Transmission Problem Easy Fix! Please Read.

[AdoptedBassist]

Hello to all. I own a 2000 Windstar with 138,000km on it. I recently started having this problem: Loud noise from engine and it didn't sound good. My O/D light was flashing and my trans shifted hard. This happened right after starting the van but after running for a bit it stopped. This was happening often and I was worried about trans damage. I started searching the net ane read horror stories about people with a similiar problem and being told they needed a new transmission. After scanning several forums one individual said it was a speed sensor problem. Well it made sense since there was a connection with the light turning off and my door locks suddenly locking without being in drive or reverse. I quickly ordered a speed sensor from www.rockauto.com for only 30bucks(+). I got it to Canada in about 3 days saving $30. The shocker was when my mechanic looked at the part he said it was a trans shift sensor and not a speed sensor. After some swear words outloud (by me of course) he read the fault codes and there where 2 that mentioned trans shift sensor. This was good news as this was obviously the part I got. This part fixed the problem and now my shifting is great, the noise is gone along with the annoying flashing O/D light. So if any of you experience this problem check the trans shift sensor (or as rock auto has it listed) speed sensor.
I hope this saves many of you from being ripped off for a new transmission. Sometimes a seemingly big problem has a small fix.
Cheers!

[Blue Bowtie]

Similar symptoms can occur if the Range Selector Sensor (neutral safety switch) fails of has poor connections.

Also, whenever servicing an A4XS or AXOD(E) it's a good idea to do this:

[AdoptedBassist]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

Similar symptoms can occur if the Range Selector Sensor (neutral safety switch) fails of has poor connections.

Also, whenever servicing an A4XS or AXOD(E) it's a good idea to do this:

Acutally it was the Range Selector Sensor that was shipped to me under the description of 'Speed Sensor' from RockAuto. I just called it a 'Trans Shift Sensor', sorry for the confusion. I have not contacted RockAuto as of yet to let them know I am just happy that they shipped me the Range Sensor and it fixed the problem.
So to clarify to everyone it was the 'Range Selector Sensor' (neutral safety switch) that was intermittent and causing my trans problems.
Thanks Blue Bowtie for the correct part title.
Cheers!

[corning_d3]

Wow, an online parts store that knows exactly what you need!!

[AdoptedBassist]

Originally Posted by corning_d3

Wow, an online parts store that knows exactly what you need!!

LOL

I got the part on a Friday afternoon (only took 3 days to recieve). My mechanic started to work on it Saturday morning and I was happy until he opened the package and he said it was not a speed sensor. We looked at some ford software to check how many speed sensors there where - 5 if I remember correctly. I had a check engine light as well so we scanned and found several fault codes like the common B1 & B2 too lean, some other one that we have no idea what it is and 2 related to the Shift Range Sensor. The Sensor was a bitch to remove as the shaft rod was rusted and binding on the plastic. It took quite a while to remove (had to break it off). Then we had to make sure the shifter was in the correct position (alignment) and lightly sand and pic at the rust (and extra long time) before we could fit the sensor on the shaft (had to be a snug fit). I am glad I did not attempt this fix myself. After almost 2 hours it was done (including PC and scanning time).

[Blue Bowtie]

As it turns out, it seems that Ford calls it a "Transmission Range Selector Sensor" or "TRS" - Just to be perfectly clear.

If you search the message archives, you'll find that Wiswind has several posts on the sensor, how it fails, and the symptoms of a failure. Apparently, it's not uncommon. The corrosion you and your mechanic discovered while replacing it also occurs inside the switch, causing the problems.

[rodeo02]

Sweet drain plug AB! The universal drain plug kit from napa (or the likes) works well also.

Joel

[Blue Bowtie]

The problems with the NAPA drain plug kit are:

A) It requires two joints to seal completely. Both the plug itself and the adapter which bolts through the pan must seal;

B) The finished assembly ends up hanging outside the pan almost 1".

The one advantage of the NAPA drain kit is there is no need for a welder or brazing torch set.

The method I prefer uses a standard ½-20 pilot point drain plug and a ½-20 jamb nut welded to the inside of the pan. This arrangement only requires the plug to seal against the pan (like a stock configuration) and is only about 5/16"- 3/8" high outside the pan. The only requirement is that a reasonably flat area of the pan is used so the sealing washer of the drain plug can perform its task. An 'O' ring type plug can even be used for a near foolproof seal, although I've never had a problem with the standard gasketed plugs. I keep a small supply of Dorman 65202 drain plugs on hand as well as a box of ½-20 jamb nuts, and never install a pan without a drain plug in it - It only takes about ten minutes once the pan is off. Doing that immediately reveals whether I've ever had the transmission open or not, and makes life a lot easier for the next person to service the trans for any reason (frequently, me).

Many newer vehicles are being equipped with plugs, but there are many more vehicles without.