'02 Windstar Trans 'shudders'

Ok all, without posting you have helped tremendously with my 171/174 prob (thx to everyone) and we will see where Ford stands on this issue shortly as I plan to try and get them to cover the repairs via the TSB 03-16-1 as a warranty item (wish me luck) Heck, I'd be happy with 70-80%!

I have a separate problem which is nagging at me, though I'm not sure how big it is yet. My trans shudders when shifting out of 4th into OD regardless of how hard I accelerate or type of terrain. I do a lot of city driving in the Phoenix metro, and have 35K miles on it. We just got the van in Feb (trading in a 94 Cougar XR7 with a dead trans...don't ask...long story), so I'm a bit concerned that it may lead to bigger probs as the engine and trans setup are nearly identical. Has anyone had an experience or known anyone who had similar probs? No codes from trans to ECM at this time (of course not).

Let's start with the basics...

- Is the fluid level OK? (check your owner's manual; fluid must be checked while engine warm & running).

- Has fluid been changed? I'm a big believer in changing trans fluid more frequently than called for in the manual. Note that it's not a tough DIY job on the Windstar (did mine about 2 weeks ago).

- Has the van driven this way since you got it, or is this new behavior?

Use Mercon V rated fluid, and change the fluid.
That is a regular maintenance item....and is something that needs to be done AT LEAST every 30K anyhow.

It may solve the problem.
If not, then you have taken care of something that neeeded done anyhow. If it had been changed before, you do not know for sure what fluid they put in it.

I have checked the fluid in the trans and is ok. Haven't considered changing it out as of yet. Was owned by an elderly woman prior to us who never left her little niche of town (she was 85 if I remember correctly). Other than a covered up scratch on the front bumper the van was in immaculate shape when we took possesion. The trans started to shudder when shifting into OD sometime in July/August, though I can remember a few times that it had done back in May or so but I honestly thought it was the road I was on (not the greatest out here either).

So, you think just changing the fluid will clean up the shift? I've got many years of payments to look forward to with many miles expected out of this one. I've changed oil before, but never tranny fluid. I expect its not that hard of a procedure.

There is much discussion in this forum on tranny fluid changing.
You should be able to just change the fluid....without dropping the pan.
You can have it done for you, or do it yourself.
Easy...but MESSY.
I would do a COMPLETE change of the fluid....which involves removing the fluid return line ( the hose that comes back from the cooler(s))

Again, this is routine maintenance that you want to do......or you will likely be looking at a very expensive transmission repair / replacement.

I've changed the fluid in my Windstar both with and without dropping the pan. Of course, the filter can't be changed without dropping the pan.
Dropping the pan isn't particularly difficult, but it is messy: I put a plastic tub under the transmission that's large enough to hold the pan; this helped quite a bit.

I noticed an immediate improvement in shift quality after the change. Take care to use the correct fluid. My Windstar calls for "Mercon V" fluid, which is not the same as "Mercon". Read your owner's manual and the fluid label carefully.

Take a look at wiswind's pictures; near the end of the album he includes several views of a transmission fluid and filter change:

http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK