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Ford Windstar Problems - READ ONLY

2608 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 8:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Windstar, Van

Messages Page 108 of 262

#1065 of 2608 2000 traction control by cheesehead5

Dec 12, 2002 (11:10 pm)

This 2000 sel I've owned for just about a year and this last week was the first time I've driven in the snow and first time in a vehicle with trac cont. When the front tires spin apparently the traction control is linked to anti-lock brakes that they feel can some how help to correct the spin. Raised in Wis and driving in snow my whole life I don't need the help. The question I have for anyone out there with this van does this feature sound like some kind of rhythmic grind. Like something is terribly wrong, the ironic thing is when I hear this god awful noise my foot comes off the gas and the tires gain traction anyway. The dealer says this is normal due to the unfortunate placement of the unit right under the drivers feet. Though due to my chronic mistrust of car dealers especially Ford I'm reaching out to you. This is my first Windstar so for comparisons I drove a 2003 and trac cont was silent in comparison.
Is this sound consistent with this year and model or should I press the issue with the dealer. 6 months left on warranty.

#1066 of 2608 2000 Ford Windstar SEL Problems by gleigh103

Dec 13, 2002 (5:24 pm)

I am an unhappy Ford owner. At 44,000 miles and 2.5 years old, my brake rotors had to be replaced because they were to thin. The paint is peeling off my roof rack rails. The power steering rack and pump is leaking that will cost $2000 to replace. Since it is past the warranty period, Ford is unwilling to shoulder any responsibility. I am going to get rid of it as soon as I can. Ford is using inferior materials to save weight and it shows up later on. If you buy a Ford, you should opt for the extended warranty. I recommend a Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.

#1067 of 2608 Possible fix for Windstar 3.8 stalling going to idle by lares

Dec 13, 2002 (9:52 pm)

There is a vacuum valve on the left side of the engine: Part number CK-2259 is just to the rear of the alternator (it is easy to see). I don't know what this is called actually but it is controlled by a small vacuum hose on the top, has an electrical connection on the side and a linkage to what appears to be the rear head. It is held on by 2 screws. When the idle drops down, this valve is activated and pulls on the linkage thus preventing the engine from stalling. It took me all of 15 minutes to get it off and $200 from the dealer for a replacement part!! (bunch of thieves - no return or warranty unless their technician would do the work and they want 2-3 work hours) To test the valve with the engine off, disconnect the vacuum hose on the top, push the linkage in and put your finger on the opening for the vacuum hose to create a seal. The linkage should stay in. If it comes out you need a new valve.

#1068 of 2608 Simonrocks- by roadrascal

Dec 15, 2002 (7:56 am)

the lower intake manifold is one piece. Our '96 had the same problem, and it was replaced twice under warranty (had an extended warranty). This seems to be a common problem, not only with the 3.8 enigne, but also with the 3.0 24 valve motor that's common with the Taurus, Sable, and others. It's a poor design and most of the time it's caused by carbon buildup that keeps the butterfly valves from closing fully. On our Windstar, the IMRC seals failed (o-rings on the shafts) which should be a $.20 part, but due to Ford's ingenious engineering, the whole lower intake needs to be replaced. I have a small writeup about it on my site under the 'Ford 3.8 headgasket failures' section at www.geocities.com/tekyle2000. See if the dealer can kick in the part for free and you pay the labor.

#1069 of 2608 Ford 2000 Windstar by carpool3

Dec 16, 2002 (9:37 pm)

We own a 2000 Windstar. When it reached the 20M mile mark we have had nothing but trouble. On one particular day the car just would not start. I called roadside assistance and after a few days in the shop the car was returned to me only for the same thing to happen again....and then 3 times over. Ford claims this is all due to minor mechanical problems. However my 5 year old waiting for mom to pick him up at school in 30 degree weather will not understand this..nor does mom want to make him wait due to a car that won't start...... yet we still pay close to $600 a month for!!!!! Finally a new starter was put into the car but I still need to jimmy the steering wheel at times to get it to start. If this isn't enough the rear passenger door sudenly came ajar on me while driving on the highway with my youngest child susseptable to this danger sitting in the back seat. No answer on this yet. I'm very disturbed, wooried for safety and wondering if anyone else has experienced similar problems?

#1070 of 2608 Windstar by robger99

Dec 21, 2002 (2:00 pm)

Am looking at buying a used van for my wife as our lease is up in Jan. Have been considering a 2000 Windstar lx/sel as the used prices seem to have dropped through the floor on these vehicles. Apparently there are a lot coming off lease. I am starting to get concerned about the reliability in relation to transmissions/water pumps etc. I hate spending upwards of 1500.00 for an extended warranty but am thinking that might be almost a necessity with this vehicle. Any advice would be appreciated.

#1071 of 2608 I will never buy another Ford again. by uicfe

Dec 21, 2002 (10:10 pm)

'99 Windstar LX is a piece of junk. First, the passenger window wouldn't open all the way down - fixed under warranty. Then, the fuel pump died at 40K miles - $500. Front brake rotors too thin - $400. Rear speakers come on/off with every bump. Now, at 57K the transmission is shifting roughly from 1st to 2nd and the O/D light flashes - about $2000, rebuilt.

And to think I bought this thing to safely carry my family around. I've had Honda cars all my life and never had problems. I gave Ford a chance with the minivan, thinking they've learned their lesson regarding quality and because Honda dealers got too arrogant for my taste when we were looking at the Oddysey. I will never give Ford another chance.

#1072 of 2608 Rough Idle and Crunching Suspension by antonio95

Dec 23, 2002 (6:46 pm)

We have a 2001 LX, and have been reasonably happy with it, although we only have 10k miles so far. We have two minor problems which I wanted to see if anyone else had them as well. While waiting for a red light, with the foot on the brake and the van in drive, we get a surging of the engine that you can feel through the steering wheel, and see the tach jump up 250 to 500 rpms. Doens't happen in Park, only in drive. My other niggling problem is a crunching suspension that "crunches" or clicks into place when starting out, but doesn't happen again until the car has been parked for a while and I start out again. Dealer says they couldn't replicate it, but it is happening with more frequency now. Will take it in in a month or so, but wanted to see if anyone else had similar problems. Thanks!

#1073 of 2608 2002 SEL Stalling Problem by vezini2003

Dec 27, 2002 (6:11 am)

Hello:
 
I have a three month old 2002 SEL Windstar. My Windstar is starting to have a problem with stalling. The problem occurs after I have driven the car for an hour or so, then turn it off for a short time, then when I re-start the engine, it often stalls. The only way to keep it from stalling is to increase RPM's to around 2K. This is an issue in that when I approach a stop light I have to place the car into neutral and give it some gas to keep it from stalling.
 
So far the vehicle has been at the dealer a total of five days and they cannot replicate the problem. They did give me a loaner, so they are trying to give me good service.
 
I sure would appreciate any advice!!! The can't duplicate problem answer is getting sour.
 
Thanks!
 
Vezini

#1074 of 2608 1999 Sliding Doors and Reverse Sensor by doobie

Jan 01, 2003 (2:36 pm)

1999 REVERSE SENSOR STOPS WORKING WHEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT CATCH PROPERLY AT REAR LATCH THUS DOOR IS NOT FLUSH WITH BODY SIDE.
 
THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FIXED BY FORD BEFORE. THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. I need help.
 
Please advise.

Messages Page 108 of 262

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