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Ford Windstar Problems - READ ONLY

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

You are in the Ford Windstar Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Windstar, Van

Messages Page 124 of 261

#1231 of 2608 1999 ford windstar lx problems by kvlug

Jun 05, 2003 (4:22 am)

we bought our van three years ago and have had expensive problems each year. One year after we got it the rotors and drums needed to be replaced and most recently it was found that the right caliper is leeking around a piston and needs to be replaced. The dealership says that part should be covered under my warranty. Another problem that I haven't had looked at is the interior lights will flick on and off when I'm driving. It doesn't happen consistatly but it does jump me when it occurs. Has anyone else had this happen or have any ideas?

#1232 of 2608 2000 SE by mted23

Jun 05, 2003 (5:32 am)

I have a 2000 SE with 36000 miles. It seems since the gas stations around the Chicago area have swithced to their summer blend gas I have a pinging on acceleration. Any ideas on how to fix this problem? Sorry but I don't know what would be causing flickering interior lights. Thanks in advance for anybody's help.

#1233 of 2608 pinging by hault

Jun 06, 2003 (4:51 pm)

I have a 2000 w/26,000 miles. The last time I had my Windstar at the dealer for service (Nov or Dec 2002) they claimed there was a mandatory computer update that had something to do with the "pinging" problem I never personally experienced. I would have declined it,but they had already done it. Low and behold as the weather got warmer I heard some light pinging. I'm trying injector cleaner for now. You may want to consult the dealer about the computer update if your pinging is bad enough. Ford has had several service bulletins on the pinging issue. I would ask the dealer or consult "alldata.com".

#1234 of 2608 flickering lights by tmant

Jun 09, 2003 (9:14 am)

I can't say I've had the flickering light problem, but you might suspect that a door sensor is somehow being interpreted as being open. I've experienced something similar where my door ajar alert and relock of doors have occurred. It has not happened again. You might check the sliding door sensors and clean them.

#1235 of 2608 Transmission by dbram

Jun 09, 2003 (12:33 pm)

I have a 2000 SEL with 58,000 miles and the transimission went on it the other night. $2600 to repair. The van is in excellant shape and I have one more year of payments. This should not happen. My family and I have been loyal Ford purchasers for years but now I have given up. Looking elsewhere--any suggestions?
Honda Odessy/Toyota Sienna or maybe switching to an SUV--Acura MDX. Not sure but I definitely need 7 seats!!

#1236 of 2608 transmission by bdemas

Jun 10, 2003 (4:05 am)

dbram: Our 2000 SE just had the torque converter replaced for the 2nd time, we have 85K miles on it. What was replaced on your transmission?

#1237 of 2608 transmission by tmant

Jun 10, 2003 (8:08 am)

I'm so sorry to hear you did not at least gotten up to the 62k mark like I did before my transmission failed on my 2000 SE! It cost me about the same as you to repair, but then they found an air leak or something in my intake manifold so I ended up paying 3500+.
 
They told me my transmission was binding so I couldn't really tell you what was truly replaced in mine. And it would have cost at least another 1000 if I wanted to replace the transmission.

#1238 of 2608 Yellow paint should be standard for 1995 Windstar by laundryguy

Jun 10, 2003 (8:12 pm)

Would match the quality that was job 1 a few decades back. I suppose they had to change the name from Windstar to Freestar because the former's name has been destroyed in the market place. Brokenstar or Repairstar would describe my vehicle in its current condition.
 
I am ready to part ways with this repair demon after what appears a major decline in reliability this spring. I got a May, 1994, version - second month of production. Make no mistake - this car was solid for about 35k, then worse the next 65, and major fall off at 100k. Make no illusions about making 150k and beyond without serious investment.
 
Here is the list of goodies that have gone wrong in my illustrious ownership:
head gasket: 37,000 miles (very common problem)
transmission piston: 58,000 miles (cheap aluminum part has nice steel service part)
speedometer- on my second - never has worked since 40k - we "guess" at the speed as it bounces in a 10-15 mph zone
rust from the inside out just behind sliding door - appeared at 50k (4 years)
tie rod bent: mid 70's
rear wiper: casting snapped off in mid 60's with wet snow on blade
front 12V lighter - stopped working at 75k
 
Now the really expensive stuff:
Water pump at 102k
Ball joint at 110k (destoyed tire - other "lifetime" sealed ball joint about dead)
fuel injector on one cylinder jammed in wide open position at 114k - flooded the exhaust and engine with gasoline - 5 days later still trying to fix it. Took out two sensors and who knows what else. Car would still run in this dangerous situation. If you feel missing in the engine and smell gas, but no apparent leaks in engine or fuel lines or tank - stop the car - tow it - or suffer major damage. The combination of heat in the exhaust and gasoline can't be a good mix either. My mechanic says this is a common failure in F150 pickups too.
 
Scrap value may have been better investment than attempting to repair this vehicle with last failure with current trade value ($1400).
 
Looking to get a reliable Honda or Toyota van to replace it in the next few weeks. Most dealers groan if I mention the 1995 Windstar for trade. I may follow their suggestion and give to good will for a tax write off.
 
Soon-to-be-former-Windstar-owner

#1239 of 2608 From One Former 95 WS Owner to Another... by wholigan

Jun 12, 2003 (3:29 pm)

I got $1000 for my 105000 mile trade. The last (of four each) motor/tranny replacement was at 77000 miles.
 
Found a "variety" of values for it, however, the general "resale" value was $3600. In the 28% tax bracket, that has a charitable donation value of $1008.
 
Needless to say, I did not hassle with the writeoff. Anybody that buys a used 95 WS did not do their homework and will be punished (financially) appropriately!

#1240 of 2608 transmission by dbram

Jun 17, 2003 (8:30 am)

Replaced the entire transmission with a new, not rebuilt, one. Ford did give me a 3yr, 36,000 warranty on the new transmission. Wow. Too bad it is not transferrable for the next person that will own this car.
We have also replaced the tie rods, and had some kind of fuel injection problem last summer.

Messages Page 124 of 261

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