1998 Ford Windstar: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Oct 18, 2009 · Acceleration, Brakes · MS · fire

I have a 1998 ford windstar van 2 months ago I had a leak of fluid that caused some wires to burn into under the hood that caused wiring to my head light and overhead light to blow my mechanic had to direct wire one side of my head light and my cruise control system had to be disconnected as he said it would cause my van to catch fire. My ABS and brake system light stays on now as soon as the mechanic repaired the faulty part I started experiencing all the following things,,,I have lose of power . The van stalls in traffic and also as I'm taking off from a stop after putting the van in gear...when I put on the gas it makes a bad rattling sound like a lifter or valve tapping but only when the gas peddle is engaged. The gear shift feels like it gets stuck in park and I have a hard time getting it to release out of park before this problem my van drove great I never had any problems could you please find what the problem is thank you

Filed Aug 27, 2005 · Transmission · 46,101 miles · MI

Transmission was slow going into gear,was very noisy and would not shift it finally locked up in gear and would not move. It was towed in to a repair shop and I was told the transmission was bad. The van has only 46,000 miles on it. A 30,000 dollar car should last longer than this.

Filed Jul 31, 2003 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · PA

Ford 1998 windstar power train failure. In jan 1999, I purchase a used 1998 ford windstar. Also paid for a 72 month/60,000 premium care extended warranty. In 2000, the transmission failed almost causing and accident. I brought the vehicle back to the dealer and they replaced the transmission under warranty. After that I brought the vehicle back more than 5 times stating that the new replacement transmission was not working properly. The trans would slip coming out of first gear and bang into 2nd gear. Also, when driving on a highway the car would stall when downshifting coming off an exit. The dealer, springfield ford, stated that they could not find a problem. On july 18, 2003 the transmission failed while I was driving. The vehicle just stopped and would not go into gear. As a disabled individual this was a major problem and almost caused an accident. With my flashers on, I was able to put the car into neutral, and drive off the road and safely pack it. This seemed strange that I was able to drive the vehicle in neutral. The vehicle was towed to springfield ford on july 18, 2003. The dealer called and said that my warranty had expired and it would cost $3000.00 to fix the transmission. I spoke with ford and the manager at springfield ford. They stated that my warranty expired in june of 2003. I believe that my warranty is in effect thru 2005. This vehicle has 47,000 miles on it. I believe that a defective transmission was installed in my vehicle. This has created a major safty issue for me and my family. As of today ford has not offered to fix my car, offer me a loaner car, or offer any resolution to this problem. As a disabled individual, this van is my main transportation and family car. I am still waiting for ford to offer to fix my car, describe the failure, and provide a solution. At this point I believe that the entire power train needs to be replaced with oem certified new parts installed and paid by ford motor co. Thank you l

Filed Feb 7, 2003 · Transmission · MO

At 45,000 miles on 1998 ford windstar gl,transmission would not shift out of first gear. Had to turn vehicle off for a while then it would shift. Had to stop app. 6 times to travel 8 miles.

Filed Nov 13, 2002 · Transmission · KY

Transmission will not shift to fourth gear, dealer replaced solenoid, did not remedy the problem. Transmission needs to be replaced. Mr

Filed Aug 14, 2002 · Transmission · WV

The vehicle would rev up when the accelerator is applied and would not shift gears until the odometer and speedometers began to work which take about 5 miles drive.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Transmission · MN

While driving vehicle will not shift from first gear, starts jerking, which causes seal pump to malfunction and transmission to blowout. Contacted dealer.

Filed May 28, 2002 · Transmission · NY

Vehicle would not shift out of first gear. Had to replace transmission. Dealer contacted. *ak

Filed Aug 27, 2001 · Acceleration, Transmission · KY

Vehicle does not shift down into gear at stop, resulting in vehicle rocking backwards until gas pedal is depressed to go forward which results in car lurching forward violently. Inspected by jenkins and wynn ford dealership on diagnostic computer. It was found to have a defective aluminum drum and piston assembly which sticks if there is not enough pressure built up for it to go forward. This was confirmed by the service manager john cornejo at jenkins-wynn on 08/27/01. At this time ford motor company refuses to replace transmission as was recommended by the service staff at this location in clarksville, tn. A ford motor company representative was contacted and told of the problem. She then contacted larry bryant, service manager at this location, who then proceeded to give erroneous information to the representative. The ford motor representative then became indifferent to our situation. We requested to speak to someone of a higher authority and were told that we would be contacted back by her supervisor within 48 hours. Meanwhile mr. Cornejo, stating that the first option of flushing out the transmission would not benefit us, as originally suggested to us by mr. Bryant as an alternative to a rebuilt transmission, admitted that this was not a remedy for this type of defective part. We are currently awaiting mr. Cornejo to contact us on 08/28/01 regarding this fact after he consults with mr. Bryant. As ford motor corp. Customers, we are expected to foot the bill on a defective part that will cost us $2500 to repair through no fault of our own. Defective part is made of aluminum. Ford motor only makes this replacement part in steel now due to the realization that aluminum will fail at some point.

Filed Aug 4, 2001 · Transmission · WI

Transmission jumped into gear while in park, almost hitting a small child.. Trans stuck in park, vehicle had to towed to dealer. Ford insisted nothing wrong with vehicle while under warranty, although it was looked at more than once. Took vehicle in again and was informed it needed a new transmission and would cost 2600.00 because warranty had run out.

Filed Feb 28, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission (replacement) sticks in 2nd gear just like orig. Did at 4400 miles. Orig. Stuck in second at 4400 mi. And was replaced. Replacement has rough shift and other problems reported to you by others. Ford trans. Have a defect that should be recalled!!

Filed Oct 8, 2000 · Transmission · FL

Experienced irratic transmission shifting at 65 MPH in rain. Car swirved out of control however I was able to recover to side of road. Transmission is stuck in 1st gear it appears. Taking to dealer 10/09/2000 because of holiday wait.