Weird Problem (transmission)

I noticed today when I was checking the transmission fluid level that I could not put the gear selector arm into first gear at a stop (1). I can put it into drive and even second (2) fine but it just won't let me put it into first.

The weird thing is the transmission works fine and when in drive first works great. In fact, I would have never even noticed the problem if I hadn't tried to manually shift into first as I would normally never do that. Is this normal? If not, what could be the problem as the transmission seems to work fine in drive (first gear and all)?

I wonder if the Transmission Range Sensor, aka Neutral Safety Switch is rusted....preventing you from shifting into 1st?

I wonder if the Transmission Range Sensor, aka Neutral Safety Switch is rusted....preventing you from shifting into 1st?

Wouldn't that prevent me from shifting into any of the other gears too?

If that is the case, how hard is it to replace?

It's not hard to replace but the old one likely will be destroyed in its removal. I have heard other complain of binding on the shifter cable. I'd also check all cable attachment points as sometimes the screws will come loose. Beneath the dash as well the shifter bracket at the steering column can become loose leading to difficult shifting. Does the shift selector pointer indicate the gears properly?

P

It's not hard to replace but the old one likely will be destroyed in its removal. I have heard other complain of binding on the shifter cable. I'd also check all cable attachment points as sometimes the screws will come loose. Beneath the dash as well the shifter bracket at the steering column can become loose leading to difficult shifting. Does the shift selector pointer indicate the gears properly?

P

Thanks for the reply. Yes, the shift selector does indicate the gears properly which is what is confusing me. The only gear it won't let me move the selector into is "1", but the others show correctly when shifted to.

I have a 2000 ford windstar sports (90,000 miles). I was at a red light and when preceded to go, the car stalled. It wouldn't go forward in drive, 2nd or 1st. It will go in reverse. Do you think a 1995 transmission will go in it?

Have you taken it to a transmission shop for a diagnosis and estimate? If needed, a rebuild will cost under $2000 with good warrenty.

Maybe some wiring under the hood is blocking the lever/switch when you shift the gear selector stick. I haven't ever looked for it on my Windstar, but on my other car if something were to get in the way of this lever/switch (which is pulled by a cable) it would interfere with gear selection.

Though the TRS could very well be in need of replacement too.

I would check to see if you have a broken shift tube