95 windstar tranny

My guess is I am in limp mode or things are just that bad. The RPM,s climb but no shift of the tranny. I can hear a awful sound coming from the tranny as well. I figure this may just need a replacement trans from the bone yard to avoid alot of wasted money. I have not checked for codes yet but I don't have any flashing lights or check engine going off either. Anyone done a complete swap on these could give me some suggestions as to weather there might be a better choice in tranny's or is it just what matches. For example would it be better to get one from a wrecked Taurus than a windstar.

Sirfranky

How many miles on your 95? How long have you owned it? What history do you know about the trannie? fluid changes.... You might be able to fix this for very little money. The 1-2 servo piston's seals go bad and sometime the piston cracks causing a no or a delayed shift from 1-2. There is a good post on this forum coving this. This is where I learned about it.

Dan

I just bought this as is no info. The fluid is brown and it is definately making some funny noises. I will have try and do a reading to see if that gives me any codes but I am not sure due to the fact that no check engine is on??? I am not sure how to navigate that site you listed??

You could have a diagnostic done.....from a place that you trust.
Another thing.....to try....which an honest shop will tell you....is the Transmission Range Sensor ( TRS ).
The TRS is located on top of the transmission, under the air filter, hose, etc.
There is a cable that goes to it......which comes from the gear select lever on the steering column.
The TRS is a common failure item.......and is a lot cheaper and easier to replace than a transmission.
Of course, if you are super lucky.....and the TRS is the problem, you STILL want to change out that nasty fluid.....by a good flushing.....not just a pan drop as a pan drop only gets you about 1/2 of the total fluid capacity.

The correct fluid for your '95 is a fluid that is rated as Mercon.
DO NOT use a fluid that is rated Mercon V, or a fluid that is rated as BOTH Mercon and Mercon V
This is as per a FORD TSB.
Mercon is a specification, not a brand.
If you can find a fully synthetic Mercon rated fluid, that would be even better.....but the main thing is to get that changed.

As for a "bone yard" transmission......these things are electronic controlled......and work in harmony with the PCM......so you will want to make sure that the replacement unit is compatable with your year windstar.
A transmission shop, or dealer should be able to tell you what fits what.......

Hey thanks for the info that gives me something to do in the mean time. Did you catch the part about the tranny whining and making noise? Is this any type of indicator as to how bad it is?