Transmission problem- or not?

[threegoofs]

I have a feeling the transmission on my 95 Windstar (110K miles) might be going. It has been kinda jerking a bit when going into reverse or drive with a nice (thunk) sound when it goes into gear.

Is this going to be fixable or will I need to replace the whole damn thing? I'm afriid to take it in and get it looked at, since I know most of the shops will default to the most expensive opition.

I really dont want to get a new van now...

[ModMech]

That's most likely NOT a transmission issue, but a motor mount or CV joint that's worn.

Just make sure the ATF is full (checked on LEVEL ground when hot) in "P".

[threegoofs]

[quote=ModMech]That's most likely NOT a transmission issue, but a motor mount or CV joint that's worn.


Well, got the problem diagnosed and fixed. It was bad engine mounts. Replaced two of them at an obnoxious cost ($150 each for the mounts, anohter couple hundred for labor). Add to that getting the radiator hoses fixed and a new thermostat, and my bill went to $800 bucks. At least I got a free carwash out of it.

Seemed a bit steep to me, but maybe it is an involved job.

[Dngrsone]

Well, considering you probably paid somewhere in the neighborhood of $90 an hour for labor... you see why a lot of us are doing the work ourselves when we can.

[MurphyMax]

I have a "thunking" noise issue in my '97 Windstar 3.8L (71k miles) that presents itself only above 40 mph. The "thunk" in the drivetrain can be felt and heard, sort of like hitting a small bump in the road. It repeats once a mile or two, and sometimes it will thunk two or three times in a row. I was thinking it might be the overdrive gear cycling in and out, or maybe the A/C compressor clutch. While the RPMs do change slightly during the thunk, the RPMs don't jump nearly as much as when the OD is manually shut off. After reading some of the comments in this forum, could this be coming from elsewhere in the drivetrain, like motor mounts or CV joints? Is anyone familiar with this problem? The engine runs fine and the suspension seems solid. (P.S. I forgot to mention that the speedo fluctuates fairly wildly above 40 mph as well, buit not sure this relates.) Thanks!

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by MurphyMax

I have a "thunking" noise issue in my '97 Windstar 3.8L (71k miles) that presents itself only above 40 mph. The "thunk" in the drivetrain can be felt and heard, sort of like hitting a small bump in the road. It repeats once a mile or two, and sometimes it will thunk two or three times in a row. I was thinking it might be the overdrive gear cycling in and out, or maybe the A/C compressor clutch. While the RPMs do change slightly during the thunk, the RPMs don't jump nearly as much as when the OD is manually shut off. After reading some of the comments in this forum, could this be coming from elsewhere in the drivetrain, like motor mounts or CV joints? Is anyone familiar with this problem? The engine runs fine and the suspension seems solid. (P.S. I forgot to mention that the speedo fluctuates fairly wildly above 40 mph as well, buit not sure this relates.) Thanks!

This is a guess as I don't even know if it covers 97s

It might be the VSS (Vehicle speed sensor). I believe the transmission uses this data to decide what gear it should be in. It may also feed the speedo.

[ModMech]

I think he is on the right track with the A/C clutch cycling, or maybe even the TCC (Torque Converter Clutch).

The TCC is disengaged at closed throttle or with any brake application, the A/C clutch is also PCM controlled, and since his symptom is time dependant it makes sense that a cycling A/C system could be the cause.

Off hand, I cannot think of anyhtig else that would do that.