99 Windstar and transmission woes

[DrLivingstone]

We bought our 1999 Windstar SE new in July 1999. In August 2002 we had a total transmission failure, at 37 months / 32k miles. We were out of town of all things, but the local Ford dealership we had it towed to was wonderful, and since we were just out of warranty by one month (and under 36k to boot), we paid a fraction of the total cost for the new transmission.

With the new transmission, we got an extended powertrain warranty. It was for six years (backdated to when we bought the van) -- July 2005 OR 100k miles.

Recently, we took it in to our Ford dealership for a 90k tuneup (at mileage 94k), since I have been hearing squeaking noises that I thought could be belt-related (a check on belts is included in the tuneup).

We get the Windstar back and the squeaking still is noticeable (the only time it was quite loud was driving around on a rainy day). The next day, the van stalled while idling. So, we take it back pointing out the noises and the stalling (it had done again on the drive over).

We get the report back that when they ran diagnostics against it, the transmission was reporting errors, either a 'solenoid body issue' or a '4th gear band issue'.

So, if my transmission is failing I'd love to be able to use my extended service plan powertrain warranty. Naturally, my dealership pointed out the expiration nearly 3 years ago, even though the car is under 100k.

He advised that sometimes, Ford will work with car owners who's transmission is out of warranty but under 75k, and noted that since we're at 94k that wouldn't work. My response was that the second transmission is only at 58k miles.

I'm looking for feedback on what others with Windstar transmission problems have done. My next step is to contact Ford directly to see what we can do about this second transmission going bad at 58k.

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions?

[firstwindstar02]

Well for one you definitely want them to 'diagnose' your problem fully before you start throwing money at them. Don't let them tell you what they think it is. This leaves the door open for them to slam u with more costs once they already got your transmission apart.

I would suggest to you, if the tranmission does need extensive repair is to buy a remanufactured or used one and have them either replace it or you replace it. They will charge you an arm and a leg for a new 'ford' transmission. You can get one off ebay for like 700 bucks. If you are brave enough to do the repair yourself I can guide yo uthrough it easily. If you are prepared and have all the tools/parts required you can do it one day man.