The 1990 Lincoln Town Car, a luxurious and spacious sedan, is known for its comfortable ride and reliable performance․ However, like any other vehicle, it can experience transmission problems over time․ Here are some common transmission issues you might encounter with a 1990 Town Car and how to address them⁚
1․ Transmission Slipping
A slipping transmission is a common problem that can be caused by several factors, including⁚
- Low Transmission Fluid⁚ The transmission fluid lubricates and cools the gears, and if it’s low, the gears can slip․ Check the fluid level regularly and top it off if necessary․
- Contaminated Transmission Fluid⁚ Old or dirty transmission fluid can cause the clutches to slip․ Have the fluid flushed and replaced with fresh fluid․
- Worn Clutch Plates⁚ Over time, the clutch plates inside the transmission can wear out․ If they are worn, they will slip․ Replacing the clutch plates is usually necessary․
- Faulty Solenoid⁚ Solenoids control the flow of transmission fluid․ If a solenoid fails, it can cause slipping․ You may need to replace the faulty solenoid․
2․ Hard Shifting
When your transmission shifts harshly or with a noticeable jolt, it’s a sign of a problem․ Possible causes include⁚
- Low Transmission Fluid⁚ Similar to slipping, low transmission fluid can cause hard shifting․ Check and top off the fluid level․
- Dirty Transmission Filter⁚ A dirty filter can restrict the flow of transmission fluid, leading to hard shifting․ Replace the filter during fluid changes․
- Worn Valve Body⁚ The valve body controls fluid pressure within the transmission․ If it’s worn, it can cause hard shifting․ Replacing the valve body may be necessary․
3․ Transmission Not Shifting
If your transmission is not shifting at all, it could be due to⁚
- Broken Transmission Linkage⁚ The linkage connects the shifter to the transmission․ If it’s broken, the transmission won’t shift․ Inspect the linkage and repair or replace as needed․
- Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)⁚ The TCM controls the transmission’s operation․ If it fails, the transmission may not shift․ Replacing the TCM is a more complex repair․
- Complete Transmission Failure⁚ In severe cases, the transmission may have suffered internal damage and require a complete rebuild or replacement․
4․ Transmission Noise
Unusual noises from the transmission, like grinding, whining, or clunking, indicate potential problems․ These noises could mean⁚
- Worn Gears⁚ Worn or damaged gears can create grinding or whining noises․ Replacing the affected gears is often necessary․
- Faulty Bearings⁚ Damaged bearings can cause clunking or rattling noises․ Replacing the faulty bearings is necessary․
- Low Transmission Fluid⁚ Low fluid can cause the gears to grind․ Check and top off the fluid․
Addressing Transmission Issues
It’s crucial to address any transmission issues promptly․ If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic․ Ignoring these issues can lead to further damage and costly repairs․
When seeking professional help, ensure the mechanic has experience working on older vehicles like the 1990 Lincoln Town Car․ They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the most effective solution․