Weird A/T problems

[isacsson]

Hi there!
I have a 95 windstar that has recently started to act really weird. The car will not shift out of first when in drive, so when it gets time to shift i switch it in to 2nd gear and then let it shift out of first then i go back to drive and then everything is fine. It will shift just fine in any gear even from first all the way through until i put it back in park or go in reverse then i have to do the little trick again. Any suggestion i am so lost on this.

I was informed recently that my father in law had to force it out of park one time physically and after that the problem started. So mostly this is caused by it but i still cant figure it out.

[wiswind]

A possible cause of your shifting problems may be the switch that is located on the top of the transmission. It goes by several names.... Neutral safety switch, Transmission Range Switch (TRS).
Costs less than $50 (US) at an auto parts store.
The shift linkage connects to it.....and it prevents the car from being started unless the transmission is in Park or Neutral. It also tells the transmission electronics what gear you have selected. It is quite common for this switch to fail.....but still perform the "neutral / park" safety function of letting you start the car.
Anyhow....this is a common failure...that is a LOT cheaper than a tranny repair / replacement.


I have a picture of the switch in my pictures at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

I have a '96, but the switch will be in the same place on your '95.... I would imagine....that you will have to remove a few things to get to the switch. I had to remove the air filter / MAF assembly and the flex hose to the throttle body. As the '95 has a different intake manifold.....that will be the only difference that I envision as far as getting to....and changing the switch.