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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 78 of 262

#764 of 2608 1999 Windstar Pinging Problem by rascar66

Dec 19, 2001 (9:39 pm)

It took me eleven months to get my pinging problem solved, but it is solved. First of all, KEVWH, the TSB which is the "Factory Fix" is TSB 00-21-8, dated 10/09/00. This work was done to my car and it did not work. In the end the Dealer had to totally replace the PCM. They can re-boot, re-program, re-calibrate the PCM but only the replacement worked. I live in SE NC and the dealer[car had 19k on it when I bought it] was reasonable to work with. I spent much time right here on Edmunds.com educating myself to all the difficulties others were having with the "pinging 99's." Then once I had a fat file of documentation I let the Dealer know that I knew what was going on. That helped immensely.
Do NOT switch to high test gas - it tends to carbon up the engine which becomes yet another problem. Stay with a Major Brand Regular - like AMOCO, for example. There is a recall on 99 WS Trans also. Try #00B51 that may be the number. Seems like your Dealer Service Dept is not well motivated to help. If thats the case try another Ford Dealer if convenient.

#765 of 2608 Speep sensor cost by penguin

Dec 24, 2001 (2:01 pm)

My beloved Ford dealer charged $32.oo for the speed sensor and 3 hours 60/hr to replace it.

#767 of 2608 RE: Latest Problem.... by crkeehn

Dec 25, 2001 (7:36 am)

Either the sliding door contacts may be dirty or the switch built into the tailgate latch. For the sliding door contacts, look in the doorframe, you should see four silver circles that make contact with four plungers built into the door. Try cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser. You might want to try that first. With the switch in the tailgate, spray some contact cleaner into the latch mechanism.

#769 of 2608 Latest problem by 5greyhounds

Jan 02, 2002 (5:54 am)

I had the same problem with my 95. The contacts were dirty. I cleaned them every few months and had no trouble. It was totaled a few months ago and I picked up a 99 SE. The contacts were dirty and I cleaned them up. So far no trouble with it.

#770 of 2608 Grunting or Grinding by rkarray

Jan 02, 2002 (9:15 am)

2000 Windstar on acceleration has grunting noise. Does anyone know the TSB Number in relation to this problem which I read here happened on the 99 model.

#771 of 2608 Thanks for the help with the door dinger problem. by penguin

Jan 02, 2002 (11:18 am)

I cleaned the contacts on the sliding door and sprayed contact cleaner on the liftgate latches, but it stills dings. Interesting though, when it is cold, and it has been in the 20's at night here, it doesn't ding. It seems it just does it when the temperature is warmer. Also, I can drive with the indicator saying the door is ajar and then sometimes, it just goes out after a few miles. Oh well. It's a Ford.

#772 of 2608 99 Windstar many repairs now "top end" by soooey

Jan 03, 2002 (12:05 pm)

I have owned this 99 WS since May of 99. Presently has about 65K miles. So far we have replaced ball joints at about 25K, several sensors, complete front brakes and now the latest..... about 3 months ago, the engine light came on. At that time the dealer did not know if it was the sensor or a real problem. They replaced the sensor costing me over $200. This past weekend the light comes back on, now they tell me the top end needs to be replaced. Is this code for the gasket problem of earlier years? "They want to make me a deal and have Ford cover 80% of the cost since I always get my service at the dealer". Estimate is $200.00 to me. I figure it should be covered by the sensor I replaced 3 months ago!
 
I too have fought with them over the pinging issue, but had not found this site until today. I have printed several of the posts and will take them with me when we get the van back...Thanks for the ammunition. Dave

#773 of 2608 99 Windstar Pinging Problem by kevwh

Jan 05, 2002 (2:47 pm)

Thanks, rascar66, for the in-depth information about my pinging problem. It made me feel armed and ready to do battle with my dealership! I called the service manager and explained my pinging problem, again, and gave him the TSB on it. He looked up the history of my van, and, shockingly, this TSB had not been performed on my van, even though I purchased it from them many months after this "fix" was issued. I took them my van a couple of days later to get this fix performed, and, of course, TSB 00-21-8 didn't work, just as you said. The pinging is still there, although it's not as pronounced as before, but it is still loud enough to annoy me. I told the service manager if this TSB fix didn't work, then he needed to replace the PCM. He didn't commit to doing that, but now that they have no other rabbits to pull from their very shallow hat, I'm hoping they'll go ahead and replace it. If they refuse, I'm going to look for another dealership. Thanks again for the information, and I'll keep you updated on my very frustrating, but necessary, journey.

Messages Page 78 of 262

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