Transmission, Power Steering and Cruise Control

First, let me say that this forum has been great in helping resolving several issues (99 Windstar, 87K miles, 3.8L):

1. Power Steering; pump went bad, easy job to replace after I realized the Haynes manual was FUBAR on the 99 Windstar 3.8 L - just had to remove 4 bolts (remove back left first; it allows pressure line to be removed), disconnect 2 hoses. Discussion on flushing PS system fixed all remaining problems. A note for first time PS pump removers...it takes longer to bleed the system than you may think. Just stay with it.

2. Gradual loss of brake fluid and cruise control inoperative turned out to be the "Cruise Control Deactivator" (that’s what the Ford dealer called it) switch on the bottom of the master cylinder. $30 part and 10 minute job!

3. One last transmission problem remains, searched the Forum and could not find a clear answer:

When accelerating away from a stop, the shift from 1-2 is not always smooth. By that I mean, it feels like it shifts between 1&2 several times in rapid succession (stutters). No other problems noted up-shifting or down-shifting. Will occur almost anytime, but most prevalent after warmed up. Once it starts, it continues. This has been an ongoing problem for several years. Have had computer “reprogrammed”, fluid changes at 30K intervals. Doesn’t seem to matter what is done, it goes away and then resumes sometime later. Car has 87K miles, last tranny fluid change at 60K, fluid level in mid-range. Any help would be appreciated. Once again, GREAT site guys, thanks for the expert advice!!

Does the shudder on acceleration seem to be more pronounced accelerating through a turn? There is a TSB concerning harsh downshift from 3-2 and shudder on acceleration through a turn. The TSB calls for the fluid level to be raised to the top of the hash mark at operating temp.

Does the shudder on acceleration seem to be more pronounced accelerating through a turn? There is a TSB concerning harsh downshift from 3-2 and shudder on acceleration through a turn. The TSB calls for the fluid level to be raised to the top of the hash mark at operating temp.

Doesn't seem to be any different in a turn or going straight, but I'll "top-it-off" and see if it makes any difference.

Make sure you have mercon 5 ATF in there. The newer AX4S/AX4N will shudder on other ATF's
G/luck
Joel

Thanks for the input. Last fluid change was at dealer, so one would THINK corrrect fluid was used. Getting close to change interval, might just go ahead and do early.

Don't trust the dealership to use the correct ATF, make SURE they use Mercon V.

Have changed fluid and "topped off". Problem seems to have gone away, but I've thiught that before. Time will tell.

I had this exact tranny symptom, Ford had the tranny out three times, and finally claimed a fix to the internals. (Now I wonder if they just wised up to the fluid level). I'll check the fluid level soon ;-) By the way, the tranny expert at the dealership started by telling me "they all do that". How's that for a diagnosis hmmmmm?

more details on my car's tranny work at thread:
2000 Windstar Stutter/Shudder Quirk

Its almost like reading someone talking about my van. I have a 99 windstar SL and I already had the power steering pump replaced, (along with the rack and pinion), my cruise control doesn't work, and it stutters when it shifts! Hum, I think I see a trend.

Synthetic power steering fluid.....for improved heat tolerance. The FORD power steering fluid is transmission fluid. My '96 calls for a "type F" ...and I think that the newer windstars call for mercon......for mercon.....Mobil 1 ATF...is a synthetic mercon. I have Redline Power Steering Fluid....which listed the FORD specification number on the label....that is in my owner's manual.
Just don't use "generic" power steering fluid....it is NOT the correct stuff for the windstar.