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richardherrmann20

Windstar Transmission Problems

Hi, I'm having a weird issue with my 2002 Ford Windstar, gasoline engine. It's got about 225k km on it. Sometimes it won't start, and the check engine light comes on. I've also noticed the transmission slips sometimes, doesn't shift smoothly. I pulled the error codes, and it sounds like it could be related to the automatic transmission. Could it be the gear linkage or maybe the shift lock? Anyone seen anything like this?

4 comment(s)

miastern39

I encountered something similar with my 2014 Opel Insignia. The symptoms you describe – the starting issue, check engine light, and transmission problems – mirror what I experienced. In my case, the error memory indicated a faulty transmission sensor. The problems started intermittently, but eventually, the car became almost undriveable. Have you checked the transmission fluid level and condition?

richardherrmann20 (Author)

Thanks for the info! Transmission fluid is fine. When you say transmission sensor, do you mean one particular sensor, or is it more complex than that? Also, did your mechanic have any ideas about the root cause when the error codes were read?

miastern39

In my Opel, the issue stemmed from the transmission control unit itself. The sensor readings were off because the control unit was defective, not necessarily the sensors themselves. The garage identified it as the most probable cause after a thorough diagnostic process. Based on your symptoms and error codes, a defective control unit is definitely a possibility for your Windstar as well. At this point, I would suggest taking it to a workshop.

richardherrmann20 (Author)

Thanks for the insight. It sounds like a trip to the mechanic is in order. I was hoping it was something simple, but a defective control unit makes sense given the symptoms. The mechanic confirmed your suspicion: Affected control unit defective. The repair is going to cost around 1000€. I appreciate you sharing your experience!

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