1999 Windstar 3.8 Shutters .....

(sometimes) when I accelerate. The "Troubleshooting" section mentions that it maybe related to the "inner CV joints ? It also, mentions that on 1999 models, they can't be serviced ? What's all this mean and how much should it cost me to have it fix ? What else should I have them do while they have all the other parts off ? I've got 113K on the car and need it to last two more years.

Thanks,

AvalonJohn

Inspect the half-shafts. If the boots are not split (and the lubricant not lost) the CV joints are probably OK ... look for some other concern.

If the boots are split ... you can buy the entire half-shaft as an rebuilt exchange replacement at most aftermarket suppliers.

Are you sure it's from the front end? There are many things that can make a vehicle shudder during acceleration...engine related and otherwise.

jkeaton224,

No I haven't had the car looked at yet. But that was what I saw in the "Troubleshooting" section. Anything else I can do/check as a decent home mechanic before I take it to a dealer to look over ?

Thanks,
AvalonJohn

It could be your torque converter

Regarding the Torque converter......the fluid change interval for the windstar transmission is 30K miles MAX.....
Mercon V fluid was introduced specifically to deal with a shudder issue under light accelleration.
If the fluid is close to due for a change......I would change (or have it changed) by a fluid exchange (changing all the fluid) with Mercon V, which is the correct fluid that is specified for your vehicle.
An over the counter fluid that is readily available it Mobil 1 ATF, which is a great fluid.

I also recommend an auxillary transmission cooler, as heat is a major wear factor on the transmission.
The heat causes the fluid to break down.

Another note......With the vehicle in Park.....at idle.....turn on the A/C.....and verify that the radiator fans are running.
If they are not.....it is possible that the low speed fan dropping resistor is broken (mine was).
The low speed fan dropping resistor is located on the metal inner bumper.....behind the passenger side headlight.....to the inside of the headlight electrical connector......you can see it by looking down next to the passenger side headlight electrical connector.
It is a white (when new) ceramic body.
I have pictures of this in my pictures.
The low speed fan operation is a major help in cooling the transmission in stop and go traffic....a particularly hard workout on a transmission in hot weather as this is a major time that heat can build up in the unit.

wiswind,

Thanks for all the info. I changed the trans fluid at 95 K (30K after the trans was replaced (at 65K) . They changed fluid but not the filter, screen, and gasket. He said that the system didn't need to be purged and would be done next time along w/ filter, screen, and gasket at 125K Now have 113 K on car so, it's only been 20K since last changed. It said on invoice that AX4 was used ? I think my car my have an auxillary trans cooler (does it look like a small radiator in front/under the radiator ? I bought the car new in 99 and have never added one. does it come on the car standard ?

All fans work. I can hear the fans change speed from low to high when I park the car with the AC running.

Thanks for all the help,

AvalonJohn

The auxillary transmission cooler comes as part of the "trailer towing" package....otherwise it was not standard equipment.
The service information for my '96 does not have the tranny filter changed at all within the first 150K miles.....so I would say that you are fine.
I would do a complete fluid exchange at the 30K (or sooner) interval though
It should be easy to tell if they did this, as they will have used just over 12 quarts to do an exchange.

Now, HOPEFULLY they did a very thorough flushing of the transmission cooler(s) when the transmission was replaced.
I list a TSB in the "general windstar information" thread at the top of the windstar room page that explains why this is super important to prevent failure of the new transmission.

Also....it might be worth having the transmission checked out by a trusted shop.....just to be sure that something is not going wrong.....and maybe you can nip it in the bud.

Everyone,

Thanks for all your help. I think the transmission guy found the problem. After he checked the level and condition of the trans fluid, he hooked up the code reader tool. It immediately gave code P171. I said that all WS have the P141 & P171 codes and explained the problem with the bolts and seals to him. We started to drive and he said that it felt more like a misfire than the tranny or converter, but said they feel similar and understood why I thought it was the converter. I told him that I changed the front spark plugs at 107K, but was waiting until the Summer to change the back (firewall) ones since they are harder to do. I now have 112.5K on the WS. He looked at me and smiled and said that's why your getting the P171 code .... the old plugs aren't firing well and leaving too much oxegyn in the chamber causing a misfire. Guess I've got to change the other 3 plugs. I was actullay a little embarrassed.

Again, Thanks to all who responed,

AvalonJohn

Sorry,

That's codes 171 & 174.

AvalonJohn

Avalon, I would advise you to prepare to do the intake isolator bolt replacement if they have never been done. There's almost no way a '99 can reach 100k on the original bolts and not have a problem.

You will find plenty of search info here, if needed.

12Onnce,

Thanks for the info. Guess that will be next after plugs and change anti-freeze.

AJ