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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 145 of 262

#1437 of 2608 Coolant contamination. by mark6

Jul 19, 2004 (2:02 pm)

Hi guys.
I have a 1996 Windstar V6/3.8L with 173K km, and I just noticed contaminated coolant with oil, in the coolant reservoir. I have talked to my mechanic, and he said that Ford issued a TSB about this problem back in 1999. I have phoned FORD Canada, and they said this was just an advisory not a recall, and told me to go away. Am I being unreasonable asking Ford to cover the repair of the known problem? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

#1438 of 2608 Re: Coolant contamination. [mark6] by wijoco

Jul 21, 2004 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: mark6 (Jul 19, 2004 2:02 pm)
You're way past the mileage for any assistance from Ford.
140,000 miles is better than average for most vehicles, why does Ford owe you anything for it now? Pray to the car gods and thank them you got that much out of a Ford 3.8, junk it and move on. It's not worth fixing or replacing the engine. Once it's contaminated, it's cooked.

#1439 of 2608 Re: Air bag light on [ramou] by john54

Jul 22, 2004 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: ramou (Mar 22, 2004 12:50 pm)
The air bag light on my 2000 Windstar SEL has started coming on as well at 50,000. Started blinking after 5-10 minutes of driving then stayed on. The dash digital clock lost about two hours on the same day the air bag light started blinking. Clock problem hasn't recurred (yet). Ford dealer suggested it may be due to the battery getting old (it's now 5 years old) and low voltage condition. Apparently they've seen that problem before. It's hard to imagine low voltage happening during alternator operation, but it it may be possible. Last two days it hasn't come on. I plan to buy a new battery soon.

#1440 of 2608 Re: at witts end for my 96 windstar by gordon24 Jun 24, 2004 (8:28 pm) [takboof] by prospective2

Jul 23, 2004 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: takboof (Jul 12, 2004 9:10 pm)
I would echo his comments -- you may be about to have a head gasket problem.
 
I had my expensive'96 Windstar 3.8 liter defective head gasket job that Ford should cover but won't because they don't care about their customers at 86,000 miles. Two years later, I am only at 99,000 and when the check engine light went on recently the mechanic told me I needed a 100,000 mile tuneup. Now the tune up is done, the light came on again and he says the number 4 cylinder is misfiring and may be leaking -- i.e. the gasket is failing again. Moral of the story: Beware of spending money on a tuneup before checking for the infamous gasket problem.

#1441 of 2608 john54/air bags by laundryguy

Jul 24, 2004 (5:08 pm)

Same symptoms at almost 100k, but reset of the radio was also found rather than the clock. Took and had battery test run - battery was shot. Air bag light never came on again. Got 8 years out of original battery - not bad.

#1442 of 2608 I may have you all beat! by thomasj

Jul 27, 2004 (7:33 pm)

My 2001 Windstar SE blew it's transmission on Saturday on our way back from vacation leaving my family stranded 200 miles from home. The vehicle has only 22,000 miles on it but is 3 months out of warranty. $3,000 to put a rebuilt tranny in. We are having it towed to our local dealer who is going to work with us on a trade (the wife has no confidence in the vehicle now). Thankfully the dealership also sells Honda - hoping to get into an Odessy at a reasonable price.

#1443 of 2608 windstar radiator fan won't go on by ormz

Jul 30, 2004 (12:04 pm)

like many of you I too have had some of these problems. now i noticed that my radiator fans don't go on at all. i checked all the fuses and there is no mention about relays .anybody help please

#1444 of 2608 98 windstar hot air/service engine light by dhorydg

Jul 31, 2004 (7:43 pm)

In reference to message 1409, my 98 windstar also blows hot air in the rear. It also has intermittent "service engine light" on. Any help to fix would be appreciated.

#1445 of 2608 00 Windstar 70K miles by seloo

Aug 02, 2004 (9:27 pm)

I took the van to the dealership today for the following:
 
Power door locks not working (problem inside the door panel)
Clicking/knocking noise from the engine (new intake manifold)
Broken compass/temp module behind the rear view mirror (Replacing)
Loose front end (new tie rods)
AC takes sometime to cool (dealer claims that nothing is wrong, and wants to charge me $80 for troubleshooting)
 
Based on the messages on this board this seems to be normal issues for this van.
 
ESP is covering all the costs, I highly recommend this product, its has paid for itself and then some.
 
Troubleshooting charge? I have never heard or ever been asked to pay this charge. Anyone ever heard of this with a van under a Ford warranty? I do not plan on paying for this charge!

#1446 of 2608 trouble shooting charge by hault

Aug 03, 2004 (12:01 pm)

I have a 2000 Windstar w/40,000 miles. I have had FORD charge me also when they could not verify problems. I just save the receipts and plan on adding it to my deductible when they find the problem. My Windstar has had some problems including the lack of cooling from the front air conditioner. They replaced an "O-Ring" kit and it seemed to help. Also had transmission seals replaced, tie rods. Overall I am pleased with the van so far. I have 6/60 extended warranty. I lived through a 95 Windstar.

Messages Page 145 of 262

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