Windstar 98-2000 Transmission?

[daveran2008]

I was under the impression that the windstar had far less engine and transmission reliability problems then other the other domestic models, yet a search today came up with many reports of windstar transmission failures. Does the windstar have a better transmission than GM or Chrysler? If so is there a difference in transmission reliability between years 1998-2000?
Daveran

[wiswind]

I don't personally know the answer as to the comparison between manufacturers.
I DO know that the chrysler 4 speed automatic was not a reliable point for their minivan.....don't know how it did from model year to model year.

The biggest things that you can do for the transmission in the windstar is to change the fluid at least every 30K miles, as stated in the owner's manual, using a fluid that meets the Mercon V specification.

The other big thing that you can do is install a auxillary transmission cooler, and also make sure that the radiator fans are running whenevery they are supposed to.
My '96 had the radiator fan low speed dropping resistor fail....so that I did not have low speed fans.....just high speed.
Whenever the A/C is engaged, above a minimum temperature......the radiator fans will be ON at the low speed, and stay ON if you are not moving at a minimum speed.
What is important about this.....when you are in stop and go traffic.....your transmission is going to heat up, and with the radiator fans ON....not only will your motor coolant temperature stay lower and constant......your transmission fluid will be cooler.....and that is super good for the life of your transmission.

[tartersauce]

Originally Posted by wiswind

I don't personally know the answer as to the comparison between manufacturers.
I DO know that the chrysler 4 speed automatic was not a reliable point for their minivan.....don't know how it did from model year to model year.

The biggest things that you can do for the transmission in the windstar is to change the fluid at least every 30K miles, as stated in the owner's manual, using a fluid that meets the Mercon V specification.

The other big thing that you can do is install a auxillary transmission cooler, and also make sure that the radiator fans are running whenevery they are supposed to.
My '96 had the radiator fan low speed dropping resistor fail....so that I did not have low speed fans.....just high speed.
Whenever the A/C is engaged, above a minimum temperature......the radiator fans will be ON at the low speed, and stay ON if you are not moving at a minimum speed.
What is important about this.....when you are in stop and go traffic.....your transmission is going to heat up, and with the radiator fans ON....not only will your motor coolant temperature stay lower and constant......your transmission fluid will be cooler.....and that is super good for the life of your transmission.

Yup Dodge Cry plymouth all have failing transmissions early on and love blowing apart its Trans REAR into pieces.

[12Ounce]

Wiswind's posting is full of good maintenace tips.

I would add:
(1) Make sure the flexible heat shield is in place between the transmission extension tube and the rear (RH) exhaust header and pipe.
(2) You can fashion additional heat protection in this area using folded aluminum sheet metal flashing (from Home Depot). There are several areas additional shielding may be beneficial ... but take care not to eliminate needed air flow.

[daveran2008]

I thank you for all your advice. My question is this. I have had mechanics advise against transmission fluid changes on high mileage transmissions because the new fluid is much thinner than the old and can cause issues with slipping. What is a guy to do if he puchases a van with 120k to 200k and he doesn't know if it has ever been changed or not, would not changing the fluid cause issues in this situation.
Daveran