2608 messages,
Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 8:51 PM
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Ford Windstar, Van
#2133 of 2608 Windstar coolant and oil light???? HELP needed
by windstarquest
Nov 11, 2005 (3:43 pm)
We recently bought a ford windstar minivan v6 3.8l.
I did a tune-up (based on Haynes and hints from other forumists) and change couple things such as the air filter and / the drivebelt.
While exploring the engine, here is what I discovered:
The coolant had a strange color (dirty?) and seemed contaminated and the engine oil seemed to have lost its viscoity (I changed the oil recently!) and appear black. However, I have not noticed a drop in the level of the coolant tank since I bought the car. What could the problem be?
Someone told me that they might have put a stop leak in the coolant just so that they could sell it and maybe there is this "famous headgasket problem" with the car (I am nervous about this). Does anyone know of the least expensive way to replace them if that is the case? Are there TSB on the 1998? I now know that there was recall on the 1995. I can not find any apparent leak from the exhaust. What could be hap
pening?
Also the other day, the oil pressure light started flickering but then dissappeared.
#2134 of 2608 Re: My moaning.. whining van.. please help [adksboi]
by waterbayou
Nov 12, 2005 (1:16 am)
Dear Sir;
Hey I own a 2002 ford windstar lx my power steering moans and whines been replaced, rack pinion replaced strut mount plates replaced power steering pressure switch replaced high pressure power steering line replaced pump pressure checked ran at 1475 lbs. 295 degrees showed to be fine. Power steering still moans especially in cold weather. I have no clue I think it is a defect somewhere probably in the rack,pinion.Oh by the way mine has stiff hard steering especially in cold weather does yours also mine goes from easy steering to stiff steering does yours give me a answer thanks.
#2135 of 2608 Re: My moaning.. whining van.. please help [waterbayou]
by lisap21
Nov 12, 2005 (4:01 pm)
We have the same problem! I have had the power steering pump replaced. It was good for 12,000 miles now the noise is back when we have been driving for a while. I have had one mechanic say I should replace the rack and two others say that is not necessary. I am hesitant to do anything b/c it does not seem that after everything you did it made a difference. My other friends van, same as ours, is doing the same thing. Ford told her it is normal that Windstars are notorious for loud power steering. Right! So loud you can hear it above the radio? I am tempted to drive it until it goes.
#2136 of 2608 2000 Windstar Power Steering
by saleenpwr
Nov 12, 2005 (5:26 pm)
I checked the power streering fluid and it was a blackish color and was hoping someone could help me with this. I thought the fluid was supposed be a light color. Any help would be grateful.
#2137 of 2608 Re: check engine light [alcan]
by craftychica
Nov 14, 2005 (6:06 pm)
Will someone PLEASE tell me what each warning light represents?
I can't seem to find any descriptions on these lights. I have 2002 Windstar SE. And A yellow light has just came on with a yellow exclamation point!
Thanks for your help!
Nov 14, 2005 (11:11 pm)
Traded in the 1996 windstar GL today. I feel like a big weight has been lifted.
Martin Luthor King said it best: "Free at last..free at last...thank God almighty, I'm free at last!!!"
#2139 of 2608 Re: 2000 wind star sel codes and problems [ckriley]
by soldonpatti
Nov 15, 2005 (2:04 pm)
Ckriley in response to your question on code po171. We changed the PVC valve and the air filter which eliminated po171 . Code po174 is still on. We have checked the vacume lines they look good, we did a tune up even though the van ran great the orginal wires were on (140000). Our defrost vents are the only ones that work and the back vent that blows hot air not cold. If anyone has hints for us we would be glad to hear them.
#2140 of 2608 What do I do about my loud power steering?
by csw1
Nov 16, 2005 (12:52 pm)
I have a '99 Windstar and the power steering is really loud. It started as a sqeak when I would turn the wheel but now it moans all the time. Does anyone know what this problem is and what do I do about it? Or should I take it to my mechanic? Now it is so loud that I can hear it even when the radio is on! Help!
#2141 of 2608 Windstar upper plenum failure
by nick2006matrix
Nov 17, 2005 (7:02 pm)
2001 Windstar SE. The upper plenum is broken (part under the plastic cover above center of engine). The dealer says that they must remove the intake manifold to repair. I have an aftermarket warranty and that company will only pay for the upper replacement. The dealer says it can't be done like that. Does anyone know of any technical documentation that supports the dealer's fix. The warranty company says that they will reconsider the claim if I can get support to show that this must be done in order to make the repair. Thanks
#2142 of 2608 Re: check engine light [craftychica]
by nick2006matrix
Nov 18, 2005 (12:45 am)
It could be the low tire pressure warning light. Check for a low tire. After correcting problem start the car and hold tire reset button in until light goes out.