95 Windstar 2nd Tranny in 17 months

I have a 95 Windstar with 126,000 miles. 17 months ago (15,000 miles ago) I had a "new" transmission put in for $1,500. It leaked, and the leak could not be corrected, but the fluid level was o.k. Last week, the speedometer would fall to "0" and I would be "stuck" in neutral. I took it to the shop, and they say the torque converter "exploded." They want $1,400 to put some new parts in, and to use some of the parts that didn't get damaged. They said it blew because it was a "poor choice" of equipment. Of course, they won't make the same poor choice.

I asked if I could expect this tranny to blow within the year, and they said they'd have a better chance winning the lottery than answering that question. They said once the seals had been broken, it was really hard to predict what would happen. A friend at church suggested that I buy a Jasper tran online and have it installed locally. It's about $1,800, not including the installation (labor ran $700 on the last job).

I have three young children, and I just want to be safe on the road. Should I replace this transmission, or should I just donate the vehicle and try to find another vehicle? I just don't want to continue to put $1,400 a year into it. I'm obviously not a savvy about automotive mechanics - - - but you folks sure know a lot. I'd appreciate any advice you can give me.

You may want to shop around for a tranmission shop that will give you more reason for confidence. Surely there is someone in your "network" that can recommend such a shop. Is it a Ford dealership that you are currently dealing with?
I think Jasper is a good resource. A Ford dealer may give you a good price also ... along with a respectable extended warranty.

Granted the early Winnie tranny isn't the strongest ever built, ... but a "good" one, well maintained, should give many miles of service.

There are other issues to consider. What shape is the engine in? (There are some engine weaknesses also). How are the brakes, suspension, tires, etc?

If all else is in good shape, investing in the transmission replacement may make good sense. A lot of folks are paying a lot more than $150 per mo. for a ride. If this were your only repair expenditure for a year or so ... you will be well ahead. (Just keep your cell phone battery charged.)

On the other hand, it is a 10 year old Windstar ... not known for trouble-free reliability...

Good luck on your decision.

I guess this transmission shop isn't where you got the first one, but neither one sounds like you can trust them. If it was "new" and leaked, they should have fixed it. I don't like the sound of the "winning the lottery" phrase, in other words they don't stand behind their work. I'd shop around and find someone who will guarantee their work, even if it costs more.

It's good advice to evaluate the whole vehicle in deciding. If the engine is sound, doesn't leak or use oil, body is good, AC works, steering OK, it is probably cheaper to fix the car than try to replace it with an unknown.

I am a previous Caravan owner, and though you hear gripes about the Windstar transmissions, you hear more of them about the Caravan/Voyager/Town and Country tranny. I think if you don't drive either of them too hard, and you change the trans oil and filter more often than called for, they're generally OK. At least if they're put together right to begin with. 8^)

Good luck.

Transmission should last much longer than yours did.
Leaking about the seals is just plain inexcusable within this short of time.
I had one put in at a Ford dealer....was about $2800. Came with a 2 year, 24K mile waranty.
I bit the bullet as I had read enough stories like yours on the web about the cheaper ones.
The Jasper gives you a longer waranty....I think it is something like 3 year, 75K miles...You will need to find a reputable shop to install it.
Once you have one installed......keep an eye on it yourself.....and at the first sign of any leakage...or other problem.....take it back for a check.