Transmission is acting funny

Tiny
LAYNEED
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
  • 160 MILES
So, I'm driving on the interstate, tried to downshift (automatic) and I see a cloud of smoke in the rear view, and my check engine light comes on. So I pull over, pop the hood. It's smoking from the left side near the firewall, but I can't pinpoint the location. I also noticed the overflow tank had overflowed over, meaning to me, it's boiling, got too hot, but why is my question. Now, I wait for about 40 minutes to start it up again, and it tries to turn over, but it won't. I try 5-6 times, and still a no go. I try to start it in neutral. It turns over. So I put it in D, and it feels like I had a clutch and I tried to pull off in second. I drive home, a little over 100 miles to go from that point, doing around 60. I think it never went out of 3rd. Every time I stop, it stalls. Still doesn't start in park. But I made it home safely. So I'm hoping you guys might have a thought on if it's a problem I can fix myself, or I need to replace/rebuild the tranny. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 8:02 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Sounds like you were going in limp mode. Could start with new transmission SN switch and see how that helps.
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Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
WAY2OLD
  • MECHANIC
  • 195 POSTS
You probably have ruined the transmission if you did what you stated. Driving for 100 miles with a transmission that is not shifting properly along with the loss of coolant would have destroyed the transmission. It is a wonder ther engine did not lock up due to loss of coolant.
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Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
LAYNEED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So, I'm trying to find the SN switch that you stated, But I'm having difficulty locating it on the autozone website. Does it go by a different part name perhaps?

And the coolant only spilled over due to the over heating. I opened the radiator once I got off the interstate and filled it the rest of the way. Didn't lose much. Maybe 8-10 ounces.
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Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 AT 11:23 PM
Tiny
LAYNEED
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  • 2 POSTS
Fixitmr, anything?
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Friday, April 20th, 2012 AT 4:40 AM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Range select switch? Safety neutral switch? Companies have fun with names.
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Saturday, April 21st, 2012 AT 3:59 AM

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