2003 Windstar Tranny Problems

[franny683]

I have a 2003 Windstar. Drove it to work; after work went out and it wouldn't move when I shifted into gears. None of the gears work. There were no previous indicators of any problems. No grinding, no slipping, etc. Just one day out of the blue; no tranny. My question is: Is there some way to tell if the problem is something other than the tranny? Could it be the torque converter, the TRS or some other sensor? Should a repair shop be able to put it on some kind of code reader and scanner to see if there is another problem? Every place I have talked to have told me it is the transmission... when I ask them how they know, they respond that they just know. I don't want to spend $2500 without knowing for sure that's the problem and I can't make them understand this. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

[wiswind]

Have you tried the other gear select postions?....R, 1, 2 ?
Do you have a Check Engine Light on?
Is the O/D light flashing?

Another thing that I have read, if the pump fails (1 mode of failure), the fluid level will check significantly high......
You check the transmission fluid level.....on level ground, motor running, Gear select in PARK.

Another test that I have read about.....to test to see if it is the TRS (Transmission Range Sensor aka Neutral Safety Switch)......With motor running (will not start with TRS unplugged).......Gear select in PARK, Unplug the electrical connection to the TRS.
The transmission 'should' still function and shift.....and be drivable....but you will have "abrupt" shifts.
This is a TEMPORARY test......to see if the TRS is causing a problem.
This will likely light the CEL and/or cause the O/D light to flash on and OFF.

Beyond these few things helping you get lucky, I cannot suggest much other than having it checked out by a reliable shop.

[franny683]

Thanks, we have tried it in all positions to no avail. There are no indicator lights on and the OD light is not flashing.

The fluid level checks out fine. We took it to a local garage and they changed the TRS and there is still no difference. I just thought they should be able to put it on a scope or code reader and check to see if it's throwing any codes instead of just assuming it's the transmission.

Thanks for this information.

[bdahl385]

With the sudden complete failure of the tranny w/o any prior indications, this sure sounds electrical in nature to me. Could there be something simple like a blown fuse, bad sensor or rodent chewed wire somewhere in the electronically controlled tranny that could be the culprit?

[mundy5]

I tend to agree with bdahl, something electrical.

[joeuser742]

If it's not too late... Drop the transmission pan and check to see if the servo tubes fell down a bit. That's one thing that would cause the no movement. If they did fall down, then there is a servo tube bracket that needs to be installed over the tubes.