Transaxle light

[Brent S.]

My transaxle light comes on when I put the van into gear, consequently the right turn signal blinks faster and louder than normal. Has anyone had this problem? I don't want to put the van in the shop if I can fix it myself.

[garync1]

What year do you have.??

[Brent S.]

2005 freestar minivan

[garync1]

On my 2006 I can't find a tansaxle light. You may have traction control on yours . If so you may have a sensor going bad or dirty.If you have a Check engine light on then Auto Zone will pull the code for free. If thats the case you can post the code. And I could tell you what it means.. Hope this helps...

[fish13!]

curious as to the final diagnosis...I have the same problem...just dumped 3 grand in for a new trans - since that went 3 months ago - stinks since the van is not even paid off yet....

[pjm31157]

I have a 2004 freestar, and my transaxle light flashes. When I stop, let it rest and check the oil stick it stops. It starts back up when I have a long pull, and put strain on the engine. Any ideas?

[pjm31157]

I have a Ford Freestar 2004 van, and the transaxle light flashes. If I stop to let it rest, check the oil stick it stops. It starts back up again when I have a long pull, and put strain on the engine. Any ideas?

[grog11]

Originally Posted by pjm31157

I have a Ford Freestar 2004 van, and the transaxle light flashes. If I stop to let it rest, check the oil stick it stops. It starts back up again when I have a long pull, and put strain on the engine. Any ideas?

Your transmission is probably overheating. How many miles are on the vehicle, and have you had the transmission fluid flushed, and filter changed lately?

You could 1st start checking the fluid flow thru the radiator cooling lines by removing the lower trans. cooling line, aim the hose into a drain pan then starting the vehicle in park with an assistant. Make sure you are getting good circulating flow from the cooling return hose. The radiator coolers can plug partially with clutch material and cause an obstruction. A cooling line backflush would be needed to clear it.

If fluid flow is good, I would also change the transmission filter to make sure it is not a fluid obstruction there. Make sure you use mercon V fluid and don't overfill the transmission level while replacing the drained out fluid amounts.

The transaxle light blinking will set codes in the computer and you will need a transmission scanner code reader to have them read, usually a good repair shop or dealer can help.

[pjm31157]

Thank you I will try all of these things. My van has 96,700 miles, and is over due for all of the above. I appreciate the advise. I will get back to you.

[dyankee1995]

We also have a 2004 Freestar with the exact same problem. We have done the following and the light still comes on during lengthy trips:

1. Changed the transmission oil and filter
2. Changed the fluid a second time
3. Added an auxilliary tranny cooler
4. Pulled the sensor out and cleaned it

The light continues to come on after extended travel. However, rides smoothly while the light comes on. Any other ideas?