Need Help Re: Codes!

[MomsWindstarTaxi]

My CEL is on and I keep having problems with my O/D Off light flashing. The guy that works on my van got these codes when he hooked it up to his buddy's computer:

p0705 Range Sensor Circuit Fault
p1702 Circuit Intermittent Code

He found standing water in something electrical (can you tell I am clueless..lol). So, he drained it out, and siliconed it up. But when he started the van, the light was still on and the overdrive off light was flashing again.

I tried looking up these codes online but cant find these specific 2 and I really have no clue as to what they mean. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated and I will share it with my mechanically inclined friend!

[Debelli]

MOMS, I'm clueless as well, but I've been trying to educate myself as best as I can (not that it's helped any as of yet). I searched the web and found this great site that gives the codes:

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/gener..._dtcs_main.htm

Good luck!

Debbie

[MomsWindstarTaxi]

Thanks Debbie! I found one of them! Now I cant find what the p1702 code is about. I guess I have a short in my gear selector somehow....Why do I have a feeling to fix this is gonna be expensive!

[Debelli]

I looked at a couple sites - both had the same info for that code, but, as I don't know squat, if a code is a code is a code then what I did find says:

P1702 Transmission system problems

If that's the case - welcome to the club! My Windstar has so many problems it takes two hands to count them all - one being the transmission. Was lovely when I was waiting in traffic today and it wouldn't move - usually it jumps, but not today - finally put it in P then back to D and it went.

GOOD LUCK!

[wiswind]

Range Sensor Circuit Fault sounds like the switch that is on top of the transmission....also called "neutral" switch.
Is almost certainly part of your problem.....and a common fail item.
The transmission is electronicaly controlled.....The Range Sensor Switch is connected to the gear shift.....and tells the computer what gear you have selected......
This is a MUCH cheaper repair then work in the tranny.
You may be able to find instructions on how to change it at www.autozone.com

I would address that concern first.....and it is possible that it will clear up the other code as well......one can hope.
A number of circuits go through this switch....The starting circuit.....to make sure that you are in 'P' or 'N' to start the car......is one that comes to mind....

[MomsWindstarTaxi]

Wow, wiswind! Ok...that might explain why it was freakishly not wanting to start in P. This hasn't happened often. Maybe only once or twice.
You mentioned that this was located on the tranny and connected to the gear shifter. Is it easy to get to? I was looking on AutoZone and couldn't get specific details, other than its $30. Which is a load off my mind! LOL

Also, is it a bad thing to run my car without this functioning properly? What kind of damage could it do?

Thanks again!

[wiswind]

You will find step by step instructions here....

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d3b4b.jsp

In case the link does not work....it is at the autozone website, under "Vehicle Specific Repair Guides". The Windstar is under "Ford Truck".
Then, look under "drivetrain"....."Transaxle Range Switch".

I would fix/get it fixed as a failure mode for this is that it will not shift to any gear higher than 2nd..... which is not fun on the freeway.

[MomsWindstarTaxi]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was only looking under the 2000 model...might explain why I couldn't find it!