1988 Grand Marquis Transmission no overdrive

I have a Trans problem with a 88 GM. I can put it into D and reach 40 mph. When it shifts to overdrive, the engine just spins but the car doesn't seem to be in gear. When I let it drop back to around 25-30, the tranny seems to engage again and I can resume speed up to 40 mph.

If I put it in D2, I can drive all day with no problem. I've had it up to 70mph on the road in D2.

Is this an overhaul that I'm looking at? Can anything be done with out removing the tranny.

Well, last night the car wouldn't go at all. I still had reverse but elected to have it towed home. I called a tranny shop and gave him a description of the original problem. The guy said it's normally caused by a grommet going bad but that he would need to lo
ok at it to detemrine why it doesn't go at all now.

You may be looking at a rebuild. How many miles are on your GM?

Well, last night the car wouldn't go at all. I still had reverse but elected to have it towed home. I called a tranny shop and gave him a description of the original problem. The guy said it's normally caused by a grommet going bad but that he would need to look at it to detemrine why it doesn't go at all now.


The car has about 75K original miles on it. Drives nice. No smoke. No oil burning.

It may be a little early, but I'd be thinking rebuild that trans.

Would you venture a guess as to the cost of a rebuild? Trannys are the one area that I know little about when it comes to cars.

Figure 90-150 for the kit to rebuild, $20for the case of beer to pay your (knowledgeable) friends to help out, so about $200. for backyard. I'm not sure about the cost to rebuild, call around to different shops; likely it depends on the area you're in, and be aware of cut-rate places and get a guarantee.

Thanks much. I'll call around.

Good luck---