'95 Winstar wouldn't shift into 3rd, then stopped completely

[jshort74]

My '95 Windstar with 110K miles wouldn't shift into 3rd gear. When in 2nd gear the rpm's would just keep increasing but wouldn't even try to shift. Then while trying to limp the thing home on the back roads while sitting in a turn lane it died and would not restart. The starter wouldn't even try to turn. The trany was rebuilt at 79,000 miles. I prefer to work on my own cars when I can, but I'm not sure where to start. The fluid has about 30K on it and I was already planning to change it this weekend. Could this be a TRS sensor issue? How do I test the TRS? Your advise is appreciated!

[wiswind]

Actualy BOTH symptoms can be the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), aka Neutral Saftey Switch.
Not shifting above 2nd gear is "limp mode" and common when the PCM cannot see what gear has been selected.
The same assembley (TRS) has the neutral safety function, that prevents the vehicle starter from working if you are not in neutral.

So, I would get a new TRS.
It is often sold under the name "Neutral Safety Switch"....same part.

[jshort74]

Thanks, I had to order one for my trany, the AXOD style, all of the shops around here only carry the AX4S style. They are supposed to have it in the morning though. I took the one I have off to compare it with the one at the shop. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks!

[jshort74]

Well, I replaced the TRS, The thing still wouldn't hardly turn over. Since I let the battery discharge after putting it in the garage last night (Left the ignition on) , I recharged it. That didn't help. I took out the battery and the starter and had them both tested at 2 places. Both tested out fine. I put them back in and tried to start her up again. I will turn the engine over 1 or 2 times and quit. The starter seems very strianed. The next try maybe the bendix engages but the engine doesn't turn. After trying to start it the starter was smoking and hot as heck. I think I have an internal mechanical issue. Bearing, rod, head gasket, I don't know. Now, instead of trying to get this thing going, I think I will be trying to determine if it is worth messing with anymore.