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Ford Windstar Electrical Problems

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

You are in the Ford Windstar Forum.

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

Messages Page 34 of 34

#325 of 334 Re: 1999 Ford Windstar LX [a1mike1a] by amor1220

Dec 15, 2012 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: a1mike1a (Nov 15, 2012 3:41 pm)
I don't think it's the brake lights as I've explained previously. After reading different information for a few weeks I believe I have at least two major problems. One is a bad switch(es) in the steering column, and a faulty REM (rear electrical module). Just for these two parts is probably 650 to 700 bucks and that's without labor. Who put together the 1999 Ford Windstar parts and wiring... the Apollo 1 engineers? Geez, I've only got around 35,000 miles on it.

#326 of 334 Battery discharging, found culprit is Rear Electronic Module by wiremonster

Jan 12, 2013 (5:29 pm)

After 5 hours of performing grueling diagnostics today I FINALLY found out why my battery was discharging at a continuous rate of 450milliamps (while not running) on my 2001 Windstar...the REM (rear electronic module) is keeping relays 1 & 4 turned on (the ones under the dash in the fuse/relay panel below the headlight switch). Normal drain on car batteries with the ignition turned off is under 25mA. If you suspect the same is happening to you, take the fuse panel cover off after the van has sat overnight and put your hand on the 2 relays at the very left side of the fuse/relay panel. If they are nice and warm, BINGO, your REM is malfunctioning. I have also had fuel pump run problems and the keyless entry has been malfunctioning intermittantly since DAY 1! This module is responsible for those functions as well as the brake lights, emergency flashers, door locks and many more. Thank God I had the sense to buy the shop manuals for this van otherwise I'd have to take it to the dealership and I HATE them (Scarritt Lincoln Mercury in Seminole, FL) as do so many other folks that got the shaft from that shyster!

#327 of 334 Re: Battery discharging, found culprit is Rear Electronic Module [wiremonster] by richthefactor

Jan 21, 2013 (9:51 am)

Replying to: wiremonster (Jan 12, 2013 5:29 pm)
Did this fix it? I just bought a 2000 windstar yesterday and now know why it was so cheap. It has all problems listed above a new alt and new R E M. does the R E M need to be programed to the vehicle by the dealer?

#328 of 334 Re: Battery discharging, found culprit is Rear Electronic Module [richthefactor] by wiremonster

Jan 21, 2013 (11:02 am)

Replying to: richthefactor (Jan 21, 2013 9:51 am)
I shot myself in the foot! After reading Ford service Article No. 02-13-9 and performing a test using that info I learned my REM was acting perfectly normal. The 450mA drain I measured was due to my actions by simply leaving a door open which kept the computers "awake" while I was servicing the van. If a door is left open, the computers won't go to "sleep", thereby keeping relays 1 and 4 and their associated circuits activated. The article states it takes at least 30 minutes of no interruptions before you can test for the computers going to "sleep". Read all about it here:
 
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/tepetty3/2010-10-08_191739_tsb02-13-09.pdf
 
I purchased an REM from ebay that has all the same code numbers, save for the serial number so it should have the same programming as my original, I just have not tested it yet. But yes, the REM has a programmable computer that, if you did not buy one that has the same programming as your old one, may not work as expected and you will need to have its memory re-programmed by a dealer with the appropriate equipment and software/firmware version.
 
To make a long, sad story short, the battery discharge issue was all due to me not driving van enough. I only go about 1 mile each way to and from work, and over a period of 3 years the battery just did not get charged enough. I've only driven it 54K miles in the 12 years I've owned it, that's only 4500/year...My bad.

#329 of 334 2000 windstar-dash lights stay on by portwarboss

Feb 15, 2013 (9:51 am)

#330 of 334 2000 windstar-dash lights stay on by portwarboss

Feb 15, 2013 (9:51 am)

last thing that happened was fuse 16 blew. so i have a different fem and rem in it now, but these lights stay on, didn't do it before. the fem and rem fixied my other problems, and now this, dash lights stay on with key out and door closed, can walk away for hours, still on. all switches are off, the lights are on the dash and the heater controls. please help.

#331 of 334 2002 ford windstar sel electrical issues by char2308

Mar 18, 2013 (4:43 pm)

I have a 2002 ford windstar sel it runs great but we can't drive it because the back brakelights don't work my back signal lights won't work, my back doors won't open or unlock hand my full guage isn't working. Anyone with any suggestions.

#332 of 334 Re: 2002 ford windstar sel electrical issues [char2308] by flash40

Apr 10, 2013 (4:35 pm)

Replying to: char2308 (Mar 18, 2013 4:43 pm)
REM needs to be replaced
 
I am experiencing the same exact problem with my 2003 ford windstar lx

#333 of 334 Re: electrical problem, ford windstar 2003 [mikem604] by flash40

Apr 10, 2013 (4:39 pm)

Replying to: mikem604 (Sep 15, 2012 8:23 pm)
REM needs to be replaced

#334 of 334 Re: 2002 ford windstar sel electrical issues [char2308] by robert216

Apr 26, 2013 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: char2308 (Mar 18, 2013 4:43 pm)
try REM

Messages Page 34 of 34

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