"99" Transmission issues

[xMartycx]

1999 Ford windstar
3.0 L


We have had no issues other then needing to replace the idle air control valve, which has not been done just yet, and some odd electrical issues. Then out of the blue about two weeks ago it began making a clunking noise when coming to a stop if the rpm's was above two. With me working all the time I hadn't had a chance to stop and check it out. Went out driving, no issues other then clunking, came home, went to leave two hours later got to top of rd and suddenly the van wouldn't go into first gear. Drove it the block and half home in reverse with no issues.

We have changed the fluid, which was still nice and clean, red, no burnt smell, no metal shavings in drain pan, very little gunk. We changed all three solenoids. Still nothing. It still goes in reverse, wants to go into second but will not go into 1st.

I don't have the money to replace it or tow it to a tranny shop for codes to be pulled. Nor do I really have the time, money or experience to rebuild a tranny myself and am really hoping there are some cheaper options to try first before even deciding the tranny is absolutely dead.

I know others have had similar cases, but they never post what was actually wrong or there are so many useless posts in-between it is hard to decipher the causes.

Any advice, help to be had before I start dishing out the thousands for repairs. My wife loves the van and isn't really willing to part with it, not that there is money purchase another vehicle anyways.

[northern piper]

well, first off, sorry for your problems. Trans issues are lousy. I think the fact that these trans really don't have many service options available is why you aren't getting any replies.

If you've done the fluid and filter, and made sure the fluid is super topped up that's good. You've checked the simple things like confirming that the van shift cables are actually shifting thru the gears under the hood right? You say you 've got codes, I think that needs to be your next thing, whether it means beg, borrowing or stealing (ok don't steal..) a code reader that'll do trans codes. There's a $25 interface discussed here by plata that will connect to a pc laptop that'll tell you all you need to know and more. That's a cheap start. With that info you'll have a better idea if the trans is done or repairable.

Please provide further info, aside from that it's a 99. Number of miles, type of driving, maintenance, etc.

I had a recent problem with shifting from 1-2 in my 2000 that involved the shift servo. I did a big write-up on that repair as has 12ounce. You could read those posts if you already haven't. While that repair may not help (and I"m not convinced it would regrettably) it is one of the few parts-swap procedures that these trans will allow.

[xMartycx]

As my husband had to return to work I will be taking over till he comes home from his next run.

As for Mileage it has 126566 on it, whether that is on both engine and tranny I am unsure as we bought the van used only 6 months ago. We live in Southwest Florida so it has never been driving (while in our possession) up or downhill, or towed a trailer. Now what it has done with the previous owner I couldn't say.

We have only had to replace the tires and put in new tie rods, brakes. Other then the code for the IAC there has been no other codes ever pulled, nor do we have access to a machine to pull any as there is no money to have it towed to the nearest tranny shop.

we did however just find out that there is two different trannys for it and are currently trying to figure out which one we have.

We have checked to make sure there was no broken mounts to misalign the tranny, we have checked the shifter cables and am currently reading your low servo post, though I don't think that is an issue as we had no shifting issues ever and only ever had a slight clunk when coming to a stop and the rpm's were above 2 when we hit 15 to 18 mph.

At this point I may just say screw it, throw in a junkyard tranny and sell it.

[xMartycx]

While we are at it, does anyone have any knowledge of the pressure control solenoid and the transmission control solenoid and how the vehicles behave when either are faulty?

[Ed_Strong]

Has the "TRS" (Transmission Range Sensor, aka Neutral Safety Switch) been looked at?

That's what I would've checked first!

[xMartycx]

Sorry for the delayed response work has been a killer.

As of now all sensors have been checked and it has been confirmed that it is internal.

We have price checked transmission shops in the area and all want between 1500 and 1800 for either a remaned or to rebuild. Prices for a used tranny for the 3.0 is about 700 to 1100. way to much for my much empty wallet at this time.

I was thinking of getting a tranny for a 3.0 taurus instead much easier and cheaper to come by. My only question is would it work in my van, what would need to be changed, if anything. Has any one tried this?