1998 windstar transmission

I have a 1998 windstar van with 145000 miles on it. My wife came home and described a transmission problem. I took it for a ride and the transmission won't shift out of 1st. At the time it's suppose to shift into 2nd gear the engine rpms are high and the transmission almost seems to shift into neutral. When I take foot of accelerator and let the rpms come back down the transmission will work again.

Any ideas?

Have you had your fluid changed??? If not first look there. Check the tranny sensor .Do you have a engine light on or overdrive light blinking?? If the tranny is slipping just may need the fluid changed. hope this helps

On my 98 with a similar problem, replacing the Neutral Safety Switch (transmission range sensor) fixed it. Autozone $24.99.

On my 98 with a similar problem, replacing the Neutral Safety Switch (transmission range sensor) fixed it. Autozone $24.99.

Was the CEL on when the TRS was bad? Thanks

Was the CEL on when the TRS was bad? Thanks

Nope. No CEL. Just didn't want to shift.

Nope. No CEL. Just didn't want to shift.


Thanks - I might try a new one even tho I dn't have a CEL on it. If I do I will post results.