Trany Problems 95' Windstar

I just started experiencing a dis-heartening problem with my '95 windstar. It has 104,000 miles and a 3.8L engine. I experienced what I think is slipping when accelerating from a stop. The engine rpm's go up but the van doesn't go as you would expect. Also, at idle it will no longer hold the car on even a small hill. This problem is intermiten right now. I changed the oil, rotated the tires, and checked the brakes the day before it started happening. At that time I also checked the transmission fluid level and found it was full and clean looking in the dipstick. I checked again today and the level hasn't changed. I had the transmission rebuilt about 3 years ago. the van had about 80,000 miles on it at the time. A mechanic friend of mine (doesn't work on tranny's) checked for codes today and found code P1785 Trans fault 1st and 2nd. I searched here and the net for a little more info and found this more detailed description: "Transmission Mechanical Failure 1st & 2nd." Can anyone explain to me what is happening and why? Thank you for your help!

Anyone?

I just started experiencing a dis-heartening problem with my '95 windstar. It has 104,000 miles and a 3.8L engine. I experienced what I think is slipping when accelerating from a stop. The engine rpm's go up but the van doesn't go as you would expect. Also, at idle it will no longer hold the car on even a small hill. This problem is intermiten right now. I changed the oil, rotated the tires, and checked the brakes the day before it started happening. At that time I also checked the transmission fluid level and found it was full and clean looking in the dipstick. I checked again today and the level hasn't changed. I had the transmission rebuilt about 3 years ago. the van had about 80,000 miles on it at the time. A mechanic friend of mine (doesn't work on tranny's) checked for codes today and found code P1785 Trans fault 1st and 2nd. I searched here and the net for a little more info and found this more detailed description: "Transmission Mechanical Failure 1st & 2nd." Can anyone explain to me what is happening and why? Thank you for your help!

Hello

My 95 is also doing this. My 93 Taurus also did it. As I understand the problem, there is an alum piston in the tranny that cracks over time. Because of the crack in the piston, the trannie doesn't respod I like it should under stress. I've been driving my 95 like this for quite a while. I just take it easy until it shifts out of 1st. Also, If you go to pass don't put the pedel to the metal. The engine will just rev. I believe there is a TSB about keeping the trannie fluid about a 1/2 qt. above the full line.

Regards

Dan

Does anyone know anything about this TSB (Keep tranny fluid 1/2 quart above full line)? I would like to know the number. Also, It is the cylinder piston that cracks? Well, I guess that's better than the cylinder bore being cracked!

Does anyone know this number?

Does anyone know this number?

TSB 99-18-4

It actually states to keep the level at the top of the hash marks on the dipstick. It is to correct harsh shifting from 3-2 or when accelerating out of a turn. The cause of the harsh shift is due to air getting into the filter pick up from too low of a fluid level.

I am not sure if this applies to your issue but it is an easy thing to check and correct.

The problem has now gone away or is sleeping. I hate sleeping problems!

Hi, I have a windstar 97 lx 101,000 3.8l and I have the same problem that seems to be a transmission neutralization when you almost stop (some times happen, not ever). I've noticed that this only happens when I use D (overdrive on/off happens the same). if I drive in 1st, 2nd or reverse the problem never appears.
The transmission gets neutralized for a few seconds, some times shorter and some times longer, even if I push the accelerator. This never happens when going, only while stopping.
i have mercon dexron III ATF right now and a ford dealer says it should be mercon V but I think this is not the problem.
Any body can help?
Thanks in advance.