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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 216 of 261

#2150 of 2608 Intake manifold problem, Front struts by chud

Nov 21, 2005 (2:02 pm)

I too have joined the Intake Manifold Gasket problem club on my 2000 Ford Windstar. Dealer has just informed me it will cost $590.00 to fix. I found on another site that the tsb 03-16-1 issued from Ford addresses this problem and this person states the tsb states it is covered under the emissions warranty (8yr/80000 miles). Has anyone had sucess in having Ford cover this problem since it seems to be a design fault of Ford? If so please post, also has anyone had to replace the front struts at 70000 miles, this seems like a normal wear and tear issue but just wanted to check with the board to see if it really is. Thanks

#2151 of 2608 Re: 2002 windstar check engine light and idle noise [shumate1] by alcan

Nov 21, 2005 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: shumate1 (Nov 21, 2005 1:11 pm)
First step is to have the stored diagnostic trouble codes retrieved (AutoZone will do it no charge), post the code #'s, and we'll go from there. Any other approach is guesswork, and guesswork gets expensive in a hurry.

#2152 of 2608 Shutters by spann

Nov 22, 2005 (10:20 pm)

2002 windstar sel, 60,000 miles three problems.
 
#1 passenger door window will not roll down.
#2 sliding door passenger door doesn't always lock/unlock.
#3 only happens when A/C or heat are on. Engine shutters, almost feels as if you are running over a rumble strip, and it happens about every 30 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes, whether at a stand still or moving.
 
Any input would be greatly appreciated. HELP!!!

#2153 of 2608 Re: 99 Windstar pwr steering noise by treywinds

Nov 23, 2005 (6:39 am)

I have a '99 Windstar,78k miles,which has just developed the loud noise from the pwr steering pump.the fluid is blackish in color,and when new fluid was added, the sound ceased for a few days.Before adding fluid however,I noticed that fluid reservoir was wet.I started the vehicle,and had my wife turn the steering wheel back/forth,and sure enough,it was backing up through the cap.It seemed to back up more when the wheel was turned to the left.There is also now a stain in my driveway.Could this be:A)leaking rack,or B)pressure relief valve.If so, where is this valve located?

#2154 of 2608 LIGHT ENGINE GOES CRASY by victormeza

Nov 26, 2005 (10:42 am)

I JUST BOUGHT A 1998 WINDSTAR WITH 90,OOO MILES ON IT. I EXPECTED TO CHANGE SOME THINGS BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD CAR, TWO OF THEM WERE SPEEDOMETER SENSOR AND TRANSMISSION SENSOR. AFTER JUST 600 MILES WITH THIS CAR ONE COLD MORNING IN MARYLAND (I MEAN NOT SO COLD AROUND 30-40 oF) THE LIGHT ENGINE COMES UP AGAIN, BUT AFTER 50 MILES IT TURNED OFF, JUST LIKE IT COMES IT GOES.
 
DOES ANYBODY EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE.

#2155 of 2608 Head Gasket Dilemma by 7milehi

Nov 27, 2005 (5:21 pm)

My wife's 98 Windstar just blew the head gasket at 118,000 miles . Yes , coolant is in the crankcase . TMV only shows the trade-in value at $850 for this van in clean condition . This is a dog and supply hauler vehicle for her ,not the primary vehicle . But this van really serves a niche in our family and up until now it has been a good vehicle .
 
The dilemma is should I replace the head gasket and hope the main bearings don't go in a few thousand miles since coolant was in the crankcase , replace engine with a reman or junk it . Any ideas prices for head gasket fix vs. reman engine installation ?

#2156 of 2608 Re: Head Gasket Dilemma [7milehi] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 27, 2005 (5:56 pm)

Replying to: 7milehi (Nov 27, 2005 5:21 pm)
Hmmm.....tough call, very tough call. Retail value might be $2,500 or so. I wonder if you could find a replacement van for that in your area? Yikes rather severe depreciation on those, isn't it?
 
I guess the way to look at it is not in terms of actual dollars but rather amortization. If you put in a reman engine, and the rest of the van was tip-top, and you drove it for another 5 years, then it makes sense. But if the transmission gives up next month, then you are really in the hole. Risky in that regard.
 
I'd imagine replacing the head gasket is a lot of work on that van, and isn't going to be cheap, but it would be cheaper than a reman engine certainly. But sometimes there are reman specialists who can do the job pretty quickly.
 
Right now I'm leaning toward advising you to check out the used van market before you make a decision.

#2157 of 2608 Re: Head Gasket Dilemma [7milehi] by jeffyscott

Nov 28, 2005 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: 7milehi (Nov 27, 2005 5:21 pm)
I have a '97 with leaking timing cover and intake gaskets. Best price I got for replacing those is $1200 (dealer was $1700). There is overlap in the labor between those and head gaskets. I was told head gaskets could be done at the same time for 2 hours additional labor plus parts.
 
The other "might as well" stuff that has been suggested (water pump, timing set) adds another $150 or so. So if I did everything it would be maybe $1600.
 
I looked into a reman engine and got a price of $2900 for that. So for now I am just driving it on a very limited basis. Since the difference between engine replacement and repair is not all that much, I don't worry too much about completely wrecking the engine.
 
Mine has 95,000 miles. Coolant is disappearing on mine, but the oil still looks normal. Ours is an extra vehicle right now too and we really don't need a minivan any more...though it is nice to have it available on occassion.

#2158 of 2608 which oil to use? by nick2006matrix

Nov 28, 2005 (8:31 pm)

Ford recommends 5w20 oil for the 2001 Windstar. My local mechanic swears by 10w40. Is there a problem using 10w30 or 1010w40 in this engine?

#2159 of 2608 Re: which oil to use? [nick2006matrix] by jeffyscott

Nov 29, 2005 (7:09 am)

Replying to: nick2006matrix (Nov 28, 2005 8:31 pm)
Ford recommends 5w20 oil for the 2001 Windstar.
 
I assume you meant 5w-30? Why would you not just use what Ford recommends?
 
Here is information from someone who claims to be an oil expert:
 
http://www.nordicgroup.us/oil.htm#5W30%20versus%2010W30

Messages Page 216 of 261

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