'95 Transmission problem?

When starting my '95 Windstar 3.8L cold, it idles OK until I put it in reverse and then it surges between about 500 - 1000 rpm sort of lurching it's way out of the garage. If the car has been driven and is warm, I don't notice the problem. My wife drives it most of the time and the last couple of days she said it seems sluggish when she goes to work in the morning, like it's pulling extra weight. I guess that means it's not pulling normally when she starts out, I don't know. I drove it tonight and it seemed normal to me, but it had been driven a few hours earlier so it wasn't a completely cold start. I have noticed the surging in reverse from a cold start in the past, but not the sluggishness when driving that she described to me. I am going to try it form a cold start this weekend hopefully and see what she is telling me about. She says that after it's warmed up she doesn't notice the problem. At first I thought it was engine related, but now I'm concerned that it could be the transmission. Does this sound familiar to anyone? By the way, I have replaced the IAC valve and it made no difference.

possible mass airflow meter; they can read incorrect cold then be ok warm. check air filter and look into meter for any debris

Had the same issue with my 95. I just took some electrical contact cleaner and cleaned off the mass air flow sensor, there was a bunch of crud that built up on it. Once clean, the van idled beautifully.

Check your transmission fluid levels... fill 'er right up to that line and see if it helps. Be sure to use the correct type of fluid as outlined in your owner's manual.

Had the same issue with my 95. I just took some electrical contact cleaner and cleaned off the mass air flow sensor, there was a bunch of crud that built up on it. Once clean, the van idled beautifully.

I pulled the MAF sensor out yesterday and found significant buildup on both parts of the sensor (They look like very small resistors). I cleaned them with brake parts cleaner so that there would be no residue left behind and reinstalled it. I immediately noticed a smoother idle and the engine just seemed more responsive overall. I'm hoping that this will continue. My wife will be the judge of the fix since she is the primary driver of the van. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

By the way, thanks to each of you that responded to my request.

You may want to check your air filter cannister for loose fit. Your comments about "significant build-up" make me suspicious of dirty air by-passing the filter.

I once had to clean my MAF sensor....had to hold it up to sunlight to see the smallest piece of lint clinging on.... but removing it did the trick.

Well it's been almost a week since I cleaned the MAF sensors and I must say that the van is running well. It is idling smoothly and overall performance is as good as it's ever been. I'm no longer concerned about the transmission being the issue (well, no more than any '95 Windstar owner, LOL). I keep the transmission serviced, full of fluid and at service time, add a bottle of LubeGard Black. I started using LubeGard when I had a problem a few years ago with "torque converter shudder". A local transmission shop recommended it and it immediately stopped the shudder.

Anyway, thanks to each of you that responded to my origianl request for help. It looks like "we" have solved my surging idle problem.

Well it's been almost a week since I cleaned the MAF sensors and I must say that the van is running well. It is idling smoothly and overall performance is as good as it's ever been. I'm no longer concerned about the transmission being the issue (well, no more than any '95 Windstar owner, LOL). I keep the transmission serviced, full of fluid and at service time, add a bottle of LubeGard Black. I started using LubeGard when I had a problem a few years ago with "torque converter shudder". A local transmission shop recommended it and it immediately stopped the shudder.

Anyway, thanks to each of you that responded to my origianl request for help. It looks like "we" have solved my surging idle problem.


Oops, I should have stated that I use LubeGard in the RED bottle. It depends on your car as to which LubGard you should use, but you should use it.