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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 95 of 262

#937 of 2608 My used 1999 Ford Windstar by mslmn

Jun 10, 2002 (9:47 am)

Hi everyone: I am still loving my van.
  
The only thing is that the transmission fluid gasket is leaking. I knew of this upon purchasing the van and the Dealer is going to fix it tomorrow by replacing the pan. Anyone else with the same problem?
 
In addition I noticed that my brakes (at approximately 24,400 miles are squeaking a little. Time to have the pads done or whatever is done to fix this problem? You know, girls don't like to drive squeaking cars... it drives to much attention . Anyone with the same problem?
 
Rather then that, nothing else is up with my used van and I sincerely hope that stays that way.
 
Thanks.

#938 of 2608 Update on 2002 Purchase by gsgetz

Jun 11, 2002 (10:51 am)

Well, not everything went exactly as we had expected, but close enough. We bought an SEL with side air bags, Security II option and "free" video. When we went into f&i went for the upgrade alarm, $420, which I thought was reasonable but hadn't intended to go for, extended 7 yr 75,000 mile warrenty with 0 deductable if we go to their service, $50 if we go somewhere else (AFTER three years) this cost $1,720 so I guess we didn't do quite as well as 5greyhounds here AND we also purchased service for the first 3 years for $595. We had purchased the service for our '99 lease and though we didn;t use the whole thing, we liked it.
 
Grand total was right around $32,000 with tax and tags. We put a chunk down and financed the rest with a bank (not Ford) so we got the $3,000 cash back as well. Got a rate under 6% so not so bad.
 
Some say we should wait a few more months for even better deals to come around, but you never know. We are happy and thats all that counts. There is a good feeling knowing that for the first 3 years, at least, we will spend not one cent additionl for this automobile. Thats the idea anyway. If it dosen't work out I'll be back to let you know.
 
Thanks to all who posted. It was a BIG help. If any comments, questions I'll do best to answer. Going in this time around we were armed with knowledge and that equals power. Felt a whole lot better about the whole experience. Felt in controll of our destiny. Good feeling
 
George

#939 of 2608 2000 windstar se by tmant

Jun 17, 2002 (10:15 am)

I've starting reading here about 3 years ago before I finally did buy my 2000 SE. It seemed like I got a great deal compared with other minivans. Anyway, I haven't read much sinse then until now that I am looking to get a compact car (the Hyundai Elantra GT).
 
It has almost 49K miles on it and no major problems. I have experienced some strange and annoying things that I must have gotten acustomed to by now:
 
Rattling in slidding doors, usually in cold weather. I think it has something to do with the little black stub on the door that has a matching piece on the door jamb. I'll live with it.
 
I've experienced the door open and door relock when the door wasn't open. I'll have to try the eraser on the contacts.
 
My brakes seems to have squealed forever. They don't always squeal! I haven't replace the brakes yet, need to check them. It doesn't sound like the squeal you get when they are worn.
 
My transmission often 'binds' (and it's normal so I was told) when pulling out of park. I have ALWAYS used the parking brake, but it still happens, more often when I don't use the parking brake. The transmission seemed to have learn how I drove the car initially (I babied it too much at first), so it seems to shift out of 3rd too quickly. Anyone have this problem? I've tried disconnectin the battery to reset the memory but that didn't work. Anyone know how? Safely?
 
I've had several recalls that I thought would fix some issues, could someone verify my suspicions? I had a recall for power functions to continue to work after the car is off. I never knew what this was, but if I leave the key in auxillary for so many minutes (haven't timed it), I can remove the key and the radio and power windows still work. Only putting the key into on will reset this problem. Also, another recall about the A/C system, my rear A/C keeps clicking once in a while as if someone is changing the speed. I've only noticed this when I set to rear control.
 
Sorry if my message seemed to have gotten long. Thanks for any help!

#940 of 2608 rattling noise by tmant

Jun 17, 2002 (10:22 am)

OK, I forgot one new problem that may be major. I can head some rattling noise coming from under the van. Very obvious when running over anything that shakes the car. I suspect its somewhere in the exhaust system. I can't get that sound to come out when the car in is park.
 
I was thinking it could be related with the steering system as well. I had an intermittent squealing noise with my steering (and my brake pedal for that matter).
 
Wow, all these little things add up don't they?
 
Anyone have any ideas before I take it to my dealer to check it out?

#941 of 2608 transmission problem (99 Windstar) Replacement program by dishnerm

Jun 19, 2002 (9:00 am)

I had a similar transmission problem with 45k miles and no ext. warranty. Mine just stopped working(like it was in neutral all the time). Took it to Ford dealer and they told me it was gone, chunks of metal in transmission, and it would be $3600 for a new one. Called Ford and they had a program that replaced the transmission and gave me a 6 year 100k mile power train warranty for $495. I was very happy to hear this but you will need to make a big fuss before they will do it. It is worth it. Hope this helps. They said the program covers any major repair for vehicles out of factory warranty.

#943 of 2608 Can anyone help - possible Tranny problem? by windedmom1

Jun 20, 2002 (9:50 am)

I own a '00 Windstar that currently has 39k miles on it. I heard that the tranny's were not too good on these cars and and thought that my van was a little rough when shifting. So, at 34,600 I took the van in for a transmission check and was told that the vehicle drove well and nothing was showing on the diagnostics.
At 38K I was rearended while I was driving at about 45mph. Now that it is out of the shop it will the stearing column will periodically shake when driving on the highway. Also during these periods the car seems to change in power level even though there is no increase or decrease in the gas pedal. I was told that this is not accident related and it is a tranny problem by the body shop service tech - ford can't find a problem at all - it works great they say!a!! NOT!!!!! Has anything happened like this to anyone that you know?
Please help!

#944 of 2608 WindedMom by rayt2

Jun 20, 2002 (1:49 pm)

If you were driving along and got hit from behind the transmission may very well have suffered some damage and your insurance carrier should be notified right away or it will be coming out of your pocket. Body shops can make an ammended repair form out for the additional repairs not seen during initial estimate be it body work or mechanical. This issue should be resolved thru insurance carrier since vehicle was hit while in motion from behind. I don't know of any transmission that likes to get a sudden boost from behind while in drive that doesn't cause damage to driveline. The vibration is also an issue that needs to be corrected it sounds like something is out of balance or alignment causing the vibration. Stick to your guns and don't let them BS you on this. The vehicle was fine until the accident.
 
Good Luck
 
Ray T.

#945 of 2608 How Much Should We Pay for New Winstar by rdworski1

Jun 21, 2002 (9:31 pm)

How much should we pay for a 2002 or 2003? Winstar? Invoice, Less than Invoice or or More than Invoice?
We are in Balt.-Wash.
 
Thank you!

#946 of 2608 Hi Rdworski1 by steve_ HOST

Jun 21, 2002 (10:37 pm)

Check the True Market Value for starters. (2002 "new" prices are still up too).

Steve
Host
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Messages Page 95 of 262

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