Ford Windstar Transmission problem

DaleT

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
469
Recently received a 1995 Ford Windstar(3.8L 4 speed trans.) for free. Vehicle is in great condition physically and the engine is very clean. The only problem is the transmission lacks reverse. All forward gears seem to work fine and the fluid is only mildly discolored nor does it have a burnt smell. I will most likely replace the entire unit. I was, however, curious if anyone here might have an insight as to any issues or possible fixes short of an entire trans swap.
 

TilliamWe

Banned
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Dec 21, 2004
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6,579
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

do you have a hill you can park it on facing downslope?
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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May 19, 2001
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26,064
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

Common problem. Reverse and first are the first to go. If you can find a shop that will rebuild the transmission it is a faulty O ring that normally causes that problem. <br /><br />It normally happens above 80K. Sadly it requires a complete removal and disassembly to repair.
 

dolluper

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Jul 19, 2004
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3,904
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

It's possible shift valve is stuck or frozen in the valve body
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
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Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

Try some Trans-X see if it helps.
 

DaleT

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 16, 2002
Messages
469
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

Thanks folks. I've heard a number of complaints about this trans and just wondered if there might be an easy fix. Again thank you.
 

DaleT

Chief Petty Officer
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Mar 16, 2002
Messages
469
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

TW, no hills, unless you count gravel at the cement factories. But we got lakes and rivers,hmmm wonder if a windstar will float.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

The trans. is NOT unique to Windstar.<br /><br />You can TRY to "condition it" with some snake oil.<br /><br />But, get that stuff out of there, if you get it to shift.
 

TilliamWe

Banned
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Dec 21, 2004
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6,579
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

DJ you saying that conditioner may solve the problem, but it's bad to keep it in the trans with the regular fluid for a long period of time? Didn't know that, thanks for the tip!
 

Dreamer1Q

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 27, 2005
Messages
30
Re: Ford Windstar Transmission problem

I'm actually surprised the motor is fine. Those tend to go the way of your transmission as well.
 
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