2003 Windstar Transaxle Problem

115,000 miles on my wife's 2003 Windstar. Has had no problems until today. She drove to town without difficulty, parked it and went into the store. 30 minutes later, she started the engine, put the shifter into Reverse and the van did not move. The transaxle seems like it is not engaging. Other than when in Park, the transaxle acts as if it is Neutral for all other gears. Odd thing is that the vehicle can be pushed forward and backward in all gears - D, N, R, 2, 1 - except for Park. The fluid level is fine and of good color. No codes. Any ideas? -- Rick

With the engine off and cold, pull the transmission dipstick and carefully mark where the fluid level is by eye. Then start the engine let it run a minute, and with the engine running, pull the dipstick again and note where the fluid level is. Fluid level should have dropped 1/4" to 1/2" lower on the dipstick. If the fluid level does not go down when started, I would think the fluid pump is not working. Could be a sheared oil pump shaft, or stripped gears on the torque converter. Either way, the transmission would have to be removed to check and repair. You could further check fluid flow by removing the lower trans. cooling line from the trans. case connection, point it in a pan and have a helper start the vehicle, you will get fluid flow immediately with a working pump.Torque converter spline, and the input oil shaft that attaches to it stripping the teeth are a common issue with your symptoms.

Is it able to be started in any gear other than P or N?

Is it able to be started in any gear other than P or N?

I did not think to try this. I'll check this morning and report. If it does start in another gear, do you think the problem could be something other than the fluid pump? I'd love for it to be something simple like a disconnected linkage or an easily replaceable sensor. -- Rick

any symptoms leading up to this? Can you feel the transmission actually moving into gear? have you checked where the TRS is on top of the motor to see if the shaft is turning? It's rare for that linkage to break but it could. Any check engine light on the dash?