2003 Windstar transmission shutter

[midnight rumbler]

Just started to notice in the last two weeks that when my tranny gets into the end of the gear going through 1st to 4th, there seems to be a shutter at the end of each cycle.

I have put some Lucas in the tranny with no results and the problem seems to be getting worse.

I have never in my life had any problems with transmissions so what might this problem be?

4.2 litre engine with 137,000km's, original transmission

[phantom_smack]

Have you serviced the Transmission?It sounds like a torque converter clutch shudder.

[midnight rumbler]

Thank you for the reply.

I have not serviced the transmission. Unfortunately with my line of work, I am always busy and have yet had anytime to bring it in as I am always off when the shops are closed.

I will most likely be bringing it to a tranny shop on monday as I do not want this to get any worse than it already is.

[Winny1234]

I am also having shuddering problems when the gear goes into overdrive with my 99 windstar 3.8. Phantom-smack you said it is torque converter clutch shudder, can you fix this with just replacing a solenoid? Or does it need a new torque converter? I do fluid and filter changes once a year and the transmission shifts perfectly except for the shudder. Sorry to hijack this thread with my problems

[midnight rumbler]

Winny1234,

No probs about hijacking the thread, to me, if you have the same problem and are looking for answers or have questions that I have missed, that is not hijacking the thread, only heping others out that have the same problems.

That is where I experience my shutter as well is when te vehicle gets into OD and is becoming more noticeable.

I am hoping there is a quick fixing and not a rebuild.

PLEASE, Somebody ease our minds or give us the bad news, all the tranny shops are closed here.

If this is a major issue, would you suggest driving a vehicle such as this on long trips?

[mark v]

I had this same issue for a while, then I had to get it rebuilt. A good rebuild job is needed especially at the amount of miles you have is the only cure.

[cleat]

I would get the fluid and filter changed before jumping into a rebuild. 137,000 Km is not a lot of mileage (about 82,000 miles).

[mark v]

I have seen them blow up at lower mileage.

These Transmissions were designed for the Taurus witch is a lighter car, the Windstar blows them up easily.

[midnight rumbler]

Well, I spoke with a gentleman at the tranny shop and they say that by just changing the fluid, all 14-16 litres and putting in a new filter, the symptoms are more likely to get worse and the tranny will actually start to slip, not shutter as it is now in Over Drive.

They are running some diagnostics on it now, will let you know the outcome and what may be needed but it is not looking good.

Maybe I will just live wit the shutter for now and wait until she blows the gears if a rebuild is evident in the future.....

[mark v]

Yeah I would leave it alone too.