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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 134 of 262

#1326 of 2608 Windstar Head Gasket Issues by ehaven

Oct 13, 2003 (9:13 am)

Yet another sad story. I bought my 1997 Windstar used after the dealer assured me that "the old problems with the head gaskets aren't an issue anymore. We fixed that problem." Well, at 82,200 miles, guess what? Blown! This will cost me between $1500-$2000 to have repaired (assuming the whole engine isn't shot)! After reading the testimonies of several hundred other Windstar owners with the same problem, I thought "they're a big company-they'll do the right thing." What responses did I get from my dealer-as well as from Ford Motor Company itself upon asking for assistence?:
"Too bad you didn't buy the extended warranty"
"Sometimes these things happen"
"You must have been abusing the motor"
"What do you want me to do about it?"
"What did you expect with such a high-mileage vehicle?" Etc.
 
A quick lesson for the uninitiated. Head gaskets are considered a non-servicable part, and are expected to last the life of the vehicle (assuming you do the scheduled oil changes and coolant flushes). This should not have happened at 82K. The cause is the fact that the Ford 3.8L V6 is a flawed designed-and Ford is totally unwilling to own up to this fact. My advice to anyone shopping for a Windstar is simple: Don't Do It!

#1327 of 2608 electrical problems by tmant

Oct 14, 2003 (12:03 pm)

There was a recall for my 2000 SE on the delayed power accessories not turning off after 10 minutes or the first door opening. I never experienced the problem, but even after the 'fix' with the recall, I can simulate the same thing.
 
If you leave the key in the accessory position (down from lock) and leave it in for say 5 minutes. You can then remove the key and everything will still function. Put the car to on and removing the key will reset it and everything will turn off again.
 
Anyway, you may want to see if your van is part of that recall.

#1329 of 2608 Rear vent by samnoe

Oct 26, 2003 (8:54 am)

I have a minor problem with my 2002 Windstar. Sometimes the right side rear quarter window will not open. I have to try a few times, then it "wakes up" and start function like normal. Thus happens about once every week.
 
Any ideas?

#1330 of 2608 billbr by samnoe

Oct 26, 2003 (9:01 am)

Your '95 Windstar is a first year model - which is not good even should it be a Toyota.
 
Even though Ford is not known as a reliable car maker, they're not this bad anymore. They're improving now, and with the new 2004 Freestar all the engine and transmission problems are gone - at least this what's they say.

#1331 of 2608 Replacing outside mirrors by wallywest

Oct 27, 2003 (9:23 am)

I have a '99 Windstar SEL. No real problems so far, I've got 55,000 miles on it.
 
I did manage to break the passenger side mirror though. The mirror itself is cracked and a piece of the black plastic guard around it is broken off. I got a replacement mirror (just the mirror, not the whole mirror assembly), but I can't figure out how to get the other one off. I've removed the entire mirror assmebly from the car. Presumably there is some way to take it apart from there, but I can't see how. It looks like the plastic is one single piece with no way to remove the mirror itself and replace it. Anyone know how to do this? Maybe there's some special tool I need, I don't know. I don't want to replace the whole thing because that's like $150. The mirror itself was just $20.

#1332 of 2608 busted mirror by steve_ HOST

Oct 27, 2003 (9:36 am)

I busted the mirror housing on my '99 Quest - the Quest used a lot of Ford parts, so maybe it's a similar design. If so, you're probably about done with taking it apart! I put epoxy on mine to hold it together and it holds up for a couple of years at a time.
 
The mirror is often glued on so maybe some heat will loosen it so you can pry it off from the housing. If you get stuck, try an auto glass store for help.
 
Steve, Host

#1333 of 2608 2003 Windstar SE by sa0967

Oct 28, 2003 (1:39 pm)

I just bought my wife a 2003 SE. Has anyone had any problems with this year and model. As much up front help I can get will be helpful to look for. She only puts about 10K a year on her Cars and babys them. Always dealer maintained. Thanks.

#1334 of 2608 overall poor mechanics by ginmom

Oct 28, 2003 (9:35 pm)

My husband and I bought a 96 windstar totally decked with all the extras anticpating that it would be our last vehicle for years. unfortunately within the first year we had already replaced the brakes every 3 -4 months. We found out that the windstar is too heavy for the frame of a taurus. In addition if you live on any type of hill it adds to the problmen. To fix it we were told ford has a new brake package that costs around 2 thousand. Since then we have replaced just about everything in the car. 1 engine, 2 trans, senors, head gaskets, batteries, windshield, fuel pumps etc. I've read that some people have also had problems with windshields all of a sudden cracking. We realize now that ford doesn't care about its customers. They know they have a problem but their attitude is pure neglectful and deceitful. We will be trading this car in soon if the check engine light doesn't go off again. Within the last 9 months we've spent over 3grand in repairs and this is typical of the yearly repairs. ps. the car has only 97K miles. unfortunately we love the way it handles and the interior. But the cost to own way exceeds this van's good points. we will never buy another ford product ever.

#1335 of 2608 95 Windstar ABS problem-activates @ <10mph by notlem

Oct 31, 2003 (2:22 pm)

Ford replaced complete engine at 55k miles because of head gaskets. Less than 50k miles later both head gaskets blew again. We had a local mechanic do the repairs and when test driving the ABS activates a low speeds such as <10 mph. It will activate going straight or turning either direction, however turning left is the most frequent and NO faults or lights come on. The local mechanics has checked all over, I have taken it to Ford to have it scanned and all four wheel sensors are ok? HELP?? Its back at Ford waiting to get checked out again Monday, ANY suggestions or experiences similar.
Thanks
notlem

Messages Page 134 of 262

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