98 Windstar Transmission Question

TheJodester · 04-28-2008, 06:32 PM

I have a weird problem occuring with my 98 windstar. I know these transmissions are renowned for problems, but this one is strange.

When the vehicle is first started in the morning, it goes into reverse perfect and into first as well. The problem is that is will not shift up into second gear. If you drive it for about 1-3 minutes, it shifts fine. The tranny then shifts fine until the engine warms up. Then it will not shift into second.

Now, if you downshift manually into second gear when coming to a stop, it will always stay in second gear and then upshift into drive, orverdrive, etc fine.

Lock Torque works perfect as well.

Fluid is clean. Tried a new filter, lucas oil, etc. Installed a new TRS (Shift position switch), as well as a new speed sensor. No change.

Installed a new PCM (computer) still no change.

Sometimes once hot, and you start out with the selector in drive, once you realize it is not going to shift, you cycle the ignition key a couple of times quickly, it shifts. other times you rev it to 5500 or so and then let off it goes.
If you try to start out in second gear from a dead stop once this happens, it starts out in second then quickly drops right back into first.

Never has it failed if you downshift manually. If you need to back up somewhere, it seems to be ok if you go to reverse, then right into second gear before you move.

Anybody have some suggestions?? Shift Solenoid?? Bad Seals??

The tag on the bottom of the cover said something about early model AX4S or something... The tag has been gone for a while.

f-superduty · 04-29-2008, 08:14 PM

Sound like something mechanically wrong internally in transmission if you have the
right equipment you could ck line pressure when it warm or epc pressure these are fluid line pressures internally to the transmission/. Is there any codes in pcm or is the ck engine light on

TheJodester · 04-30-2008, 03:33 AM

I do not have equipment to check pressures. There are no codes set. No engine light. Overdrive light does not blink.

Does it sound like a solenoid??

firstwindstar02 · 04-30-2008, 05:30 AM

if it was a light/ o/d light blink i would say solenoid. how many miles you got on her? could be just your clutches need replacing

mark v · 04-30-2008, 06:32 AM

It is needing a rebuild. All of the things you do are just working by coincidence. I bet you could shut off the van, get outside and give it a hug, kiss the right tail light and get back in and it would work again too.

Once it warms up the metal expands and that is when the vehicle will start acting up.

aboud2008 · 05-03-2008, 06:41 AM

I think its wiring prob...check the wires ,maybe get cut inside

mpeoples · 05-03-2008, 07:06 AM

Check out my posts to 50mustang on the AX4N 9AX4S is pretty similar). If you really want to figure out what is wrong, get either the ATSG manual (about $25) for this transmission or the factory manual (about $80) for your vehicle. Specialized equipment makes testing easier, but if you have a multimeter to check voltage and resistance ($10) and an oil pressure checker ($40 -50), you have most of the tools you will need.

Good luck.