95 Windstar, TCM?
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From: Weirton, WV
95 Windstar, TCM?
Ok, heres my dilemma. I recently purchased a 95 Windstar with a shift problem. It likes to downshift when you let off the gas. This is a sporadic problem. Other related symptoms (I think) are inop speedo and cruise control. In previous experiences, I have found similar problems related to a TCM, or Transmission Control Module. Is my Windstar equipped with one? Someone also once suggested a range sensor? I'm open to any and all input. Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Laughing Gas
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From: Colorado, U.S.A!
95 Windstar, TCM?
Don't know that much about Windstars, but with the speedo and cruise inop, I'd check the vehicle speed sensor. The computer probably uses info from that to tell the tranny when to shift.
Just my guess...
Just my guess...
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From: Weirton, WV
95 Windstar, TCM?
Originally posted by c96drumm
Don't know that much about Windstars, but with the speedo and cruise inop, I'd check the vehicle speed sensor. The computer probably uses info from that to tell the tranny when to shift.
Just my guess...
Don't know that much about Windstars, but with the speedo and cruise inop, I'd check the vehicle speed sensor. The computer probably uses info from that to tell the tranny when to shift.
Just my guess...
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
95 Windstar, TCM?
The Windstar doesnt use a TCM. All the controls for the transmission are in the PCM...Powertrain Control Module...the main computer for the engine, transmission etc.
And yes the speedo etc has to work for the transmission to shift properly. The VSS is a real pain to get at......it is on the back, passenger side of the transmission, behind the engine, on top, near the R/F axle, and usually covered with a heat shield.
And yes the speedo etc has to work for the transmission to shift properly. The VSS is a real pain to get at......it is on the back, passenger side of the transmission, behind the engine, on top, near the R/F axle, and usually covered with a heat shield.
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From: Weirton, WV
95 Windstar, TCM?
Originally posted by Racerguy
The Windstar doesnt use a TCM. All the controls for the transmission are in the PCM...Powertrain Control Module...the main computer for the engine, transmission etc.
And yes the speedo etc has to work for the transmission to shift properly. The VSS is a real pain to get at......it is on the back, passenger side of the transmission, behind the engine, on top, near the R/F axle, and usually covered with a heat shield.
The Windstar doesnt use a TCM. All the controls for the transmission are in the PCM...Powertrain Control Module...the main computer for the engine, transmission etc.
And yes the speedo etc has to work for the transmission to shift properly. The VSS is a real pain to get at......it is on the back, passenger side of the transmission, behind the engine, on top, near the R/F axle, and usually covered with a heat shield.
Yeah, I heard a few horror stories about replacing the VSS, but I'm hoping I can eliminate that from the equation being it was replaced. Where might I find the PCM? Up under the dash? And, not sure if I follow you, but when you say that the speedo has to work for the trans to shift properly, do you mention this as further evidence of a bad VSS, or that the PCM uses a signal out of the Speedo/cluster to operate properly? Is either the PCM or the cluster a common problem, or should I suspect a bad, new VSS, or wiring even? Many thanks in advance,
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
95 Windstar, TCM?
The manual shows the VSS signal goes right to the PCM. I thought it went to the speedo first but i guess I'm wrong 
I think that since all the problems happen at the same time it would seem like the VSS signal is bad for some reason or another. I've seen the gear inside the transaxle that drives the VSS wear out. Hopefully that isnt your problem.
The PCM is mounted in the firewall, sort of behind the R/F strut. If you remove the complete wiper cowl assembly (not as bad as it sounds) you can get at it and also access the VSS better than trying it from below.
In my experience neither the PCM or cluster is a common problem.
I think I'd be looking at the VSS and the gear for it first, then at the wiring.
Let us know what you find.
I think that since all the problems happen at the same time it would seem like the VSS signal is bad for some reason or another. I've seen the gear inside the transaxle that drives the VSS wear out. Hopefully that isnt your problem.
The PCM is mounted in the firewall, sort of behind the R/F strut. If you remove the complete wiper cowl assembly (not as bad as it sounds) you can get at it and also access the VSS better than trying it from below.
In my experience neither the PCM or cluster is a common problem.
I think I'd be looking at the VSS and the gear for it first, then at the wiring.
Let us know what you find.
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From: Weirton, WV
95 Windstar, TCM?
Originally posted by Racerguy
The manual shows the VSS signal goes right to the PCM. I thought it went to the speedo first but i guess I'm wrong
I think that since all the problems happen at the same time it would seem like the VSS signal is bad for some reason or another. I've seen the gear inside the transaxle that drives the VSS wear out. Hopefully that isnt your problem.
The PCM is mounted in the firewall, sort of behind the R/F strut. If you remove the complete wiper cowl assembly (not as bad as it sounds) you can get at it and also access the VSS better than trying it from below.
In my experience neither the PCM or cluster is a common problem.
I think I'd be looking at the VSS and the gear for it first, then at the wiring.
Let us know what you find.
The manual shows the VSS signal goes right to the PCM. I thought it went to the speedo first but i guess I'm wrong
I think that since all the problems happen at the same time it would seem like the VSS signal is bad for some reason or another. I've seen the gear inside the transaxle that drives the VSS wear out. Hopefully that isnt your problem.
The PCM is mounted in the firewall, sort of behind the R/F strut. If you remove the complete wiper cowl assembly (not as bad as it sounds) you can get at it and also access the VSS better than trying it from below.
In my experience neither the PCM or cluster is a common problem.
I think I'd be looking at the VSS and the gear for it first, then at the wiring.
Let us know what you find.
) Don't suppose I'd get so lucky on this? Also, does the VSS include the reader gear that drops down into the diff and runs off the drive gear? Or is it a separate piece? Sorry for the blind questions, I don't even have this home yet. I just want to be ready when I do....Thanks for all your help,
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
95 Windstar, TCM?
Unfortunately the VSS drive gear is attached to the differential and that's the last thing that comes out when you're pulling the trans apart
The VSS has a gear on it that runs on the drive gear. It comes out with the VSS.
For more ideas you might want to stop by www.flatratetech.com and ask there too. Someone might have some more insight. I dont do much automatic work.
The VSS has a gear on it that runs on the drive gear. It comes out with the VSS.
For more ideas you might want to stop by www.flatratetech.com and ask there too. Someone might have some more insight. I dont do much automatic work.
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From: Weirton, WV
95 Windstar, TCM?
Originally posted by Racerguy
Unfortunately the VSS drive gear is attached to the differential and that's the last thing that comes out when you're pulling the trans apart
The VSS has a gear on it that runs on the drive gear. It comes out with the VSS.
For more ideas you might want to stop by www.flatratetech.com and ask there too. Someone might have some more insight. I dont do much automatic work.
Unfortunately the VSS drive gear is attached to the differential and that's the last thing that comes out when you're pulling the trans apart
The VSS has a gear on it that runs on the drive gear. It comes out with the VSS.
For more ideas you might want to stop by www.flatratetech.com and ask there too. Someone might have some more insight. I dont do much automatic work.
So, I'll hope for a PCM problem now.....I try to limit my auto trans work to warranty work, and I refuse to do it at home, especially on a trans I have never tore into. Just isn't my idea of a fun weekend. And, if it ain't fun, it ain't worth messin with. This is a spare vehicle, and by no means necessary....Just picked up on a good deal (I think...) and thought I'd keep it around for trips and such. Still may, but don't be surprised if its in the classifieds in 2 weeks either....Thanks again for all your help,
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