95 Windstar Shift problems

[73Thing]

Welp, just recently purchased a 95 Ford Windstar with 120K on the clock. 3.8, great running, great looking van. My problem is this. When driving, it tends to have a shift pattern all its own. Let off the gas, it likes to downshift. Speedo works when it wants to as well, and the cruise control is inop. I have a hunch this is all related. I'm guessing it maintains a separate computer for the transmission, and this may be the culprit? From what I understand, the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) has been replaced, its had some cylinder head recall work. Any thoughts? Is this a common problem? Hard to find part? Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance,

[cheesehead]

73thing,

I have the same issues with my 95 Windstar, 127k miles. Speedometer was at first erratic, then stopped recording altogether. The shifting problem (shifting irregularly on its own) started about the same time as the speedometer problems. As you slow down it seems to down shift rather roughly. If I had to guess I would say this is happening between 2nd and 3rd. I was wondering if you ever resolved your issues and what the solution was.

At first I was told it was the vehicle speed sensor but upon further investigation they told me that the gears inside the transmission that the speedometer cable connects to were stripped out and that they would have to remove the transmission to address the issue. They also said they were getting a torque converter code (of course the check engine light is on).

I haven't done anything as far as repairs and am still driving around with no speedometer and the shift problems. If you would be so kind to respond with what you found out that would be greatly appreciated

[73Thing]

Heh....sorry. Wish I could help but I can't. I bought the van on a whim from a buddy for $1000 just for resale purposes. Found nothing concrete anywhere regarding this all too common problem, so I just threw her on ebay and collected a quick 2K. I'm pretty sure it was in the TCM, but I don't know if the high bidder ever fixed it or not. He claimed he was taking it to Mexico to resell and make even more money on it. Best of luck to ya,

[jims34]

I had the same problem turned out to be the transmission range sensor

[Karmana]

Guys, I am currently troubleshooting this same problem, my '95 is at 132k miles. According to my mechanic that just rebuilt the transmission 4 months ago, there is "absolutely nothing wrong with the transmission itself." This guy spent 5 hours testing it - driving it with some control box attached that let him override the PCM for shifting, among other things. He detached the speedo cable in the middle, and had an assistant watch the gauge while he spun the cable with a drill - and the bouncing needle remained. Meanwhile, with the speedo out of the loop entirely, the trans shifted properly. Ford does have some tsb's and there is a "campaign" about the speedo - something about the gear or a bearing, or poor lube, at the gauge/needle itself.

With all of that said, anyone have any other ideas? (oh - and my TRS was replaced a week before the transmission.)