Transmission downshifts to second and gear after it warms up and stays

1998 FORD WINDSTAR
177,600 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JACK FRAZIER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Transmission downshifts into second gear and will not up shift. I have replaced the speed sensor per mechanics advice. Changed fluid, filter. Fluid not burnt no smell and no shavings. Shifts fine for first ten miles or so. Have replaced neutral safety switch per mechanics advice. That were only two codes per mechanic. I am now stumped not coding anything else. What are your thoughts?
Feb 8, 2018 at 8:34 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely this is a speed sensor issue but the staying in second gear is called limp mode.

Here is a guide that talks about this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

If you can let us know what codes were there and that will help confirm this but it sounds like a speed sensor as when that is faulty and starts to get hot it can give incorrect readings which will cause the transmission to shift to 2nd gear and stay there so that it protects itself.

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

Please run through this info below but if you can get the codes that are there then that will help with next steps.

Thanks
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Sep 14, 2021 at 12:25 PM
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