Transmission Diagnostic Question

I have a 98 ford windstar and some time back the check engine light came one.. Took it to auto zone and they couldn't read the code all that came up on there scanner was something like dealer code. The guy at autozone told me I would have to go to Ford to have this problem diagnosed. I borrowed a friends scanner (different from Autozones) and it was able to read the code. It said torque converter mechanically stuck in the off position. A couple other people said that if I went to the ford dealership they could do a pin point diagnostic and tell me exactly what was wrong with my transmission (i.e. solenoid pack,pump,converter) if it is anything internal I have already decided to have a new trans put in or drive the van until it totally dies. If it is external like the solenoid pack I would attempt to do it myself. Currently I drive it around town w/o any problems, maybe 100 miles a week.
I called Aamco transmission yesterday and talked to a guy that sounded very knowledgable. I asked him if he could perform the same diagnostic as ford and he said yes, when I asked how much he said no charge if I get the work done there. Ok there's the history now the question. Can he actually do the same diagnostic tests? Do you think I can trust him to tell me if it isn't something internal? I told him the code and he said it really sounds like it is internal if it was the sol. pack it would return a different code. He also told me he just did a windstar for $2195 parts and labor, reman'd trans. I think that is a good deal. Any advice helpful, sorry for being long winded.
Alan

Yes he can read the codes exactly as Ford can. $2100 sounds very reasonable for a transmission job where the unit is removed from the vehicle and disassembled. If you go forward with this, have him check the flywheel carefully for worn teeth & replace if necessary. Insist that he replace the rear crankshaft seal on the engine.

CoachKarl.

Thanks for the information, I will definetly bring those things up to the mechanic. $2100 sounded like a good deal to me also a lot better then some of the other horror stories I have heard. Also the shop would install a rebuilt transmission, they aren't going to rebuild the current transmission, I think I wrote that wrong in the first post. Thanks for the information.
Alan

It said torque converter mechanically stuck in the off position.

Yes this is exactly what I was told today by Cottman transmission.
The error code was PO741.

1400.00 bucks to tear apart, fix and replace parts as needed and put back together.

I am not sure what to do. Keep driving till the tranny fails, or invest 1400.00 and get a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty.

We went to AAMCO for a rebuilt transmission it was $1800 and change 3yr 75000 mile warranty. Like Cottman I believe these are just franchise type operations so one AAMCO can have a bad reputation for work and another can be fine(probably same as cottman). We had our put in back in March I believe and haven't had any issues. I debated taking it to a shop that would tear it down and repair only the part that needed to be replaced but it just doesn't seem cost effective. Most of your old parts go right back in so if you have high mileage it is only a matter of time before something else fails and if they didn't replace that component while they had it apart then it isn't under warranty even if it is a month or two later then you are out another $1500. As far as getting it done or not I debated that for a while the light was on for about 6 months before I had it done. It is my understanding that the only affects this should have are basically a little less gas mileage at highway speeds(which I never really saw) if it is stuck on then you have real problems.

Alan

I would agree with the remanufactured unit.
If it is something basic and not real expensive, I would agree with a repair. However, the good rebuild shops have a setup that cannot be duplicated in a local shop. They have the setup to completely tear down, repair / replace, and (super important) thoroughly clean the unit. Then they can perform a very good test of the unit. When they stand behind the product with a nice waranty....then they take care of it if they missed something. I paid $2800+ for a FORD unit with a 2 year 24Kmile waranty several years ago. So....I have been right there with you in having to make the decision.

FORD has a TSB that you should take note of. They state that the transmission cooler MUST be backflushed.....and if it is clogged, that it must be replaced. For the factory standard unit....that is part of the radiator (inside the radiator) assembly......the radiator unit must be changed.
The point is....when a transmission fails....crud can become lodged inside the cooler....restricting the fluid flow....which causes the replacement transmission to overheat....and fail.

I would also recommend you look into an auxillary transmission cooler....and also change the fluid AT LEAST every 30K miles. Heat is the #1 enemy of the transmission.....and the fluid MUST be changed as called for....even with the auxilary cooler.

Also remember the tranny fluid is the differential fluid as well, unlike a rear wheel drive car that has the benefit of 90w oil, your differential is shearing molecules of an already thin ATF. At least another reason I think it is important to change AFT regularly.

Some trans shop are good and some are not so tread with care.
Ford factory rebuilt trans now carry a 3 year 36K warranty parts and labor.
So unless you realy know and trust the trans shop consider a ford factory rebuilt unit.
If you would post back the code no we could help a little more on what your problem is.
MT

Some trans shop are good and some are not so tread with care.
Ford factory rebuilt trans now carry a 3 year 36K warranty parts and labor.
So unless you realy know and trust the trans shop consider a ford factory rebuilt unit.
If you would post back the code no we could help a little more on what your problem is.
MT
Yeah sorry about that. The whole sad story is under the post 1999 Ford Windstar OD light is flashing.