99 Windstar Overdrive

cadillaclady30 · 03-07-2008, 09:07 AM

i have a 99 ford windstar LX 3.8 with 160k miles that runs great except for the fact it wont go into overdrive when car is warm. at about 60 - 70 mph, rpm is about 3000(when car is warm). if i drive for awhile at high speed where the od should have shifted-in, eventually the od light will start flashing. the light won't go off until the car is shut off. when i turn the ignition back on the light no longer appears. i pulled codes (not with a ford scanner) and it only says it's running lean. (took intake manifold cover off to get to the water bypass hose, replaced bypass hose and didn't put on new gaskets.) guessing it could be could be a number of things but am doubt its the trany, only because it runs so smooth. oh ya while driving 60-70 mph, rpm's at or about 3000 (od not shifting) i'll press the overdrive button and nothing moves (no shift) completely blank. any idea? kiss. basic first then worse case scenario.

thanks
Vicky

bkf77 · 03-07-2008, 11:17 AM

I'll take a guess on the running lean code-- the 3.8 with the manifold runner controls have a problem with O-rings leaking air at the front of the intake manifold. As far as the shifting concern, did this happen before or after the bypass hose was replaced? Also some generic scan tools will not communicate with the transmission. I would check the local transmission shops for diagnostic fees. I would have someone at a trans shop try to look at it. Never hurts to get their opinion.

cadillaclady30 · 03-07-2008, 11:32 AM

just bought the van last week. bought it as is. (leaking hose.) had i'd not replaced it myself it'd probably cost about $500 to fix. when i drove it home with leak think the od didn't work. what would the od have to do with the water bypass hose? i haven't taken it to anyone yet. ford wants to charge about 50 something buck to pull codes. when i called ford i started telling them whats wrong w/the van and immediately they say its the trans and i haven't even told them what kind of car, year, miles yet.:-X

thanks for your response

mark v · 03-07-2008, 12:09 PM

Windstar's are well known for transmission issues, I just rebuilt mine in January 08.

P.S. keep the multiple posts down. Either post in one forum or in a different forum but not the exact same post in multiple forums.

cadillaclady30 · 03-07-2008, 01:15 PM

that i know but i'm assuming it has been replaced being that it has 160k miles.
going to check with ford. here's my thing, if you turn on the lamp and the light doesn't go on you do? check the cord? check the bulb? check the fuse? buy a new lamp?

Thanks for your response

vindctar · 03-20-2008, 09:23 AM

Flashing OD light could mean a lot or simply nothing. My Winstar's (1996 3.0GL) was flashing on and off (especially in hot weather & on long drives) before I had the tranny rebuilt; and it still does, AFTER the rebuild (at Ford dealer). The tranny-doctor says it's the PCM. I am looking for a PCM and once I replace it, I'll report back; if the doc is right, OD light should stop flashing. If your car's tranny shifts ok then I'll keep driving until it dies; avoid long drives in case you get stuck with a dead tranny. Ford mechanic tells me, when OD light flashes, pull over, turn off, wait a minute or so and then turn back on. This becomes a pain if OD light flashes every hour or so; then I just ignore it. Good luck.

Flyingjackal456 · 03-21-2008, 07:42 PM

....and yet I'm the idiot with the faulty ABS wheel speed sensors, who will turn off, then start the car while going 70MPH in neutral, to get my ABS unit to reengage...

Yeah, pulling over is recommended, but my way works to, just make sure you do it in neutral, and on a straightaway with little traffic nearby (you won't have power brakes or steering if the wheel locks)