Transmission getting replaced

[Embalmer]

My well maintained 2003 Windstar SE's transmission is deceased. It has 117K and I've flushed the fluid every 30K with Mercon V. Last night the drivetrain started shaking about once a minute under steady throttle at 60 MPH. Then, the 1-2 shift started flaring pretty bad. Luckily, I was driving right past my dealership, so I pulled in there and they called me this morning telling me the news. New trans from Ford installed = $2400. Supposed to be done by Friday night. I'll post when I know more.

[northern piper]

maybe your trans knew your screen name

sorry man.

[12Ounce]

Be sure you get the documented warranty. If they use the authentic Ford replacement, it's supposed to be warrantied for 3yrs/75kmi.

Of course, the dealers have other sources ... that cost them less, but don't have the Ford warranty.

[Embalmer]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

Be sure you get the documented warranty. If they use the authentic Ford replacement, it's supposed to be warrantied for 3yrs/75kmi.

Of course, the dealers have other sources ... that cost them less, but don't have the Ford warranty.

Yeah, they told me about the 3/75K warranty. The kicker is this: April 1, the powertrain stuff from Ford is going to be 3/100K. So, if I wait 2 weeks I will get another 25K in miles. Problem is, I can't be without the van for that long. The good news is I have new lower control arms I've been meaning to install and they will do that for me when the suspension is apart for the trans install!

[tripletdaddy]

Piper, he should have expected that one with a name like that.

At least his name isn't Grave Digger.

Embalmer for your loss.

Us fellow Winnie owners here at the AF share your loss.

[wiswind]

I just posted in another thread......I bit the bullet in 2001, about $2800 for a FORD unit in my '96 3.8L...at just under 100K miles.....at that time....the warranty was 2 years and 24K miles on the FORD unit......
It is still shifting just great with 97K miles on the remanufactured tranny.
I had it in for some other repairs a year ago...... struts, springs, lower ball joint.....a wheel bearing...etc...all original....with 183K on it.....and the shop owner told me "I think we will see 300K on this vehicle".
He said that he personally had driven the vehicle and that the engine was running perfectly, and the transmission was shifting "right on".

I did add a auxillary cooler and go to yearly tranny fluid changes.....but I will give a "thumbs up" for the extra cost of the OEM repair.

There are several TSB's that the dealership will have.....that stress the importance of flushing.....and verifying flow through the transmission cooler(s).
They have found that contamination and/or restriction within the fluid left in the transmission cooler.....from the failed transmission can cause the new transmission to fail.
So the TSB has specific procedures for them to follow to make sure that the transmission cooler loop is properly cleaned and is flowing correctly.

[Embalmer]

I got the van back today. They told me the torque converter had developed a bad shudder, and the 1-2 accumulator piston was stuck in its bore. Also, the 1-2 intermediate clutch took a dump. The tech who performed the repair told me there was nothing I could've done to prevent this. He told me after 100K no matter what kind of maintenance had been done all the AX4* transmissions were on borrowed time. There was a 2004 Freestar on the lift next to mine getting a new trans with only 54K! I got the new Ford unit for $1700 plus about $750 in labor, alignment and misc. parts and fluids. Luckily, I had the new lower control arms I had purchased in my garage and I brought them in to be installed when the front cradle was dropped. They also replaced the rear main seal while the trans was dropped. Now I have a new transmission, new front and rear suspensions, alignment, new front brakes and rotors. Hopefully she'll make it to Myrtle Beach this summer for Mustangweek!

[12Ounce]

I really like the idea of replacing the rear seal. Smart!

[tartersauce]

Im sure you know I have a trans shiftin problem right now and still waiting for something to happen to the trans. 3yr 100mile sounds so good and for 2400 that isnt bad with the warranty. My problem is I dont trust the local Ford dealer. I trust myself, cause I dont cut corners or patch repair.. What ever you wanna call it. Just dont wanna end up bringing it back to Ford. Does the warranty cover any ford dealer in the USA? You know you take it somewhere else and the shop gives you the run around about where its been done etc.. And do they offer Towing etc if it fails? Just wonderin.
If I wasnt hurt, and using an electric wheelchair I would of already pulled the whole subframe down and have spilt the two..

Its funny most say 100k and its over. I guess its all wear you live. Alot of winds get well over 100k outta a ford trans in my area. The speed limits are low tho, and only a handful of roads are 65mph.

Ill end up getting a new trans sooner just because the van is well cared for and still looks perfect. A Ding or two but still has the show room shine..

[Embalmer]

Well, to put this thread to bed, I'll issue a final update. 3 weeks after our new transmission was installed, it started to chatter during the 1-2 and 2-3 shift. Then, we couldn't get the van to go over 40 MPH. Took it back to the dealership and they contacted Ford Tech Hotline for support. Ford told them to disassemble trans and report back with the findings. Well, what they found was rather amazing. My transmission had 4 quarts of water in it! I don't know the specific details, but my replacement transmission had a slightly different vent tube than the previous one and somehow it allowed rainwater into the trans. Now they are replacing every part in the trans that is electronic, has friction material, or a seal, plus the torque converter. What do y'all think of that!

[Ed_Strong]

I tought that for FORD Motor Company "Quality is Job #1" well guess not anymore. That tranny will never perform as it should anymore. It would not surprise me if they find rust already forming inside the valve body, pressure plate and clutches. I'll never invest on another Ford vehicle again if this is all they can do for a customer.
I would argue and complaint till they give me another new tranny.

[tripletdaddy]

Unbelievable. :

Be sure to get them to give you an iron clad warranty on it. See if you can pressure them to give you a longer warranty than the 3y/75k you said you were getting. At least the 3y/100k. Did they replace the valve body and all load bearing surfaces like bearings? Boy I sure would have a cow right then and there, maybe even threaten to call my lawyer right there too. Amazing.