need to warm up 98 Windstar; is this normal?

I'm new here - I couldn't find any other threads on this subject, but I apologize if it's a duplicate. My 98 Windstar may or may not have a problem.. I'm not sure..

Anyway, when it started to get colder this fall, I started having a problem with my windstar when I drive it for the first time each day. When I first start driving, I can't go over about 20 mph. I can gradually speed up as I go down the road, and I'm up to speed after about a mile or so. (I should mention that we live on a highway, where we really need to be able to pull out and speed up fast.)

If I remember to start the engine about 10 minutes before I have to leave, then it runs fine and gets right up to speed. So I've been doing that. But I've heard that you're not supposed to have to warm up newer vehicles, so I'm concerned that something might be functioning improperly. It's running just fine other than this problem. And even when I'm inching down the highway at 20 mph it runs smoothly, just very slowly.

Is this normal behavior for a 98 windstar with 95,00 miles? If so, I can obviously just warm it up from now on. But if it's not normal, I don't want to ignore it. Any advice?

Is it a transmission shifting problem? Or is the engine just not capable of reving to get over 20MPH whilst cold?

Thanks for responding - If I push the gas harder, the engine makes a revving noise but it just doesn't move faster. I guess maybe it is a shifting problem.

I guess it probably sounds pretty dumb that I'm not sure.. : )

It didn't occur to me that it might be a transmission problem because the other 99% of the time the transmission is fine; it's just when it's cold.

It doesn't sound dumb at all.

If your Star has a tachometer it sould be easier to note if the engine is revving and the car is not accelerating but for the time being I think the fact that you are hearing the engine rev but the speed not increase indicates that you may have a transmission issue.
Have you tried starting the drive while in 2nd? This could help to narrow it down.
First
I don't think your vehicle is acting normal. A vehicle needs about 30 seconds to a minute warm up to ensure that oil is flowing before loading the engine by driving. It should also be driven "easier" while cold and shifting may not be the same as a warmed up vehicle but one should not be experiencing what you have noted. It sounds like your Windstar is not shifting gears when cold.

I would ensure that the transmission fluid is at the correct level (procedure in owner's manual). Has the fluid been changed? If so was the correct fluid type used? Is your Check engine light on?

Post back your findings and keep singing - mom.

I want to add that the fluid level should be to the full mark on the dipstick for some model years. There is a TSB (technical service bulletin) that addresses shifting from 1st to 2nd). It is conceivable that the problem is worsened in the cold.

I am not sure if the TSB covers your year. If anyone knows please add to this thread.

You've given me a good place to start; we're going to check out the transmission starting with the simple things first. I did recently have all fluid levels checked, but transmission fluid hasn't been changed. I'm hoping that will take care of it and we won't have to dig further..

The check engine light isn't on; the only time it's ever been on it was a code P1450, which I was told was the gas cap (which I then replaced and it's fine now.)

Thanks for taking the time to help me out; I'll keep you posted!