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Hello, I need some help! I have a 1969 Ford Fairlane with a 302 and an automatic transmission.Today i was going probably 20 mph and the car wouldn't go like it was in neutral and just kept reving. I pulled over on the side of the road and tried to go and switching from drive to 1st to 2nd and wouldn't go but when I put it in reverse it would go just fine. We put new transmission fluid in it and jiggled the column. Is this the transmission its self or is it something else.
Thanks, Cameron
Your 69 came from the factory with a C4 version of the Cruise O Matic transmission. They were fairly reliable behind the smaller engines like your 302. What you have described is picture perfect of a worn and tired C4. Looks like a rebuild is in your future. You might find after it cools down that it works again for a short time. This is typical of one. If the car is a beater, meaning you have no intention of rebuilding anything, you can try a can of Trans X in it. It might just give it a few more miles but that's a big MIGHT. The issue is the transmission isn't buildng enough pressure to move the car. It's internally leaking at the seals.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I had a 1972 TH350 (Chev) rebuilt at a non-chain transmission shop and it was only $1,200. Those older ones are lot less to rebuild than the modern electronic OD versions. I agree, it sounds like it's time has come, that's typical
of a worn out transmission. Try to find shop that's been in business a long time and has an old guy that knows the old ones. If you were in the Seattle area I'd recommend one.
The issue is the transmission isn't buildng enough pressure to move the car. It's internally leaking at the seals.
Could just be a worn pump, but your scenario is more likely. At least the pump could be checked easiest.
OP if you are handy, buy a rebuild kit, a guide off Amazon and tackle it. Transmissions are not nearly as scary as they are typically perceived to be, especially ones of those vintage.
Check some of the speed shops in the area. The C-4 was often used for racing so they might have a line on some cheap parts, or some one with some extra transmissions laying around.
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