2003 Windstar Transmission

[dreamin again]

Tonight, with no warning or problems at all, as I was driving through a green light, all of a sudden I could tell that my engine was just "racing" and that no forward motion was happening! I was able to pull to the side of the road. Stopped, put the van in P. Shifted the transmission to R--van would not move. Tried D, 1, 2, 3,--same result. Had car towed to dealer. Car will not move in P. When out of P, van can be pushed forward or backward. Do I need a new transmission to match the new engine that I had to put in 10,000 miles ago? Have just over 100,000 miles. Thanks for any insight.

[mark v]

You have just over 100,000 miles on it and had to replace the engine at 90,000 miles?

Do you change oil and other things to the Windstar when they get worn?

I am sorry but 90,000 miles on an engine is really bad. I have 104,000 miles on mine and she pulls hard, burns zero oil and runs smooth.

[dreamin again]

Interesting that this is the same question the dealer asked me when the engine went bad. Yes, I do change the oil. Maybe not at every exact mileage my quick lube puts on the window label when they change it, but with enough frequency that Ford paid for 1/2 of the new engine after they got into into it and broke it down. As for the other issues, I have just replaced the front brake pads and had the rotors turned; just aligned front end and balanced the tires; fluids are checked frequently--stay on top of any problem that surfaces when it surfaces and even do preventive. As a matter of fact, the transmission fluid level (today) is on target and shows no signs/smells of problems. Since I had no problems, and I mean not even a rough shift, with the transmission, I did not think that it should be checked other than keeping an eye on the fluid.

[mark v]

The Transmission fluid has a recommended fluid change just like the engine oil.

Cheap filters have bad check valves in them along with bad/cheap filter media and can help damage an engine faster. I only use Motorcraft and A/C filters along with NAPA Gold. Read more here.

Engine Oil Filter Study

[treed]

The same thing happen with my brother's '03 Windstar yesterday. He was driving home and then nothing, no forward gears, no revervse, nothing. Park will hold, but no gears. Is this a transmission problem or is there a sensor that might be the culprit? I never seen a transmission go so fast without warning and without some gears working. Van has about 74,000 miles on it. Any help is appreciated.