2000 windstar tranny trashed

[bigem]

This van is becoming a major problem. I bought this 2000 windstar se brand new from don kott ford in california. In january of 2003 th transmission failed with only 27,000 miles on it. Dealer replaced it under warranty. With 47,000 miles on the van the famous check engine light came on. 171/174 don kott ford assisted $100.00 ded and they did the tsb. Service advisor asked who is doing my service and I told him I am. Being happy that ford did the tsb I went ahead and had them flush the tranny. big mistake. I had second thoughts when I got home but let it roll. When I picked up the van it was not shifting the way it used to. After going back to the dealer and getting the fluid topped off again it seemed to do better. Two weeks later the trans fails. Towed to dealer and questioned why the invoive states fluid used "mercon" not mercon V. Dealer sys it's a typo that the flush machine is only filled with mercon V. Dealer says the detergents in the new fluid more than likely "cleaned" the clutch plates causing them to slip which happens from time to time. sounds like bs to me. Dealer says for a $500.00 ded he will rebuild since the van has low miles. He was also not happy that no service records exist at the dealer for my van. This is the exact reason I work on my van. I know what I do to it. I don't have to wonder about the truth. Decided to have it fixed and possibly pursue a refund in small claims court since the invoice does say "mercon" . Any comments?

[12Ounce]

I think you have them over a barrel. Just go to court with two different model years' glove box manuals showing different trans fluid requirements... and the info obtainable from other authoritative sources...Ford shop manuals, ...trans fluid manufactor's web sites/sales literature...etc, etc.... there's plenty.
I wonder if your current trans fill could be tested for content? does it contain simple Mercon?...cleaning contaminants?

I agree with you....machine flushing a tranny is a "big mistake".