shift points further out and make a BIG difference in how your truck performs. Compare your shift points to mine and adjust as needed. Remember, it's better to have too much pressure than not enough!
While a fluid and filter change is never a bad idea, that will not do anything for your particular problem. The single best thing you can do for your AOD is to have your TV cable adjusted correctly!
When you adjust the TV rod or TV cable, you want to have full TV pressure at full throttle. Adjust the cable to where there is slight tension at idle. That should space your shift points further out and make a BIG difference in how your truck performs. Compare your shift points to mine and adjust as needed. Remember, it's better to have too much pressure than not enough!
While a fluid and filter change is never a bad idea, that will not do anything for your particular problem. The single best thing you can do for your AOD is to have your TV cable adjusted correctly!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 106
From: Martinsburg, WV
This video link starts just before the Truck part... Should give you a visual idea.
EDIT: Well, it was supposed to start at 2:36 but FTE strips that when they embed it. It's agood idea to watch the whole thing anyway.
How many of us would love to have that shiny brand new cable on our AOD rigs...
EDIT: Well, it was supposed to start at 2:36 but FTE strips that when they embed it. It's agood idea to watch the whole thing anyway.
How many of us would love to have that shiny brand new cable on our AOD rigs...
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
It took me about 6 trys to get my AOD shifting correctly. Make sure the TV cable is loose in its sheathing so it will go back to idle correctly(not getting correct idle TV PSI). My cable was stiff and some WD40 and silicone lube fixed that.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I tried adjusting it a few days ago and was having trouble getting the plastic tab thats behind the metal bracket to pop up. I even grabbed it with a pair of pliers and tried pulling up and twisting both ways with no luck, i didn't want to go any further because of the possible old brittle plastic. I already broke the orange plastic piece that goes around the main throttle cable it was so brittle. So am i missing something or is mine just stuck on you think?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,742
From: Virginia
I guess it's like those pesky wiring connectors. They get stuck and like to break. Looks like on this setup once you get the lock unlocked, the springs pull back on the cable automatically, you do not have to stroke the throttle to wide open. At least that is what I am getting from the picture. I get all these different makes and models mixed up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
Those TV cable adjuster locks do get dirty and will be hard to unlock. Clean them off with some carb cleaner and lube it up. Should free up. Just watch out, plastic will snap from age and engine heat.
This is my 89 F250 300 I6 and AOD setup. The TV cable is the left one, then cruse control and gas pedal.
This is my 89 F250 300 I6 and AOD setup. The TV cable is the left one, then cruse control and gas pedal.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I got it unhooked by prying the pin with a screwdriver and i set it so there is just MAYBE a little tension. It is shifting better but it still seems to be a little early. Shifts to 3rd under very light throttle about 19 and to 4th about 39, however if i lift off the gas at 35 it will still shift to 4th. Should i give it more tension? I was under the impression it should be in a 'neutral' position. Thanks alot
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Are you sure the AOD you have is original to the truck? The truck and Mustang AOD has a different servo to make for higher and firmer shift points. For large sedans like the Crown Victoria and Marquis, the AOD has a milder servo that shifts earlier and softer for a luxury feel. If you have an AOD from one of these, the overdrive gear will come in at around 35MPH.
I would give it a bit more tension and see what happens. 3rd gear in at 19MPH and overdrive at 35MPH is much too low for a truck.
Again, look under your driver's side visor and you will see a sticker under there that states that overdrive should come in at approximately 45MPH.
I would give it a bit more tension and see what happens. 3rd gear in at 19MPH and overdrive at 35MPH is much too low for a truck.
Again, look under your driver's side visor and you will see a sticker under there that states that overdrive should come in at approximately 45MPH.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
Your upshifts will be earlier with lighter pedal pressure, even when the cable tension is correct..........e.g. accelerating downhill vs accelerating uphill at the same rate.
Also - truck weight, tire diameter, & axle gearing are going to make the shift speeds varied, truck to truck......so 'MPH' is only a rough comparison unless two trucks are set up the same as each other.
But, as Lariat 85 mentioned above, a firmer upshift is safer for the transmission than a softer one.
Also - truck weight, tire diameter, & axle gearing are going to make the shift speeds varied, truck to truck......so 'MPH' is only a rough comparison unless two trucks are set up the same as each other.
But, as Lariat 85 mentioned above, a firmer upshift is safer for the transmission than a softer one.