2000 Ford WIndstar Issues...

TheUkrainian · 05-12-2008, 09:40 AM

Hi, new to this forum. I have a 2000 Windstar with 113000 miles and it just recently started having issues. When I start the car up and put it in drive, the O/D Off light flashes and there is a rattling sound comming from the engine/trans. ALso, when i put it in reverse, it does the same thing, but in addition, the backup lights wont turn on... I'm completely lost as to what happened, and want your opinions before I take it in to the shop. Oh, another thing, recently the key fob stopped working. At first i thought it was the battery, but after replacing it, it still didnt work.

vindctar · 05-12-2008, 12:19 PM

Mileage and symptoms indicate your car needs a transmission rebuild. AAMCO does a good job AAMCO.com - Home (Transmission Repair, Transmission Service by Aamco. Car Repairs & More) and their work is warranted.

GraybeardAv · 05-12-2008, 02:18 PM

Does anybody on this Forum work for AAMCO?

GB

TheUkrainian · 05-12-2008, 04:50 PM

The thing is, the transmission shifts perfectly, no rough shifts or hesitation. We have a friend that owns an auto shop that we're taking it to sometime soom so he will see. Is there any chance that it could be computer related? cause the rear lights stopped working right when the O/D light started flashing, and if the O/D light is flashing, i noticed today that the doors wont auto lock until the O/D stops flashing regardless of speed..

Winny1234 · 05-12-2008, 08:24 PM

Well the O/D light flashing indicates that there are codes stored in the computer and they are codes that are related to the transmission indicating there is something wrong with the transmission. I would take it to a ford dealer or tranmission repair shop and have the codes read to see whats wrong. But since the rear light dont work indicates to me there is something wrong with your transmission range sensor or also known as the neutral safety switch. This part is located right on top of the transmission so you need to take off the air intake assembly and just replace the transmission range sensor it shoudl be around $30-$40 for the part. Also these AX4S and AX4N transmission need fresh fluid for them to last long. I replace my transmission fluid every year with mercon v fluid. If I had this problem I would change the range sensor first, but if you dont want to waste time and money go get the codes read.

GraybeardAv · 05-13-2008, 11:13 AM

Good info, Winny. You can borrow a code reader from Autozone.

GB

mark v · 05-13-2008, 11:41 AM

No, they just do good work. I have had 2 transmissions rebuilt by them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraybeardAv

Does anybody on this Forum work for AAMCO?

GB

mpeoples · 05-13-2008, 07:35 PM

Agreed on the codes. Get them first. Your friend should have access to the Ford diagnostics charts, which give step-by-step procedures for fault isolation.

Consider also that this might be an electrical short or related problem. Check the connections and wiring harnesses.

But first, get those codes and find out what they mean.

TheUkrainian · 05-14-2008, 11:24 AM

Went to autozone today to get codes read.

First one i got back was P0705 which was talking about the TR sensor out of position, unfortunately they don't have this part so I either have to go to the dealer or get it online. Not sure how hard/easy it is to replace either.

Second code I got was P0174, third was P0171, both being related to fuel/air mix being too lean. Possible causes according to AutoZone printout are MAF sensor problem, OX sensor defective, Ignition misfire, Fuel Injector Problem. So this one is a bit more general, would be nice if it was specific...

Any thoughts?

mark v · 05-14-2008, 12:05 PM

If you got more than 70,000 miles do a tune-up with OEM type plugs and wires. Stay away from the +4 or Splitfire type plugs, all you need is stock plugs.

Clear codes and see if they come back.