2000 Windstar tranny problems

I have a 2000 Windstar (98k miles) and recently I have noticed the transmission slipping when going from what would be 1st to 2nd gear (appr. 15 mph). I am not educated in the world of auto repair, but had a mechanic friend check it out and say the transmission fluid smells good and is not dark. I'm not sure what that means but he said those are good signs. He said he was not able to diagnose any further. Is this the start of needing a new transmission or are there other avenues to look at? I am taking it to another mechanic, who I am not familiar with, and want to be prepared to suggest ideas or at least have an idea of what he is talking about. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Use the "search this forum" box and insert the word "transmission" and read down those entries that sound like your problem and model year. My 2000 problem was more of a grabby shift from low to second (intermediate) gear and what I found and the time it took me to fix that puppy. If yours is slipping, it could still be related to that servo, the device that engages that gear. Mine was too much heat on that servo which hardened the o-rings and allowed the oil pressure to bypass around those o-rings and not apply enough pressure to engage that second gear properly.

Jim

BillinPullman -

OldFaithul is being bashful; here's his useful write-up on this topic:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=503334&referrerid=396853

Note that this is one of the few transmission repairs that's reasonable as a DIY job.