'98 3.8l Won't shift into 3rd gear

[Ab-normal]

I have a 1998 Winstar GL that recently blew a head gasket. I had heads shaved to the tight .001 spec. That was two months ago. Also, I replaced plug wires at the same time. All has been fine since then until today. I parked the car, I worked for awhile and then went back to go to another job, the transmission would not shift out of 2nd. Tranny was in "D". I pulled over, put in in 1st, then at 2K RPM put it into 2nd.... it shifted, put it into "D" and it would not shift into 3rd. Tried slowly letting off the gas etc... Sometimes it would shift to 3rd, sometimes it wouldn't. Then it just would not shift into 3rd at all. Drove 40 miles at 50 MPH and 3500 RPM to get home. I have a code reader and it showed a cylinder #2 misfire and code P1744, which is the torque converter clutch. Don't seem to have this problem when vehicle first started (cold), but after it warms up, it gets the problem again. Downshifts irradically at 65 MPH then MIL flashes. Downshifts, then goes back to normal, downshifts and returns to normal irradically then after awhile, stays in 2nd. I can't go to work like this. I drive all day repairing copiers. I am 45 and NEVER took a vehicle into a shop for repairs, always done it myself. I am also a very smart computer guy.

It seems ? to be temperature related. Why it shifts into 3rd sometimes and not at other times puzzles me. No DTC seems to be related, only the Cyl. #2 misfire and the 1744. But it had P1744 before the head gasket blew and it worked fine. Besides, that solenoid is just to lock the tourque converter for fuel economy, it shows excessive slip vs engine camshaft position. It should not affect the transaxle from shifting. At least as far as I know.

Any suggestions? I'd hate to take it to a dealer for something simple.

Tranny fluid reads about 1/4 qt. high when engine running and at operating temp. Does not smell burned. Seems a bit foamy on the stick. Is that normal for Ford? I had zero problems, not hitting any bumps or anything before it magically manisfested this problem. Tranny does not leak. I have had this van for 7 months and never had to add fluid. It has 153,000 miles. Could it be the tranny fluid filter? Low tranny pressure ? Hmmmm.....

Thanks,

Mank

[wiswind]

You don't want to have the fluid over or under the marked (crosshatched)area on the dipstick. It is NOT normal for the fluid to "foam".
You want to check the fluid level with the engine warm, in PARK, at idle....on LEVEL ground.

Not shifting above 2nd gear is "limp" mode.
As I like cheap solutions, a high failure item is the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) switch. The TRS is located on top of the transaxle assemble. The cable that comes from the gear selector connects to it.
The TRS provides several functions......one being that it lets the transmission electronics know what gear you have selected.
It can fail in letting the transmission know what gear you have selected....and still provide the "neutral safety" function (different set of contacts).

[jonreyna]

I had the same problem, it was getting worst found out it was the vehicle speed sensor VSS $17 part at fordparts.com
hope this helps!!

[Ab-normal]

Wiswind, you nailed it yet again! I have read several of your posts and you were correct this time as well.

The TRS switch was replaced and all seems well now. 70 MPH feels great!

I have access to the Autozone Alldatadiy site for my vehicle which I subscribed to and they said I should be able to start in both neutral and park and that is a good way to test my installation of this switch. I don't think I could ever start it in neutral, but know I should be able to. Anyway, it starts perfectly in Park and shifts/runs well again. I got my part from Advance Auto parts since the local autozone didn't have it. Autozone sold the wells part for $24.99 as you said, and Advance had it for $29 something. Still cheaper than driving to the next town at 45 MPH on the freeway.!

Thanks for all the help!
This forum is awesome!

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by Ab-normal

Wiswind, you nailed it yet again! I have read several of your posts and you were correct this time as well.

The TRS switch was replaced and all seems well now. 70 MPH feels great!

I have access to the Autozone Alldatadiy site for my vehicle which I subscribed to and they said I should be able to start in both neutral and park and that is a good way to test my installation of this switch. I don't think I could ever start it in neutral, but know I should be able to. Anyway, it starts perfectly in Park and shifts/runs well again. I got my part from Advance Auto parts since the local autozone didn't have it. Autozone sold the wells part for $24.99 as you said, and Advance had it for $29 something. Still cheaper than driving to the next town at 45 MPH on the freeway.!

Thanks for all the help!
This forum is awesome!

At-A-Boy! Westwin! Good advise once again!

Ab-normal, at least now your Windstar is "NORMAL"! Glad to hear you got it fixed!

Regards

Dan

[JimYount]

Originally Posted by wiswind

You don't want to have the fluid over or under the marked (crosshatched)area on the dipstick. It is NOT normal for the fluid to "foam".
You want to check the fluid level with the engine warm, in PARK, at idle....on LEVEL ground.

Not shifting above 2nd gear is "limp" mode.
As I like cheap solutions, a high failure item is the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) switch. The TRS is located on top of the transaxle assemble. The cable that comes from the gear selector connects to it.
The TRS provides several functions......one being that it lets the transmission electronics know what gear you have selected.
It can fail in letting the transmission know what gear you have selected....and still provide the "neutral safety" function (different set of contacts).

Need clarification... are "Transmission Range Sensor" and "Neutral Safety Switch" two different terms for the same part?

[tomj76]

Jim:

If you look on RockAuto, it is called "Neutral Saftey Switch/Range Sensor". It think Ford calls it the TRS in their documentation.

It contains at least two electronic circuits to, 1) "inform" the PCM what gear has been selected 2) Only allow the stater to function if Park or Neutral are selected. I have a feeling there is a third function, for the brake/park interlock, but I can't recall for certain.