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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 148 of 262

#1463 of 2608 98 Ford Windstar Stalling problem by ronknapp6937

Aug 30, 2004 (9:04 pm)

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar and Im having a lot of problems with this van. The only main problem Im concerned about is the van ONLY stalls when I apply the brake when coming to a stop. I can put the vehicle in neutral or park and it starts right back up with no problem. Also it idles very rough. I have taken it to the Ford dealer and the problems keep on persisting. Any replies are greatly appreciated.

#1464 of 2608 Windstar SE, 2003 by c33

Aug 31, 2004 (6:03 am)

Help - my 2003 SE has a wiring harness (?) in the overhead console at the edge of the windshield.
This is not wiring going to light at back of console.
The overhead console can be dropped down by removing one screw and pulling down to remove console from clamps - easy to do. The wiring harness (?) does not look like factory installed. If you have a 03 SE please drop your
overhead console and check for wiring at /near windshield - this may be a tracking device.
 
03 SE owners - thanks for your help.
 
c33

#1465 of 2608 Tranny Clunk, Reverse Only by peterz

Aug 31, 2004 (12:46 pm)

I notice that the loud clunk at a traffic light, followed by a transmission that goes only in reverse seems to be a widespread problem. Does anyone know what actually goes out on the tranny when this happens? It happened to me last Saturday.
 
peterz

#1466 of 2608 Re: Tranny Clunk, Reverse Only [peterz] by wijoco

Sep 01, 2004 (5:55 pm)

Replying to: peterz (Aug 31, 2004 12:46 pm)
Oh boy, that sure sounds like the good old forward piston failing. What year Windstar? 95-96 failed due to an aluminum piston that cracked. And some later year models failed due to the new bonded rubber seal on the redesigned steel piston that separated. In other words, Ford magically found a way to re-engineer the same failure. Either way it's big $$$.

#1467 of 2608 Re: Ford Winstar 95 - Air Conditioner Problem [amil] by wijoco

Sep 01, 2004 (6:00 pm)

Replying to: amil (Aug 29, 2004 6:54 pm)
I can't guess what may be wrong without seeing some test data, so my only suggestion would be to take it to a shop that specializes in auto A/C repair. They'll most likely find the problem whereas a general mechanic may be stumped.

#1468 of 2608 Re: 99 Ford Winstar Problems [tug731] by wijoco

Sep 01, 2004 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: tug731 (Aug 30, 2004 9:31 am)
At that mileage, you can pretty much forget $ assistance. My suggestion would be to first determine the cost of replacing the failed part. If it's less than half the cost of a full trans replacement, then it may be sensible considering the relatively low mileage on the other parts in your transmission. If you go for a full rebuild, consider the costs of an independent shop versus a Ford factory rebuilt at a dealer. If they're fairly close, go with the dealer transmission as it will carry a 3/36 warranty and you'll probably get as good or better warranty service from the selling dealer than an indie.

#1469 of 2608 Re: 98 Ford Windstar Stalling problem [ronknapp6937] by wijoco

Sep 01, 2004 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: ronknapp6937 (Aug 30, 2004 9:04 pm)
What was done at the dealer? I ask because there were a number of "programs" (Ford's term for reimbursed non-warranty non-recall repairs) on the valve cover/PCV systems on late-90s Windstars> Symptopms were similar to what you're describing. Basically Ford screwed up the entire valve cover design on those 3.8s and caused all sorts of driveability problems like high idle/stalling/low idle/pinging/loss of power.
If you feel the dealer is making an honest effort, give them a few chances to fix it. If not, express your dissatisfaction and go to another dealer.

#1470 of 2608 re:ford windstar problems by tug731

Sep 02, 2004 (10:02 am)

Well I took it to my trusted mechanic and the transmission is shot. It will cost 2500 to 3000 for a re manufactured transmission to replace it, good thing is that the reman tranny carries a 3/36,000 mile warranty. That is my course of action. I am disappointed that this part failed, I will consider other auto manufacturers when replacing this vehicle. Thanks for your input.

#1471 of 2608 re:ford windstar problems [tug731] by jtk152

Sep 03, 2004 (5:50 pm)

Replying to: tug731 (Sep 02, 2004 10:02 am)
tug- out of curiosity, did you ever have the automatic transmission fluid changed out in your windstar prior to the transaxle failure? The AX4N (2001+) & AX4S transaxles seem to fail early unless you do regular ATF changeouts on them- like every 25K miles. The large/heavy windstar puts a HUGE load on these transaxles & overheats the ATF. The ATF in my 2001 LX looked & smelled BAD 34K miles. Sorry to hear yours bombed so early. You will find this same situation is true with any domestic minivan. Gotta keep the ATF clean & fresh!! Make sure to use ONLY Mercon 5 in newer fords (1999+)
G/luck
Joel

#1472 of 2608 96 Windstar Problems by engenlow

Sep 03, 2004 (8:48 pm)

reading this made me make a list:
35k, tranny shot, rebuilt by Ford.
67k starter and torque converter problems. Replaced starter, new seal on torque converter.
88K beginning of serious coolant leak. We all know what that probably means....
 
No support from FORD or dealer. Even tried to trade it in on another Ford, but the trade in value SUCKED! Ford dealers know they are a problem car. Got a much higher trade in quote from a Toyota dealer.
 
My wife has an Explorer, NO Problems and it's older. Why won't Ford built a decent mini van?
Now, is it time for a Nissan, Toyota to Honda?
Yes, that's my real question, I have enough stress in my life without worrying about about a "family hauler" breaking down.

Messages Page 148 of 262

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