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Ford Windstar Electrical Problems

334 messages,  Last post on Apr 26, 2013 at 6:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Windstar, Ford Windstar Cargo, Van

Messages Page 13 of 34

#114 of 334 Re: 2000 Ford Windstar radio-very strange [drew77] by dalehan

Jan 23, 2009 (8:13 am)

Replying to: drew77 (Jan 21, 2009 7:15 pm)
Hello,I have a 2001 Windstar and recently had problems with the electrical system too. However my problems were different from yours. Mine started with a rear wiper and washer pump that wouldn't work due to a blown fuse in the fuse block under the hood. Then a few days later, the fuse for the rear quarter windows kept blowing if you tried to open them, and my keyless entry pad would not work either. That fuse was connected to my radio so I couldn't live without that. I needed to find out what was causing the problems. My mechanic finally traced the problem to some melted wiring in the harness in the drivers side door. He traced the wire going to the rear windows from the fuse block under the hood and also from the fuse block under the dash on the drivers side. That one is the one for the rear windows and radio in my van. He literally had to tear apart the interior of my van to trace the wiring at a cost of $865.00, and that was with a 10percent discount because I bought the car from this particular lot. They first have to diagnose the problem before they can fix it. He charged $75 per hour do to that. They had the van for the better party of 5 days and he didn't even charge me the full amount of hours he could have. I guess he felt sorry for me. I had bought the car there only a year before. If you have the money to spend, I would have a mechanic begin to look at all the wiring and trace it along the way and see if he can find where the wires are shorting out. Maybe he will get lucky and be able to find it right away so it won't cost you so much money. If you have a mechanic that you use regularly, he may cut you a little slack on the labor. We had to find a new wiring harness for my van at a cost of $118.00 and it was the last new one in the country as far as the internet seach was concerned. But you may find one in a junk yard as I guess Ford doesn't make parts for these cars any longer. Good luck and I hope this has helped you a little. Dale

#115 of 334 More Windstar Electircal by jkg3

Jan 31, 2009 (9:28 pm)

I guess I'm not alone after reading these posts. My '99 Windstar will do things like flash all the interior lights a few times as you drive along with all doors closed, the rear AC system will start blowing intermittently without switching it on, and now the lights (headlights and panel) will dim for a few seconds and then brighten again. It's intermittent but will do it the whole time you're driving. Interestingly, now the van won't start when you shut it off after it's warm. It will crank, and almost start, as if out of gas, but no go. At best it will catch, run rough for a few seconds (low RPM's), then die. Wait an hour, and it will start. I was thinking two different problems, but now I'm wondering...any ideas?

#116 of 334 Re: More Windstar Electircal [jkg3] by tkelly1740

Feb 01, 2009 (7:39 am)

Replying to: jkg3 (Jan 31, 2009 9:28 pm)
I have a 99 also- a few ideas for you. A couple months ago mine was trying to start and barely running before dying much like you described and it was the fuel pump fuse # 5 in the engine compartment. Just a shot in the dark- but check that. As for the blinking lights, try taking off the plastic cover on the passenger side front pillar and examine the wires very closely- these cars are known for shorting right there because the wires rub- you should just need to cover with tape.

#117 of 334 Re: More Windstar Electircal [tkelly1740] by jkg3

Feb 01, 2009 (8:51 pm)

Replying to: tkelly1740 (Feb 01, 2009 7:39 am)
Thanks for the tip, I have to find that fuse. The plot of my mystery thickens...
 
When I turn the key to the "On" position, prior to starting, I can sometimes hear the fuel pump hum for 2-3 seconds, building pressure, then shut off. When I hear this, the van starts every time. When I turn the key "On" and don't hear the pump - you guessed it - the engine cranks but won't fire.
 
Does this help anybody with a diagnosis? Thanks again.

#118 of 334 2002 starting issues by ZUULU

Feb 11, 2009 (9:21 am)

when I try to start my 2002 windstar all i get is a click click click click... noise and when i turn the key of and pull it out my front headlights flash on and off. stereo will not come on.... and it's hard to turn the key to the off position at times. happened 2 days ago as well but jumped it and started fine.. drove 300km home from parents with wife and kids and no problems at all.. next day tried to start and nothing but click click click click.... charged the battery..... and still click click click..... the only way i was able to stop the front headlights from flshing with key out and doors closed was to disconnect and reconect the battery......... does anyone know what i can look for to solve this issue.... my van is in a parking garage..... i'm going to try and tap the starter motor next.. however i do not know the location of the starter... need lots of help...... please reply

#119 of 334 Re: More Windstar Electircal [jkg3] by elgoyo

Feb 15, 2009 (1:16 am)

Replying to: jkg3 (Feb 01, 2009 8:51 pm)
I am experiencing the exact same problem. At first I thought it might have been a relay. I replaced the relay but the problem still remains. Therefore I think it is the fuel pump.
 
Have you found a solution yet?

#120 of 334 Re: More Windstar Electircal [elgoyo] by jkg3

Feb 21, 2009 (8:30 pm)

Replying to: elgoyo (Feb 15, 2009 1:16 am)
No, sorry, I have not. I also replaced the relay after asking a couple of mechanics for advice. Immediately after replacing it, the van wouldn't start. I waited a bit, turned the key to "On", heard the fuel pump for a few seconds, and the van started. I have to believe that this is more common than just you and I, and somebody out there has to have the answer. I am a shadetree mechanic, but I don't think the intermittent problem is the pum itself.

#121 of 334 Re: 2002 starting issues [ZUULU] by van7188

Feb 21, 2009 (8:58 pm)

Replying to: ZUULU (Feb 11, 2009 9:21 am)
This problem is almost always a bad battery. It most likely has a bad cell or two since it seems to happen in the am.Have your battery tested free at your local auto parts store.

#122 of 334 Re: 2002 starting issues [van7188] by elgoyo

Feb 27, 2009 (11:01 pm)

Replying to: van7188 (Feb 21, 2009 8:58 pm)
I just put a brand new battery in my van. The problem still exists.

#123 of 334 Re: 2002 starting issues [van7188] by van7188

Feb 27, 2009 (11:22 pm)

Replying to: van7188 (Feb 21, 2009 8:58 pm)
If your battery tests good then the next step I would take is to replace the ignition switch. When this part goes bad it can make your car do strange things. Its not an expensive part and it doesnt take a high skill level to replace. I would pick up a shop manual and replacement part from a local auto parts store. hope this helps..

Messages Page 13 of 34

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