Transmission Problem?

Hey Guys,

Not really sure how to describe this problem, so I'll do it the best I can.

When I start the van and put it in drive everything seems normal....that is until the van gets to about 30KM/hr (20 m/hr). That's when it wants to switch to second gear, but instead just kinda goes into neutral, that is the engine just winds out.

If I put the vehicle in first gear, everything is normal

If I put the vehicle in 2nd gear, I have the same operation as if it were in first ie. will only have first gear, rpm will go to 1000 though if I let off the gas pedal where as if it were in first, rpm gague slowly goes down with the speed.

Can't figure this one out.....same problem whether I have OD on or off

TF does not smell burnt, not foamy, not overfull / underfull.

Tried some lucas transmission fix thinking a band may be wearing....no joy

Any thoughts?

Thanks

You didn't say the year of your Windstar. Mine is a 2000 and it started shifting funny by sort of grabbing as it engaged that second gear. The "low to intermediate" servo that engages that second gear is easy to access and inexpensive to replace the two o-rings and the cover gasket. I think that I would take a look at that servo to see if the o-ring on the piston of that servo is broken. From what you say, it doesn't seem to be engaging that second or intermediate gear.

Do a search on this forum for "grabby transmission" and it will come up with two possibilities. Use the top one to see my experience with it. It takes about 30 minutes to take a look and $11 and change USD for the two o-rings and one gasket. You will also see the reason mine started acting strange.

Of course, the guys and girls that have more experience with these things will probably have more to offer as the day goes on.

Good luck,

Jim

I dont have any info that will help you, But I have the same problem with my 95
windstar. I bought it cheap because it sliped , and It still runs the same after 4 years of hard driving, it wont die .
Best of luck with your van...

To; Team orange, RE, Your windstar trans problem, I need some info, What year is the vehicle?, Engine size?, Which trans? AX4S or AX4N?--Give me the info, I am sure I can point you in the right direction, See Ya, ......Clay....

It is a 1998 Windstar

3.8L

Not sure which transmission though...I'll try to find out

Hi, Teamorange, Shame on me for not giving you the info on where to look for the type of trans, On top of the trans bell houseing under all that stuff, You know the air intake to the throttle body, there is a white tag about 2by3 inches, It has the trans ID info on it, Probably all coverd with gunk etc, Be carefull when you clean it off so you do not erase the info on the tag, I would suggest useing brake clean, NO carb cleaner or any harsh solvent, See if you can get it clean with a soft rag or whatever before trying the brake clean...Sorry I'm getting a little forgetfull in my old age...See Ya, Clay...

Thanks for the help. It is AX4S

Hi, Teamorange, I had to dig into some old TSB's to be sure about your trans problem and which direction to steer you in,, Here's the deal, First let's be SURE that your problem is repeatable after the engine and trans are warmed to operating temp, From what I get of your description, this so...Ford TSB 98-22-1, Puts your vehicle in the catagory of one that has A possible problem with...The VSS, TP, TR, TSS, or MAf, sensor, I suggest you take this info to your local Ford dealer and request a print out of TSB 98-22-1 so you can draw your own conclusions., The tsb is 3 pages long and refers to other symptoms which require the intermediate clutch piston replacement., Get the tsb, read it thru and go from there, GOOD LUCK..........Clay..

I have 96 windstar. The transmission run perfect before the engine get hot. I'm remplace the range sensor 1 year ago... and i'm fixed... but I don't know it is the sensor problem again.... Can you help me please?

When I first got my 2001 Windstar I had the same problem as far as slipping from the trans.. My fluid was bad. but you say your may be ok.. What you can do is look under the air filter you will see on top of the tranny a Transmisson range sensor.. You can unplug it.. Drive normal up the road dont try to jump on it or anything.. Just drive normal and if transmisson changes normaly then most likley you have a bad TRS... Just change it out.. Your tranny OD light may blink or come on ,thats ok...Found this trick on the forum and when I read up in my book it said to do the same thing when trouble shooting trans problems.. At least that may rule out the TRS.. Hope this helps...

OH One quick note about these transmissions. Have the fluid changed often.. Every 35,000 is what the dealer told me but I do mine once a year. This year I am going to change it myself along with the filter but normaly I went with the dealer fluid exchange NOT flush and fill.. They are not the same..