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Last post on Sep 24, 2012 at 2:07 PM
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Ford Windstar Forum.
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Ford Windstar, Ford Windstar Cargo, Van
#22 of 804 Windstar
by tmant
Nov 13, 1999 (12:35 am)
Hello, I have been reading the messages here and I bought a 2000 Windstar SE a few weeks ago. I was able to get it at invoice price (from Charlie Thomas Ford in Houston) which came to roughly 25,500 with destination. Taxes, etc were extra.
I didn't get any additional options because it had most of what I wanted. I did consider an LX with more features to make it like the SE but several factors made me get the SE. I definitely like the chrome inserts and painted bumpers/door handles. Also the cornering light. I thought this was nice since I have often found myself trying to see what I am trying to turn into.
I only got the radio cassette and am planning to add a CD changer later. I checked the lights and the three buttons by the cassette do NOT light up on my van.
I have several questions about the lights in the cluster. My airbag light stays on several seconds longer than the rest of the lights when the car is started. Almost as long as the seatbelt light when not buckled. The light does turn off. I checked in a 1999 F150 and it does the same thing. My oil light does not seem to turn on with the other lights either. It will turn on if I leave the ignition in ON for a few seconds. Then when I start the van, the oil light will light up and then turn off with the rest. The manual indicates that the oil light "momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON poisition and the engine is off." So this sounds like it is operating correctly, but not like most other lights (or other cars). The 99 F150 oil light did turn on on startup.
Also, I am considering an alarm. Can someone recommend a solution? I have the factory remotes and would like to continue to use them.
Nov 13, 1999 (1:16 am)
You can use the Accessories conference as a resource also, tmant. I would think they're discussing alarms over there also 
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
#24 of 804 The neverending saga of the gas filler tube
by adgate
Nov 13, 1999 (4:44 pm)
Guitazan.Took the van to the dealer last week and they said nothing was wrong with the gas system,etc.They did say that the filler tube had been shortened somewhat and that the "backsplash" may be caused by me putting the nozzle to far in the filler tube.I have filled up the tank twice since then and have not had the problem,however I put the gas in reallllly slow as I'm sure if I put the gas in at the regular rate I would experience"backsplash"...whatever.If the problem continues I'll start video tapimg my fill ups and have "visual"proof!
Still haven't gotten my floor mats which are supposed to be standard on the van.Ford said that the manufacturer of their floor mats was substandard and that they had to change manufacturers.
I'll keep my Tweetybird floormats until then ...my kids like them better anyway!
I actually like the van quite a bit and hope it will be a great ride!
Nov 14, 1999 (5:24 pm)
Adgate, I have experienced filling up a vehicle, and the pump kept shutting off. I can't remember what car that was. The situation where gas splashes out, I feel, is unacceptable. And they want you to take twice as long to fill it up each time, because of their design snafu? Unfortunately, people don't seem to find any recourse in going above a dealer at Ford. Just be careful you don't ruin any good clothing while filling up!
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
#26 of 804 Seatbelt
by tmant
Nov 16, 1999 (3:06 pm)
On my 2000 Windstar SE (w/power driver seat), the driver seatbelt tongue is different from the passenger side and also the rear. The driver side has a "open" style tongue that restricts if pulled at a certain angle, while the others have a more typical looking enclosed tongue.
I just noticed this the other day, is this normal?
#27 of 804 Windstar SEL pricing
by sposer
Nov 16, 1999 (3:38 pm)
Got a quote on a 2000 SEL if ordered or coming in at $100 over invoice from Village Ford in Ridgewood, NJ. Highest quote I have seen is $350 over (autovantage.com). After that, there is $500 rebate on SEL. NO advertising gimmick fees. Try going to http://www.ford.com. There you can request a price quote from a nearby dealer. Village called me within two hours and gave me lower price than all these silly buying services.
#28 of 804 99 Windstar mileage
by cjemhardt
Nov 18, 1999 (12:31 am)
I have a 99 LX that has 3000 miles on it. The first month I got 19 mpg, 2nd month 15 mpg and now I get 10.5 mpg. Took it into the dealer for it's first service and they say the engine checks out ok. California uses oxyginated gas in the winter months so the dealer blames the fuel. None of my other vehicles have had a reduction in mpg. Any ideas?
Nov 24, 1999 (7:29 am)
Tmant and others,
As a former Ford salesman, I am suprised and disappointed that your salesman did not point out the logic behind the three lights out on your radio. The uplevel stereo in the Windstar and the Explorer have a feature called selective lighting. When the instrument panel and radio are illuminated at night, only the buttons that you need to use are lit. For instance, if you are listening to a tape the buttons that are only control the radio or CD functions will not be illuminated. A nice feature, once it is pointed out. On a side note I would have to say this is typical. Many salseman at the dealership I worked at did not do proper feature/benefit demonstrations during the sale nor did they properly demonstrate the car at delivery. You would be amazed how many calls our general sales manager got from customers wanting to know how to use the cruise control or operate the stereo properly. Pretty sad in my estimation. My customers never recieved the three "see" delivery. See the keys, see the car, see the road. Later, Wes.
#30 of 804 Seat belt
by tfcis
Nov 24, 1999 (8:13 pm)
tmant, I have a '99 and yes, the drivers seat belt is supposed to be different than the other seats. It is also described in the owner's manual. On my '99 the passenger seat belt tongues hold the strap tight which makes is very easy to use the child car seat locking clip. Hope this helps.
Dec 03, 1999 (4:35 am)
I have a 99 and it did not come with locking clips for car seats because of the design of the seat belts. You should not need them. Read the manual though because it does have some specific instructions for how to be sure the car seat is in correctly. It is much easier to put the car seat in and out now and if you need that seat for an adult passenger you are not having to remove a locking clip for them to use the seatbelt. Good Luck.