Tranny or torque converter issues

Hi all looking for some help as the problem is getting worse
Windstar 1996 3.8 auto od
Vehicle gives issue when stopping quickly not a pannic stop just when you have to stop cause the light turned red, at the last moment, slow smoth stop no issue
basically it fells like its the car has gone into Neutral and if I give it a little gas it catches and Im down the road.
In the fall this would happen once in awhile and just a little gas would do it, now it seems like it takes a couple of seconds to catch, almost like the clutch is not engaged, but its a auto.
Also it does not feel like slipping and when it does this,
and If I slip it into Neutral I can hear that shift sound.
Any help would be appreciated :banghead:
thanks
Stan

Edit
when i first start it up in the morning and its cold this problem does not happen
sorry 1995 model but it has ob11 so I was informed must be one of the last 95 made
by the way this does not happen alll the time.

I have this type of problem to and have not found an answer. It can be several different sensors, but since on mine i do not get a CEL and no codes. It can be the brake switch, TPS, TRS, and so on. If you find anything out be sure to post it.

A tranny shop or a Ford dealer can scan for power train codes dealing with the tranny. These codes are not the typical OBII codes that AutoZone, and the like, can scan ... you will have to go to a dealer or tranny shop.

Some years and trim levels have "message centers" on the dash that will give you a "check transmission" message when the TCC slips ... but no real information other than that.

This problem happened to me with a 2001 Explorer loaner that I got from the dealer when they worked on my van back in like 2001. When I returned the vehicle to them I told them about it so I'm sure they are aware of this problem with some of their vehicles. You can try looking at their TSB for this symptom. Good Luck.

1995 had a issue with some soft metal part in the transmission....which caused that year to have more problems than the other years.
Repaired units got the improved part....and the improvement was in place starting in 1996.
However, there is another part involved with the torque converter engagement that was improved again for the AXAN transmission.
Ours (1995-1997....don't know what year the AXAN came), is the AX4S.
I just read about this part.....labor to replace gets you into the range where it is best to get a FORD remanufactered unit.
There IS a solenoid that can cause problems, which is cheaper and easier to repair.....you might find some posts on that by doing a search on this forum.

There IS a solenoid that can cause problems, which is cheaper and easier to repair.....you might find some posts on that by doing a search on this forum.
mm been watching this thread and the solonoid is a thought anybody no locaton or name of this solonoid.
also would a complete flush be worth doing
rr the transmission is a no go due to cost
thanks all
-t

The tranny fluid needs to be changed AT LEAST every 30K miles.
If it is not fresh......change it...
This would be a complete fluid exchange done at the transmission cooler lines, like I show in my pictures.
You can also have this fluid exchange done at a number of shops.
I don't think that I can stress enough how important this routine maintenance is.
Mercon V is the fluid to use in all years of windstar as per the latest FORD information.

Another note, ALL the 1995 windstars are OBDII.

On my '96, I sometimes have the transmission seem to be in neutral and abruptly shift into gear when I brake for a light......not completely stopped.....and the light turns green.....and I press on the accellerator.
It makes me uneasy when it happens...but I think that it is not an issue as it does not happen very often.
I think that, for lack of better words, the PCM is confused by the stopping and sudden start up.
In my case.....this does not happen very often.

Few things!!!
Cold trans fluid is nice and thicker, and makes good pressure cold. You have no problems correct?.. I doubt you have solenoid problems as its fine cold.. Same with the Pressure control, and temp sensor.

Second the intermediate piston wears out and the fluid runs right by it. They also Crack if alum.. They made a new Steel piston to replace this.. Some are Piston and Seal all in one, and some are piston with no seal. These can be replaced without the transmission removed. Its a cover on the backside up under the van. BIG Circle cover, with Three small bolts. Next to the exhaust has a shield for this. You can get a new piston and seal with spings and new clips. Ive seen broken clips and springs that hold that piston on the rod.... You can search the web for a look at the ax4s all apart with part numbers I forget the Site name tho. If I remember Ill post it. 150 200 bucks to repair along with labor.

Third, These Transmissions Pump wear out and start cloggin things up. They shred themselfs to death.. Can cause many problems. Not just one problem.. Most common is no O/D when its starts failing, along with NO forward gears once it really bad.. They start with the No gear feel.
If you rev the engine, The pump spins up and gives more pressure then bangs into gear. ouch..

Reverse has the Highest Pressure, Also, putting it in 1 gear, or 2 gear will also give you higher pressure then Putting it in drive.

The TRS is known for all kinda weird problems also. 50 dollar part that is on top of the Transmission. Transmission Range Sensor, or AKA Neutral Saftey..
It tells the computer what gear you selected and its connected to your Gear Selector with a cable.

ALSO, If that is ODB2 and a relearner Box, disconnect your battery for 10mins and reconnect it, this way it will relearn your shifting patterns. Shifts will be Quick and hard when you go for your First Drive..

I would take it to a Good Trans shop who can Test your pressures, if passes, Flush your Trans fluids..

Oh, wind- My trans does the same thing coming to a coasing red light, then green you start stepping on the pedal and its very slight like its ok, Give me This gear, but never feels like it stays in gear when coasting.. But I do think its PCM..