Please Help!! Replaced Transmission and won't shift into OD

[patrickg]

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar 3.8L Manufactured 5-97. The old used one would get warm and puke out the transmission fluid in between the trans/engine. So, I bought a "reman" a few weeks ago and replaced the transmission over the weekend. The "new" one wouldn't shift out of second, so I did some research on this forum and found out to unplug the "neutral safety switch" and take it for a ride. Well it would shift into 3rd but not fourth/OD, everything else seemed fine. I ordered a "neutral Safety switch" from Autozone for $28 not a bad price to fix the small problem.

Tonite I replaced the Switch and it shifted through all the gears perfectly until it was supposed to go into OD. It shifted just like it used to "perfectly" into gear but there was nothing there.... it just slipped into what seems was neutral or just free rolling. I can rev the engine like it isn't in gear. I pushed the OD button on/off to "off" and it shifts down into 3rd with no problems. I stopped check the fluid and the switch. Nothing found wrong...
I continue back home with the OD "off" and it shifts normal, then I push the OD to "on" it shifts into 4/OD and again. Nothing..... Just revs up...

I must state that the Torque converter sensor on the left side/ near axle shaft was a different kind of switch then the one I just took out. And it had 2 holes for the different kind of speed sensors. Otherwise everything bolts up fine.

The OD light doesn't flash, never has... even with the other ones...

Help me out... I am calling the Company that I bought it from in the next few days to find out what I am supposed to do. I am running out of friends that are willing to help me change out the transmission in the van.

Thank you for reading all out this.

[wiswind]

The torque converter sensor that you are talking about on the left side is called "Turbine Speed Sensor" (TSS), and as you mention, senses the speed of the "intermediate" shaft that comes OUT of the torque converter and into the rest of the transmission.

I would try calling the company that you got the unit from to see if they have run across this problem before.

When you press the O/D switch, does the "O/D" light come on?

[patrickg]

Originally Posted by wiswind

The torque converter sensor that you are talking about on the left side is called "Turbine Speed Sensor" (TSS), and as you mention, senses the speed of the "intermediate" shaft that comes OUT of the torque converter and into the rest of the transmission.

I would try calling the company that you got the unit from to see if they have run across this problem before.

When you press the O/D switch, does the "O/D" light come on?

Yes, the OD light goes on and off if you press it. It shifts into the OD gear that isn't there and when U press the button it shifts back into 3rd.

[wiswind]

It is odd that it would not set a code.
I do not know what to recommend, other than really carefully looking over the wiring.....look for a pinched, cut, or worn wire.
There have been some Technical Service Bulletins over the years about wiring harnesses rubbing.
Other than that....having a shop do a diagnostic on it would be my next step.

[patrickg]

Originally Posted by wiswind

It is odd that it would not set a code.
I do not know what to recommend, other than really carefully looking over the wiring.....look for a pinched, cut, or worn wire.
There have been some Technical Service Bulletins over the years about wiring harnesses rubbing.
Other than that....having a shop do a diagnostic on it would be my next step.

I will check on that and when I get back home I will have it checked out by someone with diagnostic equipment.

Thanks again