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Ford Windstar Warning Lights/Codes

91 messages,  Last post on Oct 08, 2012 at 6:32 PM

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

Messages Page 1 of 9

#2 of 91 1999 ford windstar ? ASAP My only car. by dnspaul

Apr 27, 2006 (11:32 am)

My check engine light came on and it is the O2 sensors, which I have not replaced, but today my husband was driving it and he turned the corner and hit the gas real hard and now it won't go anywhere. When you put it in drive it don't act like it is even trying to go in. We weren't having any signs of transmission slipping or anything it just quit just like that. Some one please help this is my only vehicle and I have 3 young kids.

#3 of 91 Windstar Airbag code by cmonkjr

May 22, 2006 (7:58 pm)

I'm having an Airbag code 16 (perhaps it is 61???) on my 2003 Windstar LX. Perhaps coincidentally, this code started right after we ran the van through an automated carwash. Any ideas on what that code means? Thanks for any help...

#4 of 91 ABS Light by stevem614

Aug 03, 2006 (6:49 am)

Hello all...
 
I have a 2000 Ford Windstar SE... A friend of mine replaced the rear brake shoes (drum brakes) for me while on vacation in Florida. After driving the vehicle for about 3 or 4 trips, the ABS light goes on and the ABS system is disabled. Other than some brake squealing which is what we tried to eliminate before, no other noises heard. Anyone have any idea why the ABS light would turn on after replacing pads/shoes?

#5 of 91 Re: ABS Light [stevem614] by mlpntr

Aug 03, 2006 (7:13 am)

Replying to: stevem614 (Aug 03, 2006 6:49 am)
It's a common thing and has to do with a ground wire. Ford offers a fix kit for $10.
The squeal you heard is because the back brakes need to be adjusted. You can do this easily and keep them in line by using the emergency brake every time you park.

#6 of 91 Re: ABS Light [mlpntr] by jimlab

Aug 11, 2006 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: mlpntr (Aug 03, 2006 7:13 am)
Can you elaborate on this abs ground issue? I have a 2000 Windstar where sometimes the ABS light goes on, and other times it does not. I searched and could find nothing about this ground issue or the kit you mentioned. Any idea of where it is installed? Thanks.

#7 of 91 ABS light on 2003 Ford Windstar by genstym

Aug 12, 2006 (9:32 am)

Replying to: jimlab (Aug 11, 2006 12:13 pm)
Reading all these messages its disturbing to see that Ford vans from late 90's up to mine - 2003 are STILL having problems with the ABS light coming on. What is wrong with Ford not fixing this problem?
 
My light has been coming on now for about 6 months with the red brake light on, nothing else. Nothing seems to be wrong with my braking, thankfully. I take my car to Firestone, been going there 8+ years and trust my mechanic and they run a diagnostic test on it, dont charge me the $75.00 every time and they clear all the codes from the module assembly and they tell me the same thing that it shouldn't interfere with my braking system and that it should be covered under my warranty with Ford. Of course when I took it to my local dealer they put it under the diagnostic test, charged me $100.00 and within 20 minutes told me I needed a new ABS electronic system and it would be around $1800.00, not including labor.
 
We are fortunate, this is the only major problem I have had with my van at 50,000 and I have been very happy with the Windstar. It just worries me that this has been going on for years and is still not fixed with newer models. I still don't like the idea that I'm driving around with this light on wondering everytime will my brakes work or not. I'm going to pursue the warranty issue with Ford and will post an update if I learn any new information to share with everyone.
 
Genstym

#8 of 91 Re: ABS light on 2003 Ford Windstar [genstym] by jimlab

Aug 13, 2006 (6:46 am)

Replying to: genstym (Aug 12, 2006 9:32 am)
On our van, the only light that comes on is the ABS light, no brake light. It also does not come on right away, if at all.
 
From what I have read, the ABS module does a static test when the ignition is first turned on. It checks the resistances to the various sensors and if everything is within spec, it turns the ABS light off. After the vehicle reaches a certain speed, 10 mph rings a bell, it then checks the system dynamically looking for proper voltages from the wheel sensors. It also performs some type of a test on the actual abs pump and actuators. If this passes, the light remains off, otherwise it turns on.
 
My ABS light seems to come on after the dynamic test. I get a code of c1185 which points to either a wiring issue or controller failure. The funny things is that it does not come on all the time.
 
I hate to replace the module if it is just a simple wiring issue. I heard mention of the ground issue/kit and just wanted to get more details.

#9 of 91 Re: ABS Light [jimlab] by mlpntr

Aug 13, 2006 (7:18 am)

Replying to: jimlab (Aug 11, 2006 12:13 pm)
I haven't fixed mine yet. After $1000's spent keeping it running a light never seemed like a big issue when it gave no codes and the brakes worked fine. My information is from my uncle who worked for Ford and has helped me out when I get stuck on a problem with mine.
He said that the problem is with an extra ground wire that just needs to be removed. I think the fix kit includes a wire cap. I will give him him a call and see if he can fill me in a little more on it.
 
Melissa

#10 of 91 Re: ABS Light [mlpntr] by jimlab

Aug 13, 2006 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: mlpntr (Aug 13, 2006 7:18 am)
That would be great if you could get some more details- Perhaps you could ask him if Ford has a TSB for this issue.
 
Jim

Messages Page 1 of 9

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