- #25 of 44
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Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [dthorne]
by rcode72ho
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Jul 13, 2008 (5:48 pm)
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Replying to: dthorne (Jul 10, 2008 9:04 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??
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- #26 of 44
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Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [rcode72ho]
by joebeekool
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Jul 13, 2008 (11:04 pm)
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Replying to: rcode72ho (Jul 13, 2008 5:48 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???
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- #27 of 44
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Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [rcode72ho]
by jefbyls
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Jul 14, 2008 (3:05 am)
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Replying to: rcode72ho (Jul 13, 2008 5:48 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.
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- #28 of 44
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Re: 2002 Windstar - losing all power options - battery light [rcode72ho]
by mfacdgba33
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Jul 15, 2008 (4:49 am)
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Replying to: rcode72ho (Jul 13, 2008 5:48 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.
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- #29 of 44
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Same exact Issue
by jmarzy
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Aug 01, 2008 (10:49 am)
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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?
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- #30 of 44
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Re: Same exact Issue [jmarzy]
by jefbyls
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Aug 02, 2008 (6:53 am)
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Replying to: jmarzy (Aug 01, 2008 10:49 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.
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- #31 of 44
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Re: Same exact Issue [jefbyls]
by tamib
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Aug 04, 2008 (10:32 am)
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Replying to: jefbyls (Aug 02, 2008 6:53 am)
I just got stranded because my 2000 Windstar quit running but right before that the radio, AC, lights, etc. all went out, then a minute later the van died. I had it towed ot a dealership but after reading this forum I"m beginning to think it is something in the wiring. I can not get the electrical doors to open and close half of the time. I am constantly hitting the unlock button hoping that will make the doors open or close right. Maybe I"ve messed something up with hitting the unlock button so often. Anyway, I'm not sure why I've kept this van so long, it's been nothing but problems since the warrantly went out. The auto place thinks it's the alternator but I"m not so sure after reading this, we just replaced the battery 2 days ago.
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- #32 of 44
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Step by Step
by jmarzy
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Aug 05, 2008 (9:40 pm)
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Well, as I have posted recently I experienced the same problems in my 2003 Windstar. I first took it to my local mechanic who said it was the battery. Now it was the original battery and I have about 97k miles logged. So I crossed my fingers hopping it was just the battery. And I thought changing the battery after 5 years was a bad thing. Well after 3 days of driving the car did the same thing. But this time I was prepared for the symptoms and had enough time to park in a safe place before calling a friend to pick me up. The next day I drove it limping into the Ford dealership and they said it was the alternator. Now form reading the posts I am not sure if it will make it more then 3 days but I will keep you updated.
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- #33 of 44
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Re: Step by Step [jmarzy]
by tamib
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Aug 06, 2008 (7:40 am)
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Replying to: jmarzy (Aug 05, 2008 9:40 pm)
I can't remember everything I said in my first post.... But on Monday after the van died the mechanic said the alternator was shot. He's been a trustworthy mechanic for our van for a long time. He said a bad alternator would ruin the battery so I can see how that's connected. After reading the posts I called the mechanic and told him to take the "electric" door switch off because we've been having a lot of trouble with the doors not opening or not shutting all the way for a few months. Someone said the wiring in the doors can cause the same symptoms. At least now we're driving around with our sliding doors closed all the way where they never closed right lately. I will never buy another Ford van, it's been a horrible experience all along.
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- #34 of 44
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Same issues
by supermom39
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Aug 30, 2008 (5:36 am)
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I own a 2003 Windstar and the first hing that started on mine if that when ever I would go over a bump the ABS and the Brake lights would come on. Once I tuned the van off and restarted the lights would go out. Now my battery liht has come on and Iam not sure if I am going to run into the same problems as everyone else. I purchased this van in 2004, they were using it as a transport van taking customers to other lots or using it to go pick up parts, either way it has taken me a long way at times, so I am hoping that it is the wiring, because it is probably cheaper than replacing the battery or alternator if it is not going to work. Any suggestions? Please help is you can.
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