Transmission Not Shifting Into 4th Gear

glennet404 · 04-25-2009, 10:19 AM

Hello-

I'm having a tranny problem - and hope somebody can help out !!

Here are the particulars:

'99 Windstar 3.8L with 160K miles.
Tranny rebuilt 25K miles ago.
New fluid (Mercon V - 16 Qt procedure) and filter - less than 500 miles.
At the same time added a transmission cooler. Fluid confirmed at correct level.

So here's whats been happening. The OD light began flashing several weeks ago. Since then it has only gone off one more time and resets upon restarting the vehicle. It only seems to occur after extended city driving. At about the same time I began to realize the tranny was not shifting into 4th gear. I do very little highway driving - so this wasn't apparent right away. After I ran some driving tests - I determined that the tranny would shift into 4th upon a cold start - but after running for 5 minutes or so - 4th gear would be lost. That's when I changed the fluid and added the cooler. No change - same problem.

I took it to a transmission shop to have the codes read. Guess what - NO CODES appeared. We took it for a test drive with the code reader attached. The computer is calling for the tranny to shift into 4th about 45mph - but it doesn't happen. The tranny temp was 163 degrees - the converter was locking up when called upon at about 50% -
and again - the transmission did all it was supposed to do except shift into 4th.

The tech wants to get the vehicle overnight and put the computer on it when cold and see what happens. At this point - he's saying he has no idea what the problem may be.

I know there are some pretty smart people on this site - so - anyone have some ideas ??

Thanx-
Glenn

wiswind · 04-25-2009, 04:50 PM

My first advice is to see what waranty there is on your transmission......if any.
If it is under waranty......I would have them address the problem....as it is sounding internal.
It sounds like you have it at a shop that is doing well by you right now.....I would see what they say.

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