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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 89 of 262

#872 of 2608 '99 LX Tranny Problems by lwylie

Apr 01, 2002 (7:51 pm)

My 1999 LX Windstar was slipping, and I was told I needed a transmission rebuild. The transmission began to slip while the rebuilder test-drove the vehicle.
 
The rebuilder couldn't figure out what was causing the slip so they spoke to Ford, who said the problem was with the speed sensor, not the tranny. A speed sensor replacement didn't do the job, nor did a new valve body. Now it appears to be anybody's guess. The dealer simply maintains the speed sensor "should do it."
 
I've done plenty of complaining already. What I'm hoping for is some concrete suggestions. Any relevant experience out there?

#873 of 2608 Windstar Advice by warank

Apr 02, 2002 (3:18 pm)

I was just about to buy a used '99 Windstar SE with lot of options close to SEL for 15000/- mileage of 29k.
 
The owner told me that recently at 24k their transmission went down and ford changed the Tranny and gave them a 2 yr 24 month warranty.
 
Ford dealer did an vehicle inspection for me and gave a clean chit.
 
But in this post I see nothing but tranny, power steering problems and electronical glitches,I can get the extended warranty, but for an additional $1200 and upto 75,000 miles , is it worth especially if it has to be in the shop all the time?
 
Any advice helpful

#874 of 2608 2002 Windstar, did Ford fix previous problems? by dicnic

Apr 02, 2002 (7:37 pm)

Since the posts on this thread relate to earlier Windstars, especially regarding transmission etc. problems, does anybody have evidence of the 2002 Windstars being better? Does anyone ever post GOOD things about Windstar? They can't ALL be bad! Any thoughts?

#875 of 2608 Helpful Advice by pencilpusher

Apr 03, 2002 (5:55 am)

Why would you plunk down 15 grand on a '99 Windstar after reading all these posts? Hey, it's your money, if you want to buy a pack of problems go ahead.

#876 of 2608 Re: 2001 Windstar Lemon by dkatz

Apr 03, 2002 (11:00 am)

Bearsfan - Very interesting to hear about your 2001 Windstar SEL having intermittent trouble that the dealer can't diagnose. I have a 2000 SEL with exactly that issue. Since October, after about 18 months and 21000 miles, my van began to intermittently not start in the morning about once every week or two. Normally, I just jump it then take it in, but other times I've called roadside assistance to tow it. I've had it in nine times to three different dealers, and no one can find the power drain. Its also on its third battery in three months. Today, the Ford Field Engineer is supposedly looking at it to decide whether they'll buy it back. The dealers are all nice enough about looking it over, but I find it unbelievable that none of them can locate the problem. One dealer even kept the van for two weeks, but never experienced a problem. If they don't buy it back and the problem persists, the state attorney general tells me I have to go through an arbitration panel to get a partial refund. I'll let you know what the Field Engineer decides.

#877 of 2608 RE:2001 Windstar Lemon by jsiedhoff

Apr 04, 2002 (11:10 am)

Dkatz and Bearsfan, I had similar problems with a 2000 Windstar. I have multiple postings earlier in this message board with my continuing saga of problems. Ford has since put me in a 2002 Windstar but I am experiencing some issues with it as well IE: squeaky/rattling sliding doors, etc but so far nothing mechanical. The 2000 I had was about one year old when my family and I took a trip from Illinois to Florida and on both the way there and back four days later, it died in the middle of the interstate. It was towed to a dealer both times. After about three months, they said the problem was a bad crimp on a wire in the fuse box. (Search for my earlier postings for more details)

#878 of 2608 Rental Car by bobaran

Apr 04, 2002 (2:17 pm)

Several months ago we rented a 2002 Windstar. Since we were in the market for a minivan this was also a chance to test it out. Things ran smoothly for that week but there were imperfections that a car with 700 miles shouldn't have. Everytime we hit any bump the door ajar chime would be set off, and a squeak in the back. A couple of our friends have older models and haven't had any serious problems, but reading this board and our test drive bugs convinced us not to even consider the Windstar. We are now happily driving a new MPV.

#879 of 2608 Re: 2001 Windstar Lemon by bearsfan1

Apr 04, 2002 (6:37 pm)

dkatz-Please let me know what the outcome is of the field engineer evaluation!! I just had my arbitration hearing with the Ford dispute settlement board this week and it doesn't look good. The dealership submitted paperwork to the case file that didn't include half of the problems we had experienced and included a statement that they felt there was no problem with the vehicle. It was pretty hard not to get emotional at the hearing after reading that !?#&. Good luck!!

#880 of 2608 bearsfan by davids1

Apr 05, 2002 (5:28 am)

Where are your copies of the repair invoices? These also need to be submitted for review. If the dealership doesn't show invoices that you have, it is clear he is being deceptive. If you don't like the outcome, there is always the option for a lemon law lawsuit. Lemon laws vary from state to state, so you will have to discuss with an attorney. In my state, arbitration is an option and not a requirement. You can sue the manufacturer without first going through arbitration. Do this thing on your terms, not theirs.

#881 of 2608 Help! Deciding whether to keep 2000 Windstar by morknme

Apr 08, 2002 (6:47 pm)

We haven't had any problems with it aside from the standard squeaky doors and some crackling noises in the steering, but it's about to go out of warranty. Do we keep it and buy an extended warranty or trade it for an MPV now at a loss?
 
Did Ford change anything between 97 and 2000? When we bought the van they said they had fixed the engine and transmission and they were different. From reading these forums it looks like maybe that's not true? What was only happening in 95's 2 years ago seems to have started in 96-98's now. Is it really just because the 2000's haven't gotten that high in mileage yet? Was it a sign that we got our 5th recall notice in the mail today? What do you think?

Messages Page 89 of 262

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