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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 197 of 262

#1952 of 2608 Two Problems -Brake Light and Window by jessie3

Jul 29, 2005 (3:44 pm)

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar with only 25,000 miles on it and nothing but trouble. It has been in the shop,thankfully, under warranty, for so much nonsense I cant even remember. Warranty is over (of course I didn't take extended warranty) NOW the problem is the brake light continues to come on and off (brake light and ABS light) - I took it to Ford and they weren't sure, (!) my mechanic looked at it today and replaced a switch on the master cylinder that was bad and sensing that the fluid was low -- the brake fluid has never gone down, no leaks. He thought that fixed it, well the light is back on again tonite.... so now what????
 
The power window, driver's side, has been replaced FOUR times and again it isn't working.. I dont have to pay for the motor as it is under warranty, but still WHAT IS THE DEAL with this?
 
I WILL NEVER buy a Ford again, NEVER.
 
Anyway just venting -any ideas on the above?
thanks
Jessie

#1953 of 2608 RE: 2001 WINDOW OUTAGES [lucca] by jessie3

Jul 29, 2005 (3:48 pm)

Replying to: lucca (Jul 19, 2005 4:49 pm)
I just wanna tell you that I have the same problem continually. One day the rear windows both work, the next, only one, the next day -none, the next day both. I think they are possessed. The driver's window, I have replaced that motor 4 times and it isnt working again. What a piece of junk these Fords are.... sorry to say....

#1957 of 2608 Re: Two Problems -Brake Light and Window [jessie3] by dani3boyz

Jul 31, 2005 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: jessie3 (Jul 29, 2005 3:44 pm)
OMG.... it sounds like you have been driving MY van!
 
I have the same van with 32,000 miles on it and the ABS has been a source of trouble since day ONE! I need to replace the left front axle for the second time and the right front axle was replaced about two months ago. I'm no mechanic but this is what I've been told.....
 
The ABS sensor lens (I think that's what it's called - it tells the system whether your wheels are locked, spinning, etc.) is on the axle and has a tendency to corrode and crack (sometimes to the point of dangling off). If it cracks and the "eye" (I don't know what else to call it) isn't seeing the wheel where it should, it makes the ABS kick in every time you apply the brake. I drove around like this for and extended time and eventually the ABS stopped kicking in and the ABS light just continually stayed on. It is my understanding that the ABS light on means that your ABS system is NOT functional at that time and will not kick in if needed. My brake light has been coming on intermittently, too. The only solution for this is getting the axle replaced, apparently. The axle replacement cost me about $800 each time from my local mechanic. The dealer wanted $1200.
 
Has your anti-lock kicked in during normal braking? If so, this may be your problem.
 
At this point I'm am just biding my time until I replace this heap of scrap metal and plastic so I'm not going to replace the axle again. I drove cars without anti-lock brakes as an option forever... I'll just make believe that this one never had it to begin with.
 
I also need a motor for my driver-side window but I'm not going to replace that either. If I hit the button enough times, it goes up or down eventually. My engine light goes on for no apparent reason and only goes off if my mechanic re sets it. His scan thingy tells him that a clog was detected somewhere but when he checks it out, there isn't anything wrong. It usually goes back on about 24 hours later. I give up on that one, too. Also, my back windows occasionally don't open for a day or two but then work just fine.
 
My van's newest trick is "Guess how fast you're going!". The speedometer jumps up and down about 10 mph in each direction while I'm driving at a steady speed. Something tells me that this is related to axle needing to be replaced but who knows.
 
Again, I'm not claiming to know what I'm talking about but this is the way I interpreted what the dealership and my mechanic have told me. Good luck with your lemon.
 
HTH,
Dani

#1958 of 2608 Re: Refueling Problem... [mgraphic] by dani3boyz

Jul 31, 2005 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: mgraphic (Jul 06, 2005 1:34 pm)
Same thing happened to me while I was still in warranty. I'd only get a few gallons in and not only would in kick off as if it was full.... but it would SPEW gas out at me like a fountain! I believe the dealer replaced the gas tank but seeing as I wasn't paying for it, my memory could be failing me.

#1959 of 2608 Re: Two Problems -Brake Light and Window [dani3boyz] by jessie3

Aug 01, 2005 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: dani3boyz (Jul 31, 2005 2:57 pm)
Im laughing at your reply... I finally had a REPUTABLE mechanic today replace my power window motor and the one he took out was an after market piece of junk, so my now EX mechanic was really ripping me off. I hope all is well with this one now. The ABS n brake lights, well I am gonna ignore them. The brakes seem fine to me, the same as they always were. I wouldn't know the ABS from normal brakes anyway, then again I am a blonde!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#1960 of 2608 DRN by drn

Aug 02, 2005 (8:33 am)

I have a 2001 Windstar that has a problem in the front temperature control. I am unable to adjust the temperature by turning the knob. Any ideas out there?
Thanks, DRN

#1961 of 2608 Re: Two Problems -Brake Light and Window [jessie3] by dani3boyz

Aug 03, 2005 (9:13 pm)

Replying to: jessie3 (Aug 01, 2005 7:25 pm)
Hi Jessie,
How much did the window motor end up running you? I've never even priced it. I've seen a TON of window issues on this site... can this be coincidental or will Ford ever fess up and admit that it's an inherent defect and start covering the repairs? I doubt it but it's good to dream once in a while.
 
You would totally know that your ABS was kicking in....... when you apply the brake it makes this horrible brake-grinding sound while it's trying to NOT let you stop. The brake pedal sort of kicks back at you and the van keeps lunging forward. Real fun stuff!!! First time it happened, it scared the bejeezus out of me!
 
Glad you found yourself a good mechanic. Finding a mechanic you can trust is harder than finding a good doctor.

Messages Page 197 of 262

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