1995 Windstar Tranny

Hey guys, first post. I have a 1995 Windstar with auto tranny. The Previous owner had engine replaced with a "new" one, the new engine has about 30,000 miles on it. I guess the shop that did the work didn't line something up, or left something loose, because the tranny no longer works. Ran fine for a couple of months, then he started hearing a spinning, grinding sound that got progressively worse. While driving one day, the tranny crapped out on him, and wouldn't move. The OD light had been flashing on the gear selector a couple of weeks after he had engine replaced. Long story short, he got ripped off, shop wouldn't do anything, and I ended up with the van.
You can crank it (engine runs very well, sounds great), and put it into gear, it tries to move. I don't think the tranny is shot, but flywheel, or torque converter or something must be bad. Fluid is fine, color good, level correct.
I know a bit about RWD trannys, but nothing about FWD tranny. I cannot afford to put in shop, so I must break her down myself.

Does anyone have any experiences with the procedure? What should I look for? I heard something about this tranny needing to be "lined up" when re-assembling. Any websites out there that could help?

Thanks,


T

I had my 3.8 replaced also and a few months later, the flywheel got all bent out of shape and they had to replace it. It had many of the same symptoms as you that you mentioned. At first they thought it was a faulty engine, but later a few days later they discovered the real problem.

Turambra

Welcome to the forums. I've pulled a few FWD trannies. First off they are heavy. Really the big difference is the fact that you have two driveshafts instead of one. These can be removed by poping out the lower balljoint on both sides, and then take a pry bar and pop the axles out of the trannie. Of course you'll want to pull the calipers and hang them on something other than the hose.

I'm not sure about the subframe on the Windstar if this has to be droped or not. On my LeSabre the frame split, so I only had to take out half of it. If you do disturbe the subframe you'll have to realigne it and get a front end alignment.

I want to add more to this but, I need to play taxi.....more to come.

Regards

Dan