2003 Windstar Transmission Problems

[mauner62]

I have a 2003 Winstar with 34k miles. I'm not the original owner but the CARFAX checked out OK.

My wife was driving the minivan and she said it made some noises, she smelled something, it lost power, and she was finally forced to pull over.

We had the car towed home. I can start the car and put it in any gear but nothing happens - not a bump or noise. The tranny fluid looks clean and there is no burnt smell.

Are there any quick fix possibilities or am I looking at a rebuild?

Thanks for your help.

[MARZBX157]

My 2000 Windstar just broke down as well with no indication what so ever at 60K miles. My symptoms are simular to yours: no foward motion in any selection nor reverse, but the funny thing is that the transmission grabs in neutral and I was able to get home like this. Im very disappointed with this vehicle, Ive always kept this vehicle in tip top shape now this happens. Good luck

[rodeo02]

A pan drop, cleaning, filter and fluid change just prior to 3yr/36Kmi is the make or break point for the AX4N transaxle in my opinion. If you surpass this, it's anyone's guess how long the trans will last. It's possible you fellas have a range sensor issue. You 'should' be able to shift manually with a failed range sensor.

Joel

[MARZBX157]

thanks for the reply Rodeo,

my transmission was changed at 30K miles by the dealer and I was going to change it now at 60K and do the flush procedure which is talked about in this forum. I did the flush with Mobil1 ATF but no change and I disconnected the TRS sensor and drove it home (in neutral) but no change. Also when I accelerate the engine the RPM meter seems to go down fast as if the engine is under load but no foward motion. And if I put it in Park, the vehicle sometimes bucks foward as if the tranny is grabbing. Again, this vehicle looks brand new inside and out and I always kept the maintanence up to the tee.

[searcherrr]

That bites ass to hear about this in an AX4N tranny (the 2003 one). That was supposed to be a better type.

mauner62 and EVERYONE reading. I would not EVER again (knowing what I know now) put in a FORD AX4S or AX4N tranny an ANY vehicle that called for it. I would definitely turn to a transmission reman shop that specializes in making these better or even upgraded to acquire more torque and has beefier internals.

Marzbx157 - I responded to your thread earlier. I'd go with Marshall Engines - Tranny rebuild to Stage 1.... although the normal rebuild may be enough as long as they are not using FORD OEM parts to rebuild it. You'd have to make sure of that cause I'd never again want a FORD built tranny in there and I already know for sure the Stage 1 from Marshall is upgraded with their own better parts/materials/pump etc..