2000 Windstar transmission slams into lower gear

[RDCragg]

I've been reading threads here about transmission issues on the Windstar and haven't come across what I'm experiencing with my van.

When slowing down for a turn or corner, and then accelerating, the transmission will hesitate and then slam into first or second gear which seems too low of a gear for the speed that I'm traveling. It doesn't do this when starting from a complete stop, only when slowing down then accelerating.

From reading posts here I know there are various sensors, solenoids, etc. that can be at fault. Of course I'm hoping that it isn't the transmission itself.

Any help or direction is appreciated.

[12Ounce]

The actual shifting is done by "servos" ... which are hydraulic piston gizmos that take a small hydro signal and amplify it into a larger mechanical force. These servos have lots of 0-rings that can fail .... I had one failed due to a broken cir-clip. May not be the problem ... but a cheap fix if it is.

Both servos are on the backside of the tranny ... one is easy to get to .... one not so easly .... things have to be moved and the tranny rear lowered a bit. Not rocket science ... but there are some pre-loaded springs/screws that can be trouble. A little reading in a shop manual is a good start.

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by RDCragg

From reading posts here I know there are various sensors, solenoids, etc. that can be at fault. Of course I'm hoping that it isn't the transmission itself.

There are fairly good chances it may be a sensor issue even though a transmission shop would likely tell you your tranny is dying. Based on their definition of a doomed transmission mine has been "dying" for 7 years and yet is still in pretty decent shape, imagine that. Twice I had major odd shifting issues and twice was told transmission was going but, miraculously, replacing the VSS fixed the problem at once. I suggest you fetch the codes and see if you have VSS or TRS errors before having any major transmission work done.

[RDCragg]

Thanks for the replies.

Does the VSS = Vehicle Speed Sensor which is mounted on the top of the transmission?

Does the TRS = Transmission/Transaxle Range Sensor, otherwise known as the Neutral Safety Switch? If so, where is it located?

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by RDCragg

Thanks for the replies.

Does the VSS = Vehicle Speed Sensor which is mounted on the top of the transmission?

Indeed it is. VSS issues are a major source of funky shifting behavior. I had a problem with my van that caused the VSS to report only half the actual speed of the vehicle, At first I thought it only affected the speedometer but didn't take long to notice that shifting was messed up as well. If you're doing 20mph but the tranny "thinks" you're moving at 10mph it may downshift unexpectedly and you will definitely feel the slam. This also dramatically decreases fuel efficiency in city driving.

Does the TRS = Transmission/Transaxle Range Sensor, otherwise known as the Neutral Safety Switch? If so, where is it located?

No, I wasn't paying attention when I typed TRS, I meant to say OSS which is what some people refer to the VSS as because it is called that on certain vehicles. Sorry about that.