Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
028204/29/2002637922Some vehicles built prior to 9/15/2001 may exhibit low line pressure readings while in drive, no 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, no engine braking in manual 1st and slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements. *tt12/09/2002
1588705/01/2002637755Some vehicles may exhibit a no 1-2 upshift, no 2-3 upshift, a no engine braking condition in manual 1 or diagnostic trouble code p0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio) or p0733 (gear 3 incorrect ratio). *tt12/04/2002
1374501/01/2000612742Some vehicles may experience a condition of no 4 x 4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4 x 4 low range. *mjs06/12/2000
994303/08/1999604751Information regarding reprogramming powertrain control modules (pcms). *tt05/11/1999
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
98032001/01/1998607723Gear dtc's and extended/delayed/ no shift. *ak02/06/2001
9915207/26/1999608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda. *tt01/05/2001
9672603/25/1996613348When replacing an internal wiring harness on 4r44e/4r55e transmissions built before 11/30/95 with a new harness, the fluid pan must be replaced also. failure to change over or convert the fluid pan may result in a transmission fluid leak06/22/2000
001501/10/2000612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *mjs06/06/2000
735311/01/1999610785Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the gem module. *tt05/15/2000
1341210/01/1999609668Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4x4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4x4 low range, with no (dtc) diagnostic trouble code stored in the gem. *tt04/06/2000
9811201/19/1998605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released. *tt07/12/1999
988804/27/1998601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart. *yc07/10/1998
9751103/03/199751945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts. *jd07/17/1997
BC012397020101/02/199751034Diagnosing four wheel drive electronic shift operation concerns on 95/96 model year ranger. *jd06/27/1997
BC519196100110/01/199650469For concerns of stalling, reflash pcm w/ 1996 calibration (r11 level). *tt04/24/1997
BC074196101810/18/199650384For stalling concerns, reflash the pcm w/ 96 calibration (r11 level). *tt04/24/1997
95191209/01/199546468On transmissions built before 6/20/95 (fig 1) an extended shift and a higher engine rpm than expected and/or no shift condition, possibly along with a flashing 'o/d off' lamp and/or the diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) listed above, may occ04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
749411/01/1999610853All vehicles with electronic shift on the fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of what the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt05/16/2000
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
0314807/21/200310003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt10/29/2003
00231011/13/2000616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system. *tt03/05/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
1350511/01/1999614630All 4x4 vehicles with electronic shift onthe fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software. *tt11/29/2000
BC101319702001/02/199751195Four wheel dirve electronic shift operation. *jd06/27/1997
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
0118109/17/2001625715Brake shift interlock.*jb11/30/2001
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
96261212/16/199650997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
9624911/18/199650908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
98307402/27/1998607369Concerns with axle wind-up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers. *tt09/21/1999
1290506/01/1999606937Some vehicles may experience axle wind up and / or clunking, popping, ratcheting type noises when making cornering maneuvers on vehicles equipped with a four wheel drive hi or low range mode. *tt09/08/1999
BC013196010212/01/1995464384x4 front axles must use hypoid 4x4 gear oil p/n f1tz-19580-a & high temp 4x4 front axle & wheel bearing grease when servicing. it is not recommended to use heavier weight lubes in these front axles.04/25/1996
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
660307/01/1999610704Some vehicles may exhibit an audible pinging or creaking noise that may be heard from the driveline when engine torque is initially applied to the driveline. *tt05/11/2000
9916108/09/1999607653Experiencing an audible pinging or creaking (not a clunking noise) heard from the driveline when engine torque is initially applied to the driveline such as when shifting from park to drive or reverse, between drive and reverse. *tt10/04/1999
97111097231211/10/199753668Concerns with pinging or creaking being heard from the driveline when shifting from park to drive or reverse, between drive and reverse, or when engaging the clutch. *yc03/30/1998
96241711/18/199650915Noise - pinging or creaking from driveline when vehicle is put into gear. *tw06/17/1997
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
0213811/10/2003032210635998Low line pressure reading at wide open throttle (wot), slipping shifts and / or delayed engagements with possible diagnostic trouble codes p0732, p0733, p1762 set on vehicles built before 12/1/2001. *tt11/04/2002
736611/01/1999610793Some vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise (a light metallic rattling sound from the transmission) which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral clutch engaged (clutch pedal up). *tt05/15/2000
1342310/01/1999609688Vehicles equipped with manual transmission may exhibit neutral gear rollover noise which occurs at idle with transmission in neutral and clutch engaged. *tt04/06/2000
BC230197050105/01/199752797New clutch slave cylinder with a redesigned lip seal. *tw09/12/1997
101499702001/02/199751209Update to tsb 96-21-9 additional calibration added- any calibration revision level for a vehicle with a manual transmission that is not called out in tsb 96-21-9 should also be included as part of that tsb. *jd06/27/1997

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
10/15/1999106/01/1999
 Speedometer failed to operate. dealer in yuba city, ca as well as speedometer specialty shop (speedometer electric in yuba city, (530) 742-2611) confirmed that they have seen the same failure (wild fluctuation leading to total failure) in numerous windstars and other ford models. the dealer said it was not uncommon to see the speedometer go out in this vehicle. after talking with the dealer, speedometer electric owner , and finally a ford customer service representative, i am convinced that there is a defect in either materials or workmanship. the cost of the part alone is $333.33. including labor, i paid $417.49 for a part that should not have gone out, especially at the relatively low mileage on this van. i sent two letters to ford (october 22, 1999, and november 19, 1999) and only got a generic post card in return saying they tried but were unsuccessful in contacting me (although my wife stays at home and we have an answering machine). the dealer i took it to for initial diagnosis was geweke ford in yuba city, ca (530) 821-2121. date: 23 august 1999. customer # 971976. service advisor scott babler said it was the speedometer, not the cable because he had seen many similar problems. i strongly believe there should be an investigation into possibly recalling this vehicle and others with the same speedometer unit. please help. thank you, robert a. schoenberg. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
12/31/2000102/01/1996
 Truck was taken for east ford (dealer) for transmission maintenance. the od light and reverse lights failed from that point on. truck taken back 4/16/2001 for same, dealer says wiring in steering/shifter is rubbed and requires shifter replacment.*ak
01/21/2000106/01/1999
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
01/01/199912/01/1998
 Transmission loose and has play in it. *ak
11/01/1996
 In morning when putting the vehicle into drive it hesitates to engage, occurs intermittently. dealer contacted and repair work done, but problem still exists. extended warranty on vehicle. *ak *ml
1
 Transmission failed resulting in jumping.
