changed transmission filter.....now problems...

newbie321 · 11-17-2008, 01:53 AM

To start off ....
I have not had any transmission problems at all whatsoever before.....

few days ago, I changed the transmission filter and a gasket and put in new trans. fluid. Now, when driving I notice that the transmission at times grinds its gears when switching between the gears (1st and 2nd I assume).

As usual there are questions that I can not answer and hence seek if anybody could share their expertise on this matter.

1) The manual says to put in 4.5 qts when draining and refilling. I put in 3 qts and my dip stick already indicates that the trans fluid is at the top of the hatched area.
a) How accurate is the dip stick reading?
b) Do I have to wait until the new filter soaks in the new fluid? if so, then how long? I have already been driving my van for about 4 days now and I would assume that the new filter should be already soaked in.

2) What is the path that the fluid follows once it is injected through the trans. dipstick opening?

3) what is the typical operating temperature of the trans fluid for the Ford Windstar? What is the best method to check the temperature of the fluid to see if it overheating occurs?

4) Can somebody post the schematic that shows hopefully exploded view of the transmission system?

Thank you, guys!!!!

LastTudor · 11-17-2008, 05:13 AM

First of all, an automatic transmission uses a planetary gearset. There are no gears that engage or disengage like a manual. There are clutches that determine which sets of gears are active. Therefore whatever you're hearing is not gears grinding. That's the good news.

Secondly, what fluid did you put in it? I'd bet that yours calls for Mercon V. I know that a LOT of fluid says it's universal, but, last I knew, Ford specifically warned against using any king of universal fluid in a Mercon V spec't transmission.

Thirdly, I finally saw within the post that we're talking about a Windstar, but I still don't know the year. Would you mind posting what kind of vehicle we're talking about specifically?

Thanks

BroncoJoe19 · 11-17-2008, 06:10 AM

I am pretty sure that when one fills the tranny, he is supposed to put the shift lever in each of its possible positions, and then recheck the fluid level.
Did you do that?

firstwindstar02 · 11-17-2008, 09:46 AM

joe is right. you need to shift into each gear to check the level of the fluid.

phantom_smack · 11-17-2008, 09:51 AM

It should be running at temperature and on a level surface.I read somewhere drive 20 miles to assure its at operating temperature but I'm not really sure if you have to go that far.

firstwindstar02 · 11-17-2008, 09:52 AM

yeah 20 miles, they recommend bringing it up to 60mph as well for a good period of time. go on the highway and drive a couple of exits, turn around and head back to check it. your suppose to wait 10-20 mins after 'warming' it up. the fluid expands as it is heated. and then right before you check it you need to shift through all the gears slowly all the way to to 1st and back to park. Let each one engage.

newbie321 · 11-17-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastTudor

First of all, an automatic transmission uses a planetary gearset. There are no gears that engage or disengage like a manual. There are clutches that determine which sets of gears are active. Therefore whatever you're hearing is not gears grinding. That's the good news.

Secondly, what fluid did you put in it? I'd bet that yours calls for Mercon V. I know that a LOT of fluid says it's universal, but, last I knew, Ford specifically warned against using any king of universal fluid in a Mercon V spec't transmission.

Thirdly, I finally saw within the post that we're talking about a Windstar, but I still don't know the year. Would you mind posting what kind of vehicle we're talking about specifically?

Thanks

Hi, LastTudor:

Thanks you for the follow up. I have the 1995 Windstar 3.8L. The manual calls for MERCON. I put in MERCON V, since I read it is better and can be used whereever MERCON is used.

Should I drain it and put in MERCON instead?

newbie321 · 11-17-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoJoe19

I am pretty sure that when one fills the tranny, he is supposed to put the shift lever in each of its possible positions, and then recheck the fluid level.
Did you do that?

Yes, I shifted through all gears and ran the engine at the elevated revs. Mine idles at about 1000, I revved it @15000rpm for about a minute or two.

newbie321 · 11-17-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom_smack

It should be running at temperature and on a level surface.I read somewhere drive 20 miles to assure its at operating temperature but I'm not really sure if you have to go that far.

But what is the operating temperature? is it 175F?

I know the following maybe a stupid question, but...
Also, is your dip stick hot after you drive the van for some time. I know it should be warm and all, but how warm?

thanks,

firstwindstar02 · 11-17-2008, 11:33 AM

You need to drive the car for 10-20 minutes at 60 mph and then let it cool down for about 10-20 minutes. THEN you need to turn the car on, shift through all the gears and let them engage. From P-R-N-D-2-1 and then 1-2-D-N-R-P THEN check your fluid level.