1995 Windstar transmission

Tranny slips then caches hard from 1st to second then second to third. The check engine light is on. If I disconnect battery then start engine the check engine light is off and tranny runs fine. When I shut engine off then start again the check engine light comes back on in about 15 seconds and tranny starts acting up again. This pattern will continue if I disconnect battery. I do not know the code it is giving. Any thoughts besides having code read which I will be doing? Seems worse when engine is warm. Haven't changed fluid but will be. What fluis should I use, mercon? What about the silicone fluid is that o.k.? Thanks

Hello TomJ22,

As always, Tell us what Year, Engine & Mileage does your Windstar have on it?

CoachKarl.

Fluid for 1995 will be Mercon (NOT Mercon V).
I am having very good success with Mobil 1 ATF.
You can buy it at Autozone, and many other auto part stores. It is a synthetic ATF.

Fluid change at least every 30K miles is manditory to a healthy tranny.

Transmission Range Sensor is a high failure item (as well as internals to the tranny). The TRS (aka Neutral switch) is mounted on top of the transmission. There is a cable that connects to it......that cable goes to the shifter on your steering column. The TRS is not expensive.......and not real hard to change.....from what I have read here. Let's hope for an inexpensive fix like that.....and fluid.

TRS location on my '96, "Under the air intake hose"
http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK


For codes, you can have them read at Autozone for free. Get the actual code from them....and post back.

Thanks for replys. It is a 1995 Windstar GL with a 3.8 and 139000 miles, The VSS might be the culpret. I unplgged it and took a voltage measurment. It is only getting .775 volts and according to a repair manual it should be getting approximetly 1.5 volts with engine off and key on. The voltage comes from the module. Is voltage something that is set when you have re-programming done at the dealer? Thanks for the fluid type info and the info on the TRS. I will check that out also. Any other ideas appreciated. Great pics! Thanks