2000 windstar-cruise control slowly stopped working, almost like a loose button or wire was the issue, then completely stopped, ABS light randomly going on and off then finally staying-stopping distances increased, tach, speedometer, and other dash gauge needles swinging wildly while driving- tach stopped working first then speedometer(witnessed by iowa highway patrol), od off light started coming on at random times. Finally stayed on, transmission slipped occasionally when at stop signs. Took it to trans. Shop no codes found, next day the van would not shift into any gear. Van is now a yard ornament. Issues ongoing over the course of about a year.
2000 Ford Windstar: stuck in gear or won't shift
6 of the 1,675 complaints about the 2000 Ford Windstar describe stuck in gear or won't shift.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 0%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 34 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year
What owners say
Went into doctors office and when I turned the car off I heard a loud noise. When I came out I started the vehicle and attempted to reverse and the vehicle would not go into reverse.
While driving and coming to complete stop at a stop sign automatic transmission would not go into gear. Transmission totally failed , only the reverse gear was working. Vehicle was towed to the dealer. Technician indicated they could replace it with a new transmission or rebuilt it at consumer's expense.
While driving 35 MPH gears went out and vehicle would not shift into drive. Vehicle was towed to the owners residence. Owner will contact the dealer for an appointment.
While driving transmission would not shift to next higher gear. Dealer rebuilt transmission at 35700 miles. At this time, transmission is shifting down while driving.
Wife was driving vehicle on a 2 lane road with no shoulder at about 45 miles per hour. Transmission all of a sudden would not go into gear. Transmission totally failed. This was about 2 hours after I had picked up the vehicle from the dealership for the same problem. When I picked it up they said they could not duplicate the problem, so there must not be anything wrong.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Erratic fluid level reading on transaxle DIPSTICK-LEAKS-4F50N, AX4N, AX4S transaxle
- General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures
- Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park with the vehicle parked on an incline
- New transmission cooler flusher - service tips
- Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes P0741 or P1744 stored...
- AX4S transaxle may exhibit no reverse engagement condition
- Concerns with inaccurate speedometer reading
- Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector is in park
Related recalls
Power train: axle assembly
- What is wrong
- Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
- Risk
- A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑436‑7332.
Recall number 12V193000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2000 Ford Windstar won't shift
Is stuck in gear or won't shift a common problem on the 2000 Ford Windstar?
6 of 1,675 owner complaints about the 2000 Ford Windstar (0%) mention stuck in gear or won't shift. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2000 Ford Windstar?
There is 1 recall and 34 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2000 Ford Windstar
ABS 360Adaptive cruise 109Transmission failure 76Fire or smoke 50Ball joint 48Check engine light 43Grinding brakes 36Door locks 32Stalling 31Wipers 30Coil spring 29Harsh shifting 26Tire blowout 23Jerking 19Brake failure 18No deployment 14Knocking 11Sudden acceleration 10Engine failure 9Headlights 9Loss of power 9Airbag light 7Slipping 7Battery drain 6Fuel gauge 6Power steering loss 6Seat belt 5Pulling 5Water leak 5
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