It's not a processor....it's the transmission...HELP!

Okay, I've gotten my 96 Windstar to a friend who is pretty handy when it comes to vehicles and he has found that my problem is not a processor causing the problem but that the transmission is "locking up" in reverse and drive. He hasn't dug right into it yet though.

Anyone have any ideas on what might cause this?

Here's the history of the problem. It starts and idles perfectly in park. When I change to reverse or drive it automatically stalls. However, it runs fine in 1st gear and hubby said he was able to change to 2nd (when he drove it) without problems.

HELP!!!

It maybe the tranny range sensor. Not sure if the 96 has one but it should be located on the tranny under the air filter box. its black with a plug connections. You can test it by first starting the van then unplug it. Your od light will blink. Also you will want to put the air box back in place the best you can and take a short trip around the block if you have no more problems then replace the switch if your problem does not go away then the switch is most likley fine.Hope this helps..

Yes, the '96 does have it.....
It is called by 2 names......both the same part.....Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) and Neutral Safety Switch.
I have it shown in one of my pictures....that I took with the air filter/MAF/ hose to the throttle body removed.

Thanks for the suggestion. They checked the TRS this morning and it's fine. Please read my new post about the torque converter though.

Thanks!