Transmission problem

I have a 2003 Windstar, it has over 200,000 km on it. Yesterday while driving to work I approached a red light, and slowed almost to a stop, then it turned green and when I accelerated the engine revved very high. I realized then that I was only moving forward on the momentum I had. I thought I might have accidentally knocked it into neutral, but I hadn't. I was on a slight incline and started rolling backwards. I have determined it is somehow stuck in neutral. It also goes into park. The shifter moves easily, it isn't stuck. I cannot move the van and had it towed home. I had no warning signs that the tranny was acting up. Any ideas?

I'd confirm that the mechanical shift linkage is actually attached and moving properly. It sits beneath the cowl behind the air intake. Have someone move the shifter thru park, reverse neutral... and confirm everything is ok. The van starts ok correct? If so, at least your TRS is working partially. Fluid levels in the trans are ok? No other symptoms? What is the history on the trans? regular maintenance? towing?

All this info will be helpful.

The fluid level is good and it is clean. It does start fine. I will check the linkage this weekend. There is no previous history. Thanks for your thoughts.

and this same trans has 200,000 km on it correct? (ie wasn't overhauled, rebuilt or replaced..)

yes, that's right.

I would say you are lucky to have gotten so many miles out of the original transmission. Are you sure the fluid level is correct ... checked as the engine is idling and the selector in N or P? If the fluid level is high by a 1/2 inch or more, the fluid pump may not be working ... perhaps because of a broken shaft. That's one of the things that can happen suddenly.

+1 on the shaft. If all of a sudden the trans stops and no symptoms previously, I'd be starting there.

Have you tried to select 1 or 2 and starting from there or just tried D and R?

Problem solved, a salvage company paid me a hundred bucks to tow it away, and I said good riddance. Enough is enough.