2001 winstar transmission stopped working

[rongj]

was driving along and the transmission light came on stopped at a light and it was slow to get going after that ...stopped at the next light and wouldn't go..looks like the fluid leaked out from somewhere underneath would this damage the transmission or just fix the leak and refill?
thanks for any info

[wiswind]

First thing to do is to read your OBDII codes.....there are a number of "P" codes that cover the transmission.
This will hopefully tell you what is wrong......otherwise, it is just guessing.

[MrMeCaNiC]

I am a ford man, but unfortunately, from taurus' to areostars, to windstars, to trucks... if its gonna die and make a mess, and is between 1987 and 2004, its most likely the main pump input seal, from a worn input shaft bearing. a quick look underneath will say where the mess came from, and unless there is a big hole in just the pan, I'd say toss the whole tranny for an auto wrecker special, as the $3000 FoMoCo replacements get you about 50,000 km before they pack it in too.

[tomj76]

If you lost ALL the fluid, then there is a hole. If that hole is in the housing, then the transmission will need complete replacement.

As mentioned, you can get a used unit, or a rebuilt unit. Two years ago I had hole in my housing, and purchased rebuilt one for $1800 installed, including 30,000 mi/ 3 yr warrenty. A used transmission will be about half the cost of a rebuilt one. I have ~60,000 miles on the transmission now.