1998 windstar problem

i have a 98 windstar that has a problem with the tranny. i will be driving it down the road and it shifts fine, but if you stay at the same speed it will shift down into a lower gear. as long as i am picking up speed it works just fine, but if i stay at the same speed it will shift down into a lower gear than what it is so post to be in.

Welcome McWirter,

More details would help us help you. Start with engine size, mileage and how long you've owned this van. Are you a DIY'r, or a take it to the shop'r. Hows your trans fluid look? How long has this "problem" been happening? Have you used the "search this forum" box? We can help if you give us more if this sort of info. Don't dispair.

Karl

the engine size is 3.1 and it has 114,000 miles and have owned it for about 4 years.The tranny fluid has just been changed, but i drive it everyday to work and it is not to far. I am the driver of the car

does anyone have any suggestions

The Windstar will have a 3.8L or a 3.0L engine.

The correct fluid type is Mercon V......do not use Mercon.

A check of the fluid level might be a good idea.
You do this on level ground......engine warm....engine running.....transmission in Park.

all the fluid has all be changed correctly and has the right fluid in it. The fluid has been checked and apperars to to be ok. Yes i know it has a 3.0 i just hit the wrong number on the side keypad and did not realize.

I had a similar problem with my 98 Windstar (140K, 3.8L). Mine did the same thing in the middle of our vacation on the Olympic Penninsula this past May. The Ford dealer ran the computer, no transmission codes came up and their transmission guy had gone for the day. Then we took it to an independent shop in Bremerton, WA, and the owner told me that the transmission was defaulting to "limp home" mode. It will lock itself into second gear and not lock into 3rd preventing a shift up to overdrive. Turning off the key will reset the transmission, but after about 20 miles and a good warm up it will return to default. Eventually it will lock in 1st and then nothing. (Same thing happened with my folk's F-250 diesel by the way.)

We dropped the pan and found a very significant amount of metal filings (Lots and lots and lots, some like slivers), a clogged filter, and chocolate fluid. We had a service before leaving Utah.

Right now I'm trying to find someone who can tell me whether I need a significant rebuild or a complete replacement.

Sorry for what may be bad news. :crying:

Have the tranmission checked for slippage.
In the higher gears if there is slippage the tranmission will down shift.
Cost is around $60.00

If it is your clutchs are shot.

I hope I am wrong.

I had to replace my 4LE80 tranmission in my 2000 Chevy 1 ton: $2,800
But I do care very heavy stuff.

Yes we are mixed breed family with a Ford / Chevy / Jeep (s).

Transmission selector switch??? Top of trans. Can't hurt to check the easiest access item and highest failure item.
Marc