tranny not grabbin?

2000 WS, 96000 miles, motor great. the problem is when i am driving the van she is ok.if i get stuck in traffic or wait long for a light, i step on the gas and the whole freakin van stumbles{shudders} big time, if i step harder on the gas the engine races and the van moves slow but it then picks up real fast and then its ok. she doesnt do this all the time only when i am standing still at a long light or in heavy traffic otherwise she is ok, What i have done to the tranny is a filter and fluid change, no leakes and a bottle of shudder stopper i bought at a ford dealership for my tranny.she doesnt do this all the time, sometimes days go by and nothing happens, i just dont get it. its like she is trying to tell me something...i get no CHECK ENGINE LIGHT and she shifts beautifuly. is this a commom problem? can i fix it myself? thanks

WOW, it seams I ve stumped this board.......lol

Assuming you dont have a engine light on, or the O/D light flashing, I would do the flush procedure outlined in this forum. An oil change removes about half the fluid, the flush procedure removes all of it and is a better method in my opinion. I would also use Mobil1 ATF synthetic and see how it runs, this is if your a DIY'er.

Assuming you dont have a engine light on, or the O/D light flashing, I would do the flush procedure outlined in this forum. An oil change removes about half the fluid, the flush procedure removes all of it and is a better method in my opinion. I would also use Mobil1 ATF synthetic and see how it runs, this is if your a DIY'er.

no CEL or O/D light on at any time, this problem doesnt happen everytime i go driving. i have been told NOT to do the TRANNY FLUSH on the van with this much mileage 96000, dont know what to do. and how do you do the tranny flush by yourself? will it cost alot of money? wife just got laid off from work, money is scarce around here. thanks for your help

I have pictures, that the link in my signature will take you to, that show step by step how I do this on my vehicle.
The steps will be the same for your 2000.
One thing that you might try, add a bottle of autoRX to the tranny and drive for about 1000 or so before doing the fluid and filter change as shown in my pictures.
http://www.auto-rx.com/auto-rxnet/index.html
This should help to clean out the solenoids.
The original transmission pan gasket should be re-usable.

The total capacity of your transmission system is 12.25 quarts, you should use at least 15 quarts in the process....the extra fluid is to help flush the system.
I would use the Mobil 1 ATF without any additives.

There is no guarentee that you do not have a problem that will require more extensive repair, but this process should eliminate the dirty fluid issue.
The fluid needs to be changed AT LEAST every 30K miles, if it has not, then the fluid has broken down and is not doing it's job.
The AutoRX is to clean the sludge, and keep is suspended in the fluid until you can change it.
It is not a harsh, solvent type, cleaner and is a product that I have used in my motor oil and transmission with success.

The transmission range sensor, aka Neutral Safety Switch, that you see mentioned a lot is also a possible source of problem.

This is the cheapest approach to the problem......will cost you MUCH less than the cost of internal transmission repair, or transmission replacement.
So, it is well worth trying.....and is routine maintenance anyhow.

I have pictures, that the link in my signature will take you to, that show step by step how I do this on my vehicle.
The steps will be the same for your 2000.
One thing that you might try, add a bottle of autoRX to the tranny and drive for about 1000 or so before doing the fluid and filter change as shown in my pictures.
http://www.auto-rx.com/auto-rxnet/index.html
This should help to clean out the solenoids.
The original transmission pan gasket should be re-usable.

The total capacity of your transmission system is 12.25 quarts, you should use at least 15 quarts in the process....the extra fluid is to help flush the system.
I would use the Mobil 1 ATF without any additives.

There is no guarentee that you do not have a problem that will require more extensive repair, but this process should eliminate the dirty fluid issue.
The fluid needs to be changed AT LEAST every 30K miles, if it has not, then the fluid has broken down and is not doing it's job.
The AutoRX is to clean the sludge, and keep is suspended in the fluid until you can change it.
It is not a harsh, solvent type, cleaner and is a product that I have used in my motor oil and transmission with success.

The transmission range sensor, aka Neutral Safety Switch, that you see mentioned a lot is also a possible source of problem.

This is the cheapest approach to the problem......will cost you MUCH less than the cost of internal transmission repair, or transmission replacement.
So, it is well worth trying.....and is routine maintenance anyhow.



thanks for your reply, i orded a bottle and waiting for delivery, will try it out.but why use 6 oz of a 12 oz bottle?