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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 30 of 34

#287 of 334 Re: Need Help With Electronic Problem [davidi46] by felmcnel

Feb 26, 2012 (12:28 pm)

Replying to: davidi46 (Sep 09, 2011 7:18 pm)
Ok so here is the deal with the 2003 ford windstars. First, you need to go to the ford website and look up recalls. Enter your vin in. Apparently for the 2003 ford windstar there is a recall for the scds and the abs module. Both of which could be causing the drain on the battery. The other night when my van was completely drained, there was smoke emitting from the engine even though I know for a fact the engine is fine because we jumped it and it started right up. However, it seems that this problem has also destroyed my battery causing it to leak. Beware of this issue, take your van in for the recall before doing anything else to it.

#288 of 334 CHECK TRACTION CONTROL message/COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE 2000 WindstarSEL by snoopymatt

Mar 05, 2012 (10:47 am)

Hi,
 
While driving to work the other day, I noticed (almost immediately) that there was a CHECK TRACTION CONTROL message on my 2000 Windstar SEL. I have NEVER seen this in my almost 12 years of driving this vehicle. I pressed the Traction button on and off. Then, the message screen and odometer went blank. Along the 16 mile trip to work (going about 60 mph) warning lights appeard on the dash ( I think ABS, check engine, etc). About 15 miles into the trip, the radio went dead. I realized the turn signals were dead. Then the van sputtered....I thought it died completely but I was able to idle in the berm (accelerator did nothing). I idled 1 mile into work. I parked it and tried to start 30 seconds later. It DID turn over (but not strong)....would not start.
 
I called Ford and was going to have it towed. About 3 hours later, right before called for a tow, I decided to start the van.....I started like nothing happened!!!!
 
Worked fine the entire weekend and so far this week.
 
The ONLY thing I notice that isn't right.....the Windshield Wipers are not moving as fast as they used to in HIGH speed....also, the Fan (for heater and A/C) is not blowing as fast as it used to (you drive a vehicle for 12 years....you know the sounds and what is and is not normal).
 
The day it died, we had a snowstorm and I was driving in snow and slush. I also got snow on my keys.
 
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any suggestions before I take to Ford? Will Ford be able to look back at "history" and see if there were error codes?
 
Thanks!

#289 of 334 #288 by eddiefalero1

Mar 05, 2012 (3:13 pm)

sounds like the slush made its way into the compartment where your BAC is at by rear passenger behind the taillights and it shorted out the brain. this will cause your alternator to go bas and also kill cells in your battery. happens to me every heavy rainfall. replace the module twice then seald that bad boy up... no more problems.

#290 of 334 What are they? by fystywindstar

Mar 05, 2012 (8:10 pm)

What are REM & BAC? And where are they?

#291 of 334 Re: CHECK TRACTION CONTROL message/COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE 2000 WindstarSEL [snoopymatt] by tiwindstar

Mar 26, 2012 (1:14 pm)

Replying to: snoopymatt (Mar 05, 2012 10:47 am)
This sounds very familiar because a similiar situation happened to me in the rain.
 
The dash lights flashed on and off twice, then an ABS and Airbag light illuminated before all the dash lights and headlights went out. The van sputtered as if it were dying and as I pulled off the road it died. I got a jumpstart and it died 150 feet later. I got another jumpstart and drove it home (5 miles). After returning home I shut it off and restarted it with no problem or jumper cables. I used an expensive handheld professional code reader/diagnostic tool to try and find the problem or codes, and while using the tool got an extreme low battery indication. It died and required a jumpstart. I checked the battery voltage while it was running and it was low (9V). I disconnected the battery cables and it died; an indicator of a bad alternator.
 
Now for the fix. I replaced the alternator and have had no other problems.

#292 of 334 Re: stalling when idling in gear [smercer] by lawpain

Apr 01, 2012 (5:34 pm)

Replying to: smercer (Nov 15, 2007 10:39 am)
I just had this very same problem in my 2000 winstar. The backup lights are now working again, and the bucking is gone by replacing the ignition wires. However, after fixing that issue they shop had to take out the relay switch because the interior lights were drawing on the battery. Still haven't quite figured out the entire problem.

#294 of 334 Check Charging system. by fystywindstar

May 05, 2012 (5:34 pm)

This what is happening on a fairly regular basis. I have replaced the Battery & the Altenator (non Ford). This was done after the van finally left me flat on the side of the road (I have an 02 SEL) which time I found out that the Alt had crapped out but a few months later the Batter packed it in. I am a pensioner and really cannot afford to have the dealership spend days to track down these little idiosyncosies(sp???), so does anyone have any idea where ot look. It is annoying & tiring to have to stop the car every time the battery light comes on, pull over & shut the van dow & restart it. If I drive with it like that before long the lights start to dim & there is a definate problem but I can't figure it out. Iknow that the ABS & Serv. Brake light being on I just ignore because I knowe that it is a sensor problem as I know for absolute sure that the ABS brakes work! Found this out the hard way. lol Anyway if anyone can help me with the "Check Charging system" light, I really be grateful.

#295 of 334 check charging system, No. 294 by bulldog67

Jul 05, 2012 (5:34 pm)

What I gleaned from your post is that your battery has enough gumption to turn your engine over and start. Sounds like the battery is good. I know you said you changed the alternator. you may want to check ALL the connections for tightness and corrosion. The ground strap is overlooked so many times its legendary. Check both ends of it. Everyone checks the battery end because its convenient, but what about the other end? Additionally, you mentioned sensor problems. Without knowing exactly what is causing the ABS light to come on, you may want to consider that it is a symptom that correlates with the alternator problem or it may be an actual brake problem, or it may be a sensor(s) problem that is hidden by another problem. More than one thing can be acting up. Process of elimination, hang tough. The cars nowadays depend on a solid electrical system to run properly. Loose that and the fun begins. Good Luck!

#296 of 334 Re: check charging system, No. 294 [bulldog67] by fystywindstar

Jul 05, 2012 (5:51 pm)

Replying to: bulldog67 (Jul 05, 2012 5:34 pm)
Thanks Bulldog, but Battery is brand new as is the cables & alt. From what I have read on this particular Ford, this is a common problem on these wonderful (not sarcastic) old Vans. In my case I have had it in and out of the shop & on different scopes & gauges with no results but like my mech say it cvould take months to find which sesor is bad. I know for sure that the ABS is full functioning as it should as I found out the hard way this past winter in a miserable rainy day when I had an idiot pull out in front of me & when I layed on the brakes the ABS acually WORKED. There is some relay in the charging system that I need to investigate when I have some extra cash but for now I just pull off the road when my "check charging system" light comes on & shut "The Beast" down & wait 60 sec, restart & go merrily on my way. Thankfully I am one old Broad that knows a thing or two about vehicles as I have been a car nut(&bike)almost all my life, so I will just keep any ear out & if I get any difinitive answers will post them here. This is my first Ford but it won't be my last. I only wish I could find so nice moulded running boards fo the 02 Windstars?

Messages Page 30 of 34

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