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Ford Freestar Electrical Problems

111 messages,  Last post on Apr 16, 2013 at 6:08 AM

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Messages Page 10 of 12

#85 of 111 Freestar - problems with PCM, Fuse box etc... by rbkjr

Apr 27, 2012 (12:16 pm)

Hey guys,
 
Just joined and hope to get some advice from you all......
 
Our 2004 Freestar (4.somthing) is having some issues.....
 
It all started one day when wife complained A/C was not cooling well. In addition, the check engine light came on. Took it to Advance Auto to check the code and came back with two codes (one being P0031 and the other I cannot remember but they both mentioned replacement of Oxygen sensor). At this point I took it to the repair shop and here is sequence of events as I know them:
 
Mechanic reports that the AC compressor is shot and that one of the Oxygen sensors is indeed bad so I say go ahead and replace.
 
Mechanic updates me with news saying that they cannot get the car started (Asked me for the security code - not sure why).
 
Mechanic reports that they finally got it started. Quote: "We disconnected the PCM and re-connected and it now runs - do ask me why"
 
I pick it up and drive it home. Seems OK and AC works great.
 
Next morning, drive kids to school and wife to work (I wanted to keep the van to drive and check out further). Drove about 15 miles total.
 
Came home, washed the van and picked up youngest from school (about another 5 miles).
 
Was going to drive van to pickup wife and van would not move as accelerated. Much "stuttering" when accelerating. Would not go more than 5 MPH even with bottom out of gas pedal. Check engine light and transaxle warning light on.
 
Towed back to shop.
 
Next day mechanic contacted me with news. PCM is shot. They found a used one ($225) and had Ford dealership "re-program" (whatever that means). They said they charged me no labor since they felt partly responsible (this statement got me to thinking...)
 
Picked up the van a few days later. Seemed to run OK. Now with about 25 miles on it - same symptoms (stuttering, check engine light and transaxle light).
 
Took back to the shop.
 
Mechanic now reports that something is wrong with the fuse box. With van running, if you tap the fuse box, the van shuts off. He plans to show me this when I go back today.\
 
Now I wonder, could they have done something to cause this chain of events? Could it be that the fuse box was the culprit all along (some sort of intermittent short)?
 
sigh......I just want a good qualified and dependable mechanic.......
 
Many thanks in advance for your tips/advice.....

#86 of 111 Ford Freestar PCM Issues by novaaggie84

Jun 12, 2012 (6:00 am)

Please, please go to NHTSA and file a complaint. This part is obviously defective from DAY ONE. I took to mechanic who said alternator was overcharging. He put on a new alternator--still overcharging. Said it was PCM issue removed new alternator and replaced it with the original alternator. This is the exact same issue in Oct/Nov 11 when we ultimately had dealer replace PCM to the tune of $1000plus. Took to dealer in ealry June 12, described issue, they insisted it was alternator--put on 4 different alternators over the course of the week. Every one experienced the same issue. Said Ford kept telling them to do so. Finally found a PCM on lot and replaced it in my car--IT WORKED! GUESS WHAT. PCMs are on backorder for who knows how long. Ford Corporate complaint to get rental car not authorized. So in addition to a deathtrap due to a torque convertor that parts are not in, I am in a deathtrap that the entire electrical system could shut down on a moments's notice. Dealer advises not to drive vehicle. So what am I supposed to do for transportation?? When will a PCM be available--I can't be the only one waiting on this part (maybe that should be an indicator that this is a recall issue!) Please visit NHTSA and file a complaint since not enough people have done so. This is an obvious safety issue and this car was obviously sold with PCM issues. Just check the numerous technical service bulletins.

#88 of 111 Re: 2004 electrical issues [graffke] by cmcshi

Jun 16, 2012 (11:00 am)

Replying to: graffke (Sep 26, 2011 6:34 pm)
I have had the same problem. I have taken it to Freeway Ford dealership and they told me it was my battery. I took the battery back were I purchased it and it checked out fine. I have days were it runs fine and days were it just want start at all.

#89 of 111 2004 Ford Freestar Electrical problems by kringla

Jun 18, 2012 (10:54 am)

Have had car in dealership four times in 2012. First time for power steering pump asy and gear asy-steering. Next for fuel pump and fuel rail sensor in May 2012. Two weeks later in for throttle air and engine control which I believe is the PCM. Also did a recall problem -torque converter replacement. Now, had a dead battery. The DVD player comes on at will, radio comes on when it decides to and my car alarm goes off for no reason. I can't lock my car without being concerned about the alarm beeping for no reason.
 
I am so discouraged and do not know what to expect next and don't know what to do about the electrical issues. Any ideas anyone?

#90 of 111 06 freestar fuse/electrical issues by cspano99

Jun 22, 2012 (9:57 am)

my freestar is dead... was blowing fuses for the radio for 2 days..now van wont start.. apparently the main computer control thing is dead.... this is soo wrong for a 6 yr old van. anybody else have issues with this?? i am sure this will be costly... also my cluster dash has been dead for a year now..

#91 of 111 freestarpoop by seldomworks

Jul 15, 2012 (5:17 pm)

I,ve have this same problem with my ford freestar 2005.
I'd be going on a brigde or an upgrade at 3000RPM's then the engine stalls and dies. I'M able to start it while costing, simply putting it in nuetral, turning off the ignition fully then restart. But, this problem has to stop. my kids, me and wife, i need a solution to this problem!!!!!!!

#92 of 111 Re: Check tire warning [mercmonty] by jamesyboy_99

Aug 03, 2012 (8:18 pm)

Replying to: mercmonty (May 25, 2009 6:48 pm)
I have an 05 Freestar, the tire light came on mine as well butt all my tires was good too. I got the hair brained idea to check my spare and that was it, it was low. I allso get the traction control light on as well, that one is what im on here looking for the answer for, lol. Good luck

#93 of 111 Re: Freestar - problems with PCM, Fuse box etc... [rbkjr] by royaledawn

Aug 20, 2012 (9:05 am)

Replying to: rbkjr (Apr 27, 2012 12:16 pm)
This is an ongoing problem with the 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestars. It is water going through the vents of the wipers running down the wiring harness and shorting out the chip for the transmission among other things. Ford is well aware of the problem but do not want to take the steps to fix it. I have had it shorted out twice both time I have been on the road with children in my vehicle. Luck was with me both times as that the roads were not busy and there was no one behind me to case in accident. Get in touch with your local BBB or contact https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/. If enough complaints go to the NHTSA there will be an investigation and they can force Ford to recall the vehicle and fix it right. The current recall for the Torque Converter is not fixing the problem there is other issues with the vehicle and Ford just refuses to take care of it.

#94 of 111 2006 Ford Freestar wont start says low battery by acurafan2013

Nov 11, 2012 (4:04 pm)

Yesterday I cleaned the car battery terminals with a brush because it has some corrosion build up. Right after cleaning it I tried starting the car and it would turn over please anyone who can help me determine if the battery is actually dead or if corrosion is the problem please respond all help is appreciated.

Messages Page 10 of 12

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