Six problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1999 Ford Windstar sustained major transmission failure without any prior symptoms. Vehicle was parked in driveway and shifted into drive, a loud noise was heard followed by severe grinding. Transmission was found to be filled with metal and required overhaul. Vehicle had just over 75000 miles and has never been used for towing. Repair costs were over 2000 dollars.
Stopped the vehicle to make a left turn, when I pressed the accelerator the vehicle did not move then jumped into gear violently. I managed to get teh vehicle into a parking lot where a loud grinding noise could be heard with the engine running and gearshift in park. I moved the gear selector into different gears and car would not move. The car had a history of noise when shifting from park into any gear, especially when parked on a incline. The transmission also downshifted harshly when decelerating to coast through a turn. Both issues were reported to the dan wachtel Ford in athens, al that services the vehicle. The transmission was flushed and had the filter changed twice, the secon only 8000 miles before this incident. Dealer reports that the car needs a new transmission with only 58,000 miles on the car. I purchased an 5 year/70,000 extended warranty when we bought the car, but of course the warranty has expired and I am looking at a $2800 repair bill. I looked at the Ford service bulletins and other complaints through this site and there seems to be a history of the same type of occurrences with the Windstar and the transmission. Seeking assistance from dealer and Ford since vehicle has been maintained, has low mileage considering it is 6 years old and has a history of such events.
Transmission failed while shifting from park to drive. A loud squeaking noise wa coming from the front. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced.
Transmission problem - problem noticed immediately after purchase date - problem with slow shifts noticeable at 20 and 40 mph. Grinding noise prevelant at these stages. Dealership said was normal. Around 25000 transmission began to experience "quick" shifts from acceleration, popping noise from one gear to next as transmission tries to determine appropriate gear for 5-10mph. Grinding at 20 and 40mph steadily becoming worse. Again dealership indicates normal. At 27mph transmission is beginning to jump into reverse. Shifting of gears - bang bang bang. Much worse. Many trips to dealership yeild same response. "new engine, no problems, or yes the engineers hear what you hear but no problem" I am afraid that with 2 children and my wife that transmission will quit putting them in an unsafe predicament. Notice that there are other complaints that outline the same or similar problem. Ford unwilling to recognize.
Unknown exact problem at this time grinding noise after the engine has been started and nothing else has been touched. Sounds either like gears are shifting like a stick shift car in the wrong gear or like you trying to start the car after it has been started.
Upon starting driver shifted the gear on the steering column but no movement of the van occurred. Also, transmission will make a clunking noise associated with the problem.