1998 Ford Windstar Transmission Problem?

MAHOWARD

MEMBER
1998 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC

I Started to work early one morning about 65 mph about 15 minutes into my trip the Engine Revved up and I started to loss speed; as I came to a lot to pull of the highway I then tried to park it straight by putting it in Reverse but by this time it wouldn't change any gears. It always starts right up but still will not change out of Park and Neutral. My husband and son replace the Neutral Safety Switch but that didn't solve the problem. I notice Motor Oil in my Air Filter; the Check Engine Light is on so my son ran a diagnostic and the codes we got were P1538, C1140, b1942. I didn't get any warning of sounds just the loud Rev of my motor before this all happened. Could you help me narrow down my problem?

5 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check items in pic for first code for other codes have a local pro look at it as it deals with instrument panel problem and air bag problem which one may set the other off. Also have a trans guy look at trans as it may be time for a rebuild. For the 1538 code look for holes in duct work, blocked air filter etc. Or one of the parts mentioned may be bad. Also clean throttle plate on both sides an diac hole with choke cleaner.

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Thursday, October 1st, 2015 AT 7:13 AM

MAHOWARD

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3 POSTS

Thank You for your advice?

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Thursday, October 1st, 2015 AT 4:25 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,512 POSTS

HI Mahoward,

Has anyone tried checking the fluid level, also clear the codes and see if they come back, it could be the transmission has gone out, when it cools down does it work again?

Please let me know :-)

Best, Ken

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Friday, October 2nd, 2015 AT 3:23 PM

MAHOWARD

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3 POSTS

I know we've check the fluid but I didn't think about clearing the codes to reset to get a more accurate and up-to-date reading. I'm be working to get two cars back on the road. I actually did that for my 2004 Dodge Stratus and came up with Input/ output Trans. Speed Sensors replaced by AAMCO Trans. Shop. So I guess I need to double back and do the same for the other. THANK YOU! WILL DO :-)

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2015 AT 4:06 AM

KEN L