Auto Parts: 94 lincoln continental transmission, planetary gear set, pep boys

Question
Ok heres the problem, I have a 94 lincoln continental 3.8 automatic tranmission. While driving the transmission likes to jump from one gear to another and or to an in between gear ... If I accelerate it likes to downshift on me. Now I have been told that it is the transmission solenoid, in which I have been looking for its location for about two weeks now and All I can find out is that there are replacement parts for it. I ran a diagnostics and it said that between 1st and second and between 3rd and 4th the gear ratio was off. Im at a loss and just need this fixed before I dont have any vehicle. So if you could give me any information you can . Thankyou kindly.

Answer
Hi Jeff,

IMO you just wasted two weeks looking for components that are not causing your problem.

Your 2-4 ban actuator is bad or the galley feeding it is blocked. Each solution requires removal and disassemble of the transmission.

A quick explanation is that the final-drive ratio is determined by the planetary-gear set. If the input drum is not stopped, the planetary-gear set will not be able to control the output ratio and will cause erratic shifting and eventually trans failure. If the ban actuator is bad, it will not hold the drum tight, if the galley feeding the actuator is clogged, the band will not hold the drum tight.

Unlike a manual trans that has an actual ear for each gear, most automatic transmissions use a single drum that houses the 'gear' clutches and the output is controlled by which set of clutches is active and if the band is active or not. A typical 4-speed will have two clutch-packs. A first/reverse and a 2-4. The way the trans 'creates' third gear is by locking the band.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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