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Last post on May 05, 2013 at 12:58 PM
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Ford Windstar, Ford Windstar Cargo, Van
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May 18, 2008 (7:44 pm)
I have 1999 Ford Windstar and lately after driving for awhile, when I stop at a light or stop sign, then try and take off it will either slip or jerk as if it does not want to go in gear. Then it will grab hold and go. It does not do this all the time. Then at the next stop light it may not do it. Just spearatically. It is driving me crazy. Anyone with answers. I am afraid to leave town. Thanks in advance
#63 of 216 Windstar piece of junk
by smitha
May 29, 2008 (6:06 am)
Bought my 2003 in 2004, have had to replace the transmission, airconditioning unit..including compressor, 5 alternators..yes 5. the rear windows don't work, the heat had to be fixed in the front, warranty has run out. FORD states there is nothing wrong with this vehicle... I guess they have their blinders on, last ford i'll ever purchase.
#64 of 216 Brake light is on and I have a noise
by hollowaytata
Jun 02, 2008 (9:28 am)
My brake light has been on for awhile but now I have a loud humming or something the faster you drive the louder it gets and I don't know if it is the brakes or if it is something else cause my husband has already changed the front brakes not even a year ago and it sounds like it is coming from the front I just don't know what it is. I don't want to pay to have something done and it not be the problem. Any ideas please help.
#65 of 216 message 64 hollowaytata
by mfacdgba33
Jun 02, 2008 (8:37 pm)
check the ball bearings, cv boots, and ball joints. it may just take some packing with grease or you may have a bad cv joint or ball joint. The ball joints and cv joints are factory sealed so you cannot add grease to these but you really must have the ball bearings inspected to make sure they are not broken or burnt up. If it is the ball bearings and they get worse you are risking the wheel to seize up. You also might also want to make sure there isn't a rock or a piece of metal from the wheel manifold isn't rubbing the disc. After all this is checked you should find your problem.
#66 of 216 Re: 1998 Ford Windstar Transmission Problems [sramamur1]
by crs1890
Jun 07, 2008 (4:04 pm)
hi i know it was 2 years ago but what was the problem with the transmission on your 98 ford windstar because the same thing is halping to me thanks you can email me at sharpie1990
verizon.net
Hello All;
My Ford Windstar (3.0L) has approximately 122,000 miles on it and has recently developed a serious transmission problem. The van will not start when Drive "D", or the first gear "1", or reverse gear "R" is selected. The only way it starts is to select the second gear "2" and move to "D" when it picks up speed. It then drives well and can even do reverse parking.
This causes probles at traffic lights, stop signs and other stoppages. I have to manually move the gear selector to "2" and then move it back to "D" when the van is moving.
It appears that my transmission is on its last legs. Any ideas/sugegstions for fixing this problem will be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
#67 of 216 Another flashing O/D light story .....
by 07exlres
Jun 10, 2008 (8:22 am)
Mine is a 1999 3.0L Windstar w/180,000 miles. Tranny runs fine on initial start, other than maybe a bit more than expected of a clunk upon shifting out of Park into Reverse or Drive when cold.
After a period of driving (usually 20-30 minutes -- possibly heat related?) the O/D light begins to flash. At speed, there is no perceptible change in transmission performance when the light begins to flash. As I continue driving with the light flashing, if I slow to a stop and/or start from a stop, the downshift to/upshift from 1st/2nd is abrupt, especially if accelerating briskly. Remaining upshifts/downshifts not involving 1st gear seem normal.
Shutting the ignition off and restarting immediately will turn the flashing light off for a while but the flashing returns shortly, unless the vehicle sits long enough to cool, in which case the 20-30 minute time frame reasserts itself.
From what I have read, this "sounds" like a Transmission Range Sensor issue. Anyone have an opinion in favor or otherwise? I assume an OBDII can't read tranny codes. Would a Ford dealer be able to confirm the TRS as the culprit by reading a code? Wonder what that would cost? Might be cheaper to just replace the TRS and see what happens.
Thoughts?
#68 of 216 Re: Another flashing O/D light story ..... [07exlres]
by moonie2
Jun 10, 2008 (8:35 am)
Well, as I mentioned earlier in this thread, I had the same thing happen right after I picked up my van after having the tranny completely rebuilt. Turns out it was a bad nuetral safety switch. Actually the OBDII can read it.
Since I just paid $2500 american to have my tranny rebuilt, they fixed it for free. I think it is around $100-$150 to have it fixed.
Good luck!
#69 of 216 Re: Another flashing O/D light story ..... [07exlres]
by mfacdgba33
Jun 12, 2008 (9:27 pm)
try checking the speed sensor on the trans the clunk from park is usually caused by the trans being in a bind while in park. try setting your parking break before you let off the brake and shut the engine down this will prevent the trans from getting into a bind.
#70 of 216 2003 transmission problem
by dolvol
Jun 25, 2008 (8:15 pm)
I was driving my Ford Windstar and all was fine, no slipping no jerking, nothing. Today I went to the store and all of a sudden I went from Drive to Nuetral and it will not go into any gear other than park. The shifter moves normally but nothing happpens. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or similar problem.
Thanks
#71 of 216 Re: 2003 transmission problem [dolvol]
by boss302j
Jun 27, 2008 (4:42 pm)
Sounds exactly like what mine did, splines inside the torque converter stripped out that drive the pump drive shaft. I put a converter in mine and has been fine. Find a reputable shop if you aren't going to check it out yourself. I have the feeling a lot of trannys get sold due to this problem.