98 Windstar GL Auto Trans not Switching Gears

Hello All,

I am having an issue with my transmission on my Windstar not changing out of first gear. my OD light is not flashing. my CEL Light is currently on with a secondary system issue. No Transmission or Engine codes. I have checked the transmission Control Fuses. One of the Fuses in the Engine compartment is blown, but that has happened before and there was no issue with the transmission before now. I have checked the fluid, it is not burnt or anything. levels are good and fluid is clean. I am at a loss for the problem.

anyone able to give me a hint as to what path to take?

Shaun T. Edmonton,AB

I would still replace the blown fues in the engine compartment.....after finding out what circuit(s) that fuse protects......and then see if the fuse blows again.
Some of the fuses protect more than 1 item....and what blew it last time might not be the same thing this time.....

A common failure item on the transmission is the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS).....also called Neutral Safety switch.
I remember reading a couple of posts on here about disconnecting the electrical connector on the TRS....and seeing if it will shift through the gears......and if it does, then it is most likely the TRS.
You can do a search in this forum to find a post by the person(s) who have experience doing it personally......as I have not done the test myself......

Not shifting higher than 2nd gear is "limp mode".

That is true on the Transmission range sensor. Its located on the top of the tranny under the air intake tube that runs from the airbox. Just be careful when you unplug it not to break the plug. Your OD light will come on or flash. Just drive normal to see if the tranny shifts ok. No jack rabbit starts or passing any body or your tranny will get confused and change up and down very quickly. Just drive normal and see how the trans changes.. I found this on here as well and looked it up in a shop manual and saw the write up on how to check the TRS sensor. If the trans is not shifting normal and you unplug the TRS sensor and test drive. If it changes normal after unpluging the TRS, than most likely that the problem.. Hope this helps..

I would suggest also doing a search for shift solenoids, as someone posted how to test them before. There is alot of information in my own post that is also on page 1, about my transmission on my 95- which we finally got fixed to the tune of $2200 (complete rebuild.)

The simplest thing that can cause it is low/blocked transmission fluid...