The engine shuts off when I shift the transmission into any drive gear?

HUGMUNGOUSDUCK

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
127,000 MILES

I just bought this van from a dealer, 6 months ago. Only replaced the battery. Then suddenly the engine shuts off when I shift into any drive gear. Doormen for when shifting to neutral. ATF is at the proper levels I'm not having any other lights or OBD codes. Internet searches are producing, easy and cheap 2$ part to buy a new transmission $2,500. How can I attempt to fix this without having to go broke?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,633 POSTS

The engine needs to relearn the idle pattern when the battery is replaced BTW. Here is a guide that explains what to do to fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls-idles-too-high-low-after-dead-or-replaced-battery

If the engine stalls abruptly then you have a torque converter that has fallen apart or the TCC solenoid is stuck on. You will need to remove the transmission pan to check the solenoid to see if it is working. If you put power and ground to it, it should click. Also, with no power you should not be able to blow air through it. The solenoid you want to check has the red/lt blue wires going to it. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 AT 4:24 PM

HUGMUNGOUSDUCK

MEMBER
2 POSTS
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
127,650 MILES

Driving about 30 miles an hour. I lost all power, a quick stab on accelerator nothing happened. I was maintaining about 1500 rpm. Sporadically I would get power for a split second, then nothing. This continued for about 20 seconds then nothing at all. At a stop sign I set Ebrake cycled through all the gears hoping transmission would shift nothing. Was stuck in neutral. Got to a safe spot. No obvious leaks or visible problems. I was listening to music, so I didn't hear any noises or feel anything. After a few minutes I tried Shifting again (attempting to limp home) and I was able to cross an intersection and coast back to parking. I've checked the fluids there are good. I've had the O/D and Parking brake warning lights activate a few times together, but never when taking OBD reading. Can't move it. So how can I attempt a diagnosis before I fork over $200 for a house call and or towing/diagnosis? Anything is helpful. Thank you

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Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 2:11 PM (Merged)

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,633 POSTS

So it's now shutting off while going into gear anymore? Is this a new problem? I would connect the scanner to it to see if any codes are stored, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

This guide may help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

It sounds like the front pump went out and there is no fluid pressure, this is typically how they act when this kind of problem is happening. Please go over these guides and get back to us.

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Monday, September 16th, 2024 AT 2:16 PM