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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 5 of 9

#32 of 81 Step by Step by jmarzy

Aug 05, 2008 (10:40 pm)

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.

#33 of 81 Re: Step by Step [jmarzy] by tamib

Aug 06, 2008 (8:40 am)

Replying to: jmarzy (Aug 05, 2008 10:40 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.

#34 of 81 Same issues by supermom39

Aug 30, 2008 (6:36 am)

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.

#35 of 81 Re: Same issues [supermom39] by tamib

Aug 30, 2008 (9:00 am)

Replying to: supermom39 (Aug 30, 2008 6:36 am)
My guess is that it is the battery, which is less than a $100. Just don't go to Wal mart because mine never last 2 years so I keep getting a new one replaced for free under their 2 year warranty, but I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't the quality of the batteries. Someone said that you can go to Auto Zone, Jiffy Lube, O'Reilly and they'll check your battery for free. Have you noticed your car not starting as easy lately, I did have that happen but just chose to ignore the battery light but it wasn't long before the battery went dead and left me stranded in a parking lot. It's amazing to me how many people have the same problems with their vans, these vans are lemons.

#36 of 81 Ford Windstar charging problem by Whyrulaughin

Dec 15, 2008 (10:40 am)

I was pretty sure my moms van needed a new alternator. She called me saying she was driving and the battery light came on, then the abs light i think, and she parked and it died and wouldnt start again. I met her and hooked jumper cables up to her car. It started right away, but after disconnecting the cables the battery light came on again and it started clicking and died. After reading the posts in here, im getting closer to thinking it is a wire connection making it short out. If it had been the alternator, the car would have been running on pure battery and even with cables it would not have started as quickly. I will be reposting whether or not i found a bad wire connection and if it fixed the problem.

#37 of 81 99 windstar charging problems by bmccallister

Mar 26, 2009 (5:02 pm)

i have a 99 windstar the alternator died i had it rebuilt now the battery light stays on and everything is strong also the abs light comes on

#38 of 81 Re: Ford Windstar charging problem [Whyrulaughin] by rose19805

Mar 26, 2009 (7:42 pm)

Replying to: Whyrulaughin (Dec 15, 2008 10:40 am)
Since I replaced the battery and alternator, I've had no problems with my 2003 Windstar. Hope you find the problem.

#39 of 81 Re: 2000 Windstar Stalling [softballmom] by fordsux

May 31, 2009 (1:34 pm)

Replying to: softballmom (Apr 11, 2007 4:21 pm)
Ford Tells everyone they have never heard of their problems. When you call them make sure you refer to your van as a 2000 windcrap and maybe that will help them pull their heads out of their asses. Now everyone knows why people refer to fords as fixed or repaired daily or found on road dead!

#40 of 81 Re: 2000 Windstar Stalling oh my gosh! by coffeeboy1

Sep 23, 2009 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: fordsux (May 31, 2009 1:34 pm)
My problem with the warning lights have been over a year, but just last week my 2001 Windstar's lights flashed, and it died just like that! I had it towed, on the charger for 10 minutes, and it ran fine. But it the battery will go dead in a flash and the problems all exist. I take my key out of the ignition, and my interior lights come on, stick the key back in and they go off, all while the car is dead. Finally the batter will go completely since lights are on. It even was at a point where my key would not turn the ignition, but that finally disapeared. Can this be the alternator, or is it more likely to be the wiring? I am far from a Auto Zone.

#41 of 81 Which Alternator do I purchase? by coffeeboy1

Sep 30, 2009 (5:07 pm)

There are two options for my 2001 Windstar, it tests bad, and I have nearly ALL the problems in this forum. There is a choice for high output and another with a little lower. I do not have power doors, just power windows (like all new cars) and drivers side power seat. That is about it for special functions. Can I get by with the cheaper one?

Messages Page 5 of 9

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