[jackute23]

Last few times I have driven my 65 Mustang (289/C4) when starting and shifting to reverse has taken some seconds to go into gear and then after a delay thumps into gear. but when warmed up drove ok. Got worse each time and now won't go fwd or back. Building up revs makes it feel like it wants to move, but it doesn't.
Car has only been driven a few times in last 18 months and I'm told lack of use can cause this problem. When running it had oil change, bands adjust not many miles ago and was going good.
Any help very much appreciated. thanks..

[Jeff M]

Sounds like the fluid is low or a converter issue. Mine almost acts like a manual if the fluid is low and has a delay engaging........I have an annoying slow drip, so I have to check often

[atrain0007]

Check the fuid level. Its most accurate when the engine is at operating temperature. Make sure the car is running at the time. If its over-filled or under-filled, shift problem can occur.

My C4 had similar problems before the car was warm and a transmission flush did the trick for me...

[cindys_sn95]

if it is low, before you fill it with regular fluid add a qt. of K&W trans-X. it will soften/repair all seals. external and internal. unless the transmission is gone it will make a world of difference. also, lack of use is bad. if you don't use it, you lose it! the transmission that is....

[PaulS]

OK, I have a few years working on C4s from the inside out.
Your transmission may be low on fluid - check that first. I suspect that it is suffering the last stages of "morning sickness" and has finally given up. The apply piston seals are old, hard and cracked and not allowing the oil pressure (transmission oil pressure) to engage the clutches. If you must try a "mechanic-in-a-can" then try the trans-X but keep this in mind. If it will soften the seals inside the transmission it will also soften the seals on the outside of the transmission. It will also swell the seals and eventually turn them to sticky tar-like stuff that is hard to get out of the transmission parts.
It will not fix the transmission - it may make it work for a time but it needs to be rebuilt before you do any more damage to the internal parts.

[ubugme19]

Mine did this before and we put a set of servo o rings in it and adjusted the bands up. It worked for a year or 2 then we had to do a rebuild. It may buy you some time. We also used the Lucas oil trans additive which works pretty well.

[jackute23]

thanks very much guys. Will check all out as advised and see if I can get some action out of it, but I reckon it's been sitting around too much without use. Feel alot more confident now to tackle it with some ideas. All help very much appreciated,