Ask the Car People.SM


Ford Windstar Alternator and Battery Problems

81 messages,  Last post on Apr 10, 2013 at 9:42 PM

You are in the Ford Windstar Forum.

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

Messages Page 3 of 8

#21 of 81 Re: 2000 Windstar Stalling [jefbyls] by djembeplayer

Oct 22, 2007 (3:22 am)

Replying to: jefbyls (Oct 21, 2007 6:53 am)
See my previous post #18 for the remedy to my situation. You might be able to tell if the FRONT wiper motor is bad just from physical inspection. The outside was rusting a little and had paint chipping off. The plastic shroud or cover that goes across the front has holes in it for water to pass through, well one of the holes was right above the wiper motor...nice hey? Silicone to fix that.
 
The answer from Ford was this was a recall back in 2000 I think, this site will have that info too. But, the recall is only good once or 10k miles. BS. Good luck.

#22 of 81 Replaceing Alternators and Battery by mfacdgba33

May 16, 2008 (2:09 am)

Replaceing both of these is not really that hard. Almost anyone can do it if you really wanted to. I am a certified mech in TN and if anyone told me or anyone i knew that it would cost me 57.64 for a alternator than i would smack him in his left nostril. If you want to try to do this yourself you can go to auto zone and they will give you a print out for the step by step process on replaceing it. A few socket wrenchs and a metal bar to apply pressure to add tension to the belt and bingo your done. It should only take you about 30 minutes to do if you dont run into any more issue while doing it.

#23 of 81 Re: Battery Problem [rose19805] by mfacdgba33

May 16, 2008 (2:17 am)

Replying to: rose19805 (Mar 24, 2007 11:11 am)
As a AAA Mchanic i see this all the time. First check for loose battery terminal connections. Then if those are good then get a voltmeter start the van and on the dc side look and see what the volts read. A battery will put out 12.6 volts with no loads. While the engine is running your alternator will put out a constant 14.2 volts with no loads while driving or idle. If this is fine then trace the wires from your positve terminal down all the way to the starter looking for bare wires and places that it might be arcing off on metal. Do the same with the negitive wire all the way to the ground point. If all of those are fine then replace the 12 volt regulator. If none of those are the issue then ignore the light.

#24 of 81 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light by dthorne

Jul 10, 2008 (10:04 am)

I have a 2002 windstar - two weeks ago the battery light came on - then on Friday past, I was driving and all of a sudden I lost all power options, just like the battery died completly. Also, at that same time, the abs and hand brake light came on. I hauled over, popped the hood..... I reached in and manually reved the engine over high then everything came back. I replaced the alternator and had the battery tested..... same thing is still happening... If I rev it high enough, the battery light will go off for about 10 secs. I could be driving down the road and lose all the power options again.... rev her high and it all comes back.... this is very frustrating! I check fuses and all are good! ANY IDEAS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

#25 of 81 Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [dthorne] by rcode72ho

Jul 13, 2008 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: dthorne (Jul 10, 2008 10:04 am)
I am experiencing the exact problem. I cleaned the battery terminals and posts and checked all connections - nothing. I put in a new battery and changed the alternator. Still not fixed. The belt is fine. I went to Auto Zone to have it tested. The machine said it was the wiring. I bought a new battery harness assembly from FORD for $199+ tax. Still the light is on. The battery drains after driving with the battery light on, so it's not a faulty light signal. I'm at a loss. ANYBODY??

#26 of 81 Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [rcode72ho] by joebeekool

Jul 14, 2008 (12:04 am)

Replying to: rcode72ho (Jul 13, 2008 6:48 pm)
Today, the ABS light came on; after turning off the van the reset the light, it would not start. We waited a few minutes, tried again and it started up with the ABS light still on. After turning a corner, the left signal continued to blink all the ay home while the lever was in the nuetral position. Could not turn it off even putting into the right turn position; then the A/C shut down, then all of the power features: doors, windows and the radio.
Got the van home and after a few minutes, everyting started working again. Started it later tonight to move onto parking area.
Thought about replacing the battery, but I think there is something else wrong.Any thoughts???

#27 of 81 Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [rcode72ho] by jefbyls

Jul 14, 2008 (4:05 am)

Replying to: rcode72ho (Jul 13, 2008 6:48 pm)
I had the same problem and after much money trying to replace this and that I took it to the dealership. The mechanic said that they see it several times a year. The wires that pass through the driver's door gets broken and shorts out, everytime it shorts out you experience the electircal problems. He said other common places that the wires break are at the passenger door and the liftback door. If you pull off the boot between the door you may be able to find your problem.

#28 of 81 Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [rcode72ho] by mfacdgba33

Jul 15, 2008 (5:49 am)

Replying to: rcode72ho (Jul 13, 2008 6:48 pm)
Check with a volt meter connected to the battery terminals while the vehicle is running. A battery will put out 12.6 volts normally. while the vehicle is running the altanator should be outting out at least 13 volts or more. hopefully at least 14 which is perfect. If the battery is draining while driveing then your altanator isnt doing its job.

#29 of 81 Same exact Issue by jmarzy

Aug 01, 2008 (11:49 am)

I have a 2003 Windstar. Just last night, abs light, flashing radio, light on an off and when I pulled over it died and would not start. I see the same complaint posted several times but I am not sure I am reading a definitive answer. Did I miss something?

#30 of 81 Re: Same exact Issue [jmarzy] by jefbyls

Aug 02, 2008 (7:53 am)

Replying to: jmarzy (Aug 01, 2008 11:49 am)
I finally took mine in to a dealership and found out it is a common problem with the windstars. It is caused by a wire being shorted out in one of the doors, usually the driver's door or the liftgate. Take the rubber boot off that covers the wires going between the door and the body and check for wires that have been worn or cut. Once you find the wire and splice it the problem will be fixed.

Messages Page 3 of 8

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement