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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
Feb 01, 2001 (9:16 pm)
I have a 1996 Chrysler Town and Country as well as a 2001 Ford Windstar Limited. The skidding of the front tires is perfectly normal for a minivan. Most minivans have soft "Luxury" suspension which when you take off the wait shifts to the back resulting in easy spinning of the front tires. My Town and Country will spin the tires with only rain on the ground or while turning the corner even slowly.
Feb 04, 2001 (7:40 pm)
Someone has given our school a '95 Windstar. It needs an engine.
Everything else is working fine.
Is there any reliable engine that can be installed in this vehicle other than a rebuilt
Ford engine. I'm worried about the blown gasket problem.
Thanks in advance for any help on this.
#349 of 804 amigonian1
by bblaha
Feb 07, 2001 (8:51 am)
This might be a good time to do a little research. Although I'm not certain of this, I'm pretty sure the head gasket problem is a direct result of using an aluminum head with a cast iron block. The head expands faster than the block causing the gasket to wander around. Supposedly, the problem is reduced by using a newer, multilayered gasket.
Supposedly, Ford "fixed" the blown head gasket problem mid 1996 model year. This to me suggests they have gone to a different gasket; maybe there is an aftermarket supplier that makes a good gasket for the 3.8l engine.
#350 of 804 96' Windstar - Many Problems
by jsitabkhan
Feb 08, 2001 (11:23 am)
I have 1996 Wind star which have shown many problems in the last 6mths. I have 50K miles on it.
1) Speedometer - cost $500,
2) Mass Air Flow sensor and Oxygen Sensor - $600,
3) Power Steering Pump - $300.
All this in a span of 6months. Its becoming very expensive to maintain this car. Its becoming more of a liability, then a asset.
#351 of 804 96 Windstar - Few problems
by crkeehn
Feb 08, 2001 (2:25 pm)
Presently has 79000 miles on it.
Replace Battery $70 (it was actually fine, more preventative than anything else)
Replace PCV Valve and hose $89 to diagnose about $35 for parts and labor
Feb 08, 2001 (10:09 pm)
My mechanic is waiting for your reply to my question. Sounds sensible and very good.
I will find out what I can. Thanks for the information. If we can get some mileage out of
this car everyone at school will be indebted to you.
#353 of 804 Whirliing Noise
by sel3
Feb 11, 2001 (10:36 am)
I have a 2000 SEL with 16k miles. I have been pretty happy thus far, but this week my wife noticed a whirling noise coming from the passenger-side engine compartment. This only happens when the van is moving. It is a low whirling/rumbling noise that ceases once the van stops. Sounds like it might be the beginning of a transmission or wheel bearing problem.
Has anyone had a similar experience?
#354 of 804 engine surge when braking
by horton4
Feb 12, 2001 (7:15 am)
I Bought a 1998 windstar 6 weeks earlier I am quite pleased with it however twice during braking or slowing for a stop sign and a rail crossing the engine has surged and the van jumped forward. After the last experience I spent the next day trying to duplicate the problem but it did not. My concern is the engine will surge when I,I braking in traffic and cause me to rear end someone. I am taking the car to the ford dealer for them to check it over . Has anyone else experienced this problem ??..
Feb 12, 2001 (2:24 pm)
I have now nearly made it through two winters with my '99 windstar se. no major problems other than rusting of the chrome inserts on the door mouldings. ford replaced them (under warranty)last year. This year I have cleanered and waxed them several times. but to no avail....they still rusted. the chrome inserts on the bumpers don't have any rust.....can you say plastic chrome. why they didn't use that everywhere is beyond me. i have had similar problems with the chrome wheels on my sable. i'm guessing they just use an inferior product and process for chrome these days. any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.