11/15/1996107/05/1996
 Transmission and engine computer failed resulting in vehicle getting rear ended due to failures.
1
 Transmission shifts poorly.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
06/07/200550579103/20/1996
 1. no events leading to failure. 2. while trying to back out of a parking space the vehicle went forward. no damage was done to vehicle or property. the automatic transmission shift cable failed. it was worn thru do to contact with the exhaust pipe. 3. the automatic transmission cable was replaced with ford f57z7e395a. the broken cable is available.
112/14/1996
 Loss of power due to failure of the power train control module/electronic shift (transfer case).
01/06/1997112/01/1995
 4-wheel drive switch failed to engage in snow weather conditions.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
07/21/1999112/28/1995
 Transmission shifter cable has fallen on top of crossover pipe which is connected to the exhaust pipe ,burning through cable. the 1998 model was equipped with an added heat shield to prevent burning. brake pads, shoes and calipers replaced on (7-22-99). *ak
06/26/1999112/28/1995
 Transmission shifter cable has fallen on top of crossover pipe which is connected to the exhaust pipe ,burning through cable. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - PARK/NEUTRAL START SWITCH
11/08/19971
 Vehicle in park gear, suddenly started running in reverse.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
03/01/1996203/01/1996
 Transmission torque converter failed.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
05/09/19961
 While driving and when attempting to accelerate while vehicle was in low gear, it popped out of gear into neutral. also, when shifting gears vehicle was making a noise. consumer has contacted dealer. dealer has replaced clutch, and has stated that manual transmission needed to be replaced. *ak dealer also replaced first gear syncro, blocker ring, and third gear blocker ring. heater would not blow hot air, dealer replaced thermostat. tail pipe was hitting spare tire causing noise, dealer repositioned tail pipe. *slc
1208/01/1996
 At least 12 sets of brakes put on vehicle4 in uder 9000 miles, resulting in 2 accidents 3 times at turning rotors/engine rebuilt at 52000 miles still with loss of porwer. 2 egr valves/2 wiper switches/syncronizers/2 slave cylinders on transmission and oil leak. all problems still exist. engine idles high enough that the use of the gas pedal is not needed for intown driving. speeds of 45mph can be obtained before hitting pedal.
110/01/1995
 Power transmission clutch slave cylinder failed.
03/04/1997
 Clutch switch broke, vehicle does not suppose to start without it. however vehicle started without the clutch switch and ran right into the garage door. dealer patched switch up, manufacturer is suppose to investigate the vehicle. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
 When traveling the pivot bracket which is attached to the firewall has broken, causing unwanted acceleration, resulting in a near crash. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has made repairs. please provide any further details. *ak
 Owner states that his vehicle was able to start without the clutch being depressed, owner's vehicle went into reverse and out of driveway.owner notes that there was faulty neutral start switch. dealer corrected problem. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
11/18/1996101/06/1996
 Rear axle pinion seal from differential unit failed resulting in leaking.
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
04/21/2000101/01/1996
 I don't understand how after 4 years of owning the vehicle with only 45,000 miles on it that the carrier bearing was shot. i was also told that by the mechanic, who was also told that by the dealership when he called to replace the part. if it is a manufacturer defect i would really appreciate knowing.. thank you. *ak
1
 Driveshaft bent.
06/21/19961
 Drive gear assembly disconnected from transmission tail shaft housing causing rear wheel to lock up, which caused truck to spin/flip.
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
05/09/19961
 While driving and when attempting to accelerate while vehicle was in low gear, it popped out of gear into neutral. also, when shifting gears vehicle was making a noise. consumer has contacted dealer. dealer has replaced clutch, and has stated that manual transmission needed to be replaced. *ak dealer also replaced first gear syncro, blocker ring, and third gear blocker ring. heater would not blow hot air, dealer replaced thermostat. tail pipe was hitting spare tire causing noise, dealer repositioned tail pipe. *slc
01/01/1999102/22/1998
 While driving the vehicle has high engine rpm between 1600 to 2200. not safe to drive on icy road conditons. consumer concerned about long term wear and tear on clutch, transmission and rear axle. dealership is aware of problem. *ak
08/06/2000103/01/1995
 The gear shift cable was melted because of its proximity to the exhaust system, according to the repair shop. i have the part which clearly shows heat caused the failure. i called ford customer service and my dealer service department. i was told it was a freak occurance and not to worry ablut it.
05/06/1996
 Manual 5-spd transmission loses power when accelerating, especially during hot weather and slightly more so on hilly areas. *ak
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
11/24/1999401/01/1998
 Transfer case would not engage 4wd in snowy conditions
12/01/1996112/14/1996
 Four wheel drive failed.