95 WS Drivetrain Troubleshooting

High Risk · 07-13-2006, 11:37 AM

UPDATE! Perhaps my original assessment was incorrect or the problem had not advanced enough to be obvious in all driving conditions. I notice a pronounced "slip" during rapid starts where it seems that the transmission lets go enough for the engine to rev and then re-engages causing lurching. I first noticed it during a left turning start from a T-intersection on a slight incline and now my wife has noticed it during a right turning start. It seems to be fine at speed, so far. The trans fluid is a nice clear cherry red color and is the proper level. I am considering a fluid and filter change to see if this helps anything.

ISSUE 2...I actually got 2 used Windstars at about the same time. I am trying to do maintenance on my own as I am stationed overseas and do not have many options for shopping around to the best shops. The second WS has a strange problem. At speed, when running at temperature, as I press the accelerator to pass, the transmission will downshift but the engine does not get extra power. If I hold the accelerator down slightly, it S...L...O...W...L...Y accelerates but if I press it down 3/4 to full it will either downshift further which gives power OR (this is the weird thing) it will stay slow and then after 5-10 seconds will suddenly kick in the extra power. It seems like the throttle doesn't open or extra fuel doesn't get sent to the engine to correspond to the new transmission gear and demand for power. I don't think it has to do with the transmission because it downshifts correctly, it just doesn't give the appropriate engine response.
I read about a TCC solenoid in another post that might be the problem. What might cause this? Please Help!

Thanks!!

High Risk · 07-25-2006, 12:20 AM

I notice Ian Howard is the big helper in this forum! Any ideas?

tr918 · 07-25-2006, 01:28 PM

What year/ engines on the 95 windsar? What engine/year on the second windstar?

Your first problem sounds like wheel slip. Try to duplicate the same conditions on dry pavement where you are certain that wheel slip can not be the issue. If it happens again then I would track the problem down.

I am not sure about the second problem. Check all throttle linkages and make sure they are getting full range of motion.

High Risk · 07-25-2006, 10:22 PM

Thanks TR.
Both WS are 95 with 3.8l engines.
The 1st problem occured on dry pavement so it is beginning to sound more like a trans rebuild unless there is another component that can cause it. I am thinking of doing a fluid and filter change just because that is a cheaper thing to do and see if it helps at all...the fluid seems fine but you never know.

It looks like the throttle linkages get full motion. It seems like when the pedal is pressed, the trans gets the word of the power demand and downshifts but the engine doesn't get the fuel to give power. It is a bit like when the Air Cond is on and then the eletronic control has to turn it off to not bog down the engine. Problem is that it occurs with or without the A/C on.

High Risk · 07-27-2006, 01:57 AM

2nd problem add'l info: Shifting is perfect when the engine is first running. For about the first 45 min to 1 hr the shifting is proper. After that time, it begins to exhibit the problem above. Could this be O2 or CO2 sensors that are not working properly after they get too hot? I notice it during all driving conditions after running at autobahn...I mean highway speeds for about an hour.
Noticed slightly inconsistent idle when I was sitting still with the transmission in drive. Could it be something easy? PLEASE SAY YES! Plugs, wires...?

Flyingjackal456 · 07-27-2006, 05:10 AM

I just heard my 98 WS slipping this morning...first time ever, anyone know what it is?

High Risk · 07-27-2006, 10:45 AM

Wish I knew...the slipping that I get is pretty severe. If you are just now noticing it, chances are that a lot of damage has NOT been done to the transmission yet. A rebuild of your current transmission can be almost as much as buying another rebuilt transmission from someone like AutoZone (based on some pricing I have done). I would get a professional opinion before trying to just replace things and hope you find something easy--or provide some extra detail on the slipping and see if someone has a good idea on this forum.

Flyingjackal456 · 08-21-2006, 05:25 PM

my windstar (1998 3.8L V6) just experience problem #2 for the first time ever, i was trying to pass a truck, and the thing downshifted, reved up, but it never accelerated any faster than i was already going (60MPH)

then i backed off the truck, then tried to pass agin, and it was fine... Could this be the Torque converter?

gabbie · 09-06-2006, 07:15 PM

I would try replacing the neutral park senor? Its basically monitors your gear shift position. I have read were this will not provide valid gear location which cause unwanted shifting. It runs about $45 and is easy to replace. If you have high milage, its probably not a bad idea anyway since it sounds like it is a common failure part.

radimus · 09-14-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabbie

I would try replacing the neutral park senor? Its basically monitors your gear shift position. I have read were this will not provide valid gear location which cause unwanted shifting. It runs about $45 and is easy to replace. If you have high milage, its probably not a bad idea anyway since it sounds like it is a common failure part.

Ford calls this part the Transmission Range Sensor. A place like Autozone or Advance Auto Parts will refer to it as the neutral safty switch. It's pretty easy to change. Remove the intake hose, look down at the shifter cable and it's right under the bar that the shifter cable attaches to.