engine dies when you put it in gear

I have a 1998 Windstar, which idles just fine but the minute you put it in gear the van dies just as if you turned the key off. I have had the engine scanned and got the following codes, P1537, P1538, P1744. I was told by a friend that it could be a tranny problem. I took it to a tranny shop and had it scanned again. they think it might be the pump in the tranny. Any other ideas.

Thanks,
kwstatton

I would guess, from the codes, either a torque converter or the torque converter clutch solenoid is hanging on. As I said, this is a SWAG from your info.

Thanks waytoold, for the input. thats what the tranny shop thought too. I was trying to get another opinion before forking out all that money to have my tranny pulled.

Thanks again,
kwstatton

My wifes 95 was doing that, and after replacing a couple of items, I found out that the plug on the pass. inner fender was loose.

Musketb, could you please elaborate on the "plug on the pass. inner fender"? This sort of fix could save this guy a bundle.

Karl

I don't know exactly what it's for, but it is about a 2" long plug on the right apron up at the hood hinge end.