I have the same problem on my 85 F150 XLT 5.0 2wd AOD I have seen mentioned several times on the board. I have read everything I can find here and elsewhere.

I just bought the vehicle. It will be a local only driver. I am retired so just short trips, no heavy loads or pulling.

Here's the problem: No 2-3-OD shift.

I have no clue what maint the PO did. No burnt smell or discoloration

I realise the possibility that none of what I am planning on doing may help but I want to try everything I can before pulling the trans.

Here's my thoughts
1. Run a can of Trans Tune through it. If that doesn't work then:
2. Total changeout on fluids including Torque Converter and new filter. If that doesn't work
3. Drop the valve body and clean it, make sure it is clean and the valves are free to move. If still no good, possibly:
4. Install Bauman ReCal Pro™ AOD Valve Body Recalibration Kit and the AOD Pressure Regulator Boost Valve Kit.

I know one shouldn't install performance parts when you have existing problems but my thinking is that since I have the valve body out anyway it's worth the shot.

While the valve body is out, is there anything else I can do up in the trans that might help or anything else I should look at or do?

Let me know your thoughts/ideas, etc.

Not looking for a debate on if it will or not work so please only helpful responses.

Tnx Fred in Mesquite, TX

 

So when shifted into Drive, it stays in first gear, and the engine just winds up and it never shifts up, just stays in first gear, engine still driving the wheels?

If so, I wonder if the governor is stuck/damaged. It is on the output shaft, held on by a snap ring. Extension Housing has to come off to get to it. Can be carefully removed, taken apart, cleaned and inspected. Probably best to get a book on it if you are going to dive into it.

Is an '85 302 carbed, or fuel injected?

 

Should have been clearer. It will shift up and down 1-2 just fine. I can also lock it down in first and back out, just no 3 or OD. It is converted from EFI to Holley 4bbl with Lokar TV cable.
Tnx. Fred

 

I would say you have a stuck valve. 3-4 shift might work fine, but if you can't get it into 3, then it won't go into 4. (Obviously).

I would also try the trans tune and flushing. If that doesn't work then pull it apart and check out the VB and tail gov.

 

Update:
Ran the Trans Tune for a week with no change.

Today totally drained system including the torque converter. Pan had no magnet but had some dark material in it. Fluid looked and smelled normal. There were a small amount of metal shavings that were very tiny.

Installed new filter and fluid. Warmed up, checking level until it was correct. After all was right took truck out and nothing changed.

Trans will shift 1 to 2 both up and down. No shift to drive (3rd) and therefore OD is never hit.

My next step is to pull the valve body and go through it, making sure all is free and working.

Anything specific on the valve body dissassembly to look for?

Tnx