2000 Ford Windstar

LalaNBill03 · 01-28-2008, 07:43 AM

HELP!!! We had the transmission rebuilt a year ago. Now every time you come to a stop it sits there and spends and feels like it wants to grab and go but doesn't until it shifts gears and goes or you can take your foot off the gas and then try again and it will go. Also, once this weekend my husband tried backing it out of our driveway and the RPM's went up but the van barely moved. We had the transmission looked at again and they said it was fine....Please help.

cjones · 01-28-2008, 08:22 AM

is the fluid full?? is the fluid good (pink)?? does the fluid smell burnt??

ABE · 01-28-2008, 11:24 AM

I assume that the transmission was re-built by a reputable dealer and their knowledgeable representative checked your vehicle and it performed correctly? I also assume that the shifter is operating correctly, and no excessive play. So the problem is sporadic, and sounds more like an electronic control problem.

Even if your check engine light is not on have the codes read. Several auto parts stores provide a free service to read the codes. It is quite likely that the PCM will store a transient code when the problem occurs and not set the check engine light on. What you are looking for is the P1234 code and not the description (you will not remember it accurately and is easily looked up from the code).

There are two large connectors on top of the trans bell housing that provide the electronic control connections between PCM and the trans. These are in an exposed location and the terminals may be subject to corrosion. Your problem sounds in that ball park.

Another electronic component, the transmission range selector (trs), can do some strange things. It is mounted on the trans tunnel near the firewall. There is a lever that the gearshift lever cable operates. The electrical connection is exposed and may be corroded and giving false signals to the PCM as to which gear (PRND..) the trans is in.

If fluid is ok and no codes and electrical conections are good then an alternative is the Ford dealership which has the appropriate diagnostic equipment to check the trans.

Good luck.