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02 Windstar from brake question

58 messages,  Last post on Jul 30, 2011 at 1:41 PM

You are in the Ford Windstar Forum.

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

Messages Page 3 of 6

#21 of 58 emergency brake light on at stop by mcilvadk

Sep 10, 2007 (5:10 pm)

Periodically, when I stop by 2001 Ford Windstar the emergency brake light come on. The emergency brake is handle is not pulled, but I can feel the brakes engaging. The ABS light is not on. The dealer who: 1) serviced the brakes before the problem started and 2)tried to fix the problem now wants to replace the $1000 control unit of the abs systems. I have my doubts because the problem started after the service of the brakes the first time, AND it was the same service tech both times. The only thing that supports their theory is that when I turn off the engine, and restart the car, the light goes off( which would seem to indicated an electronic malfunction)
 
Any input appreciated.

#22 of 58 Re: emergency brake light on at stop [mcilvadk] by jlkinc

Sep 11, 2007 (6:20 pm)

Replying to: mcilvadk (Sep 10, 2007 5:10 pm)
Check your brake fluid level, could be low and it turns on the light.

#23 of 58 creaky noise by qtbaby1974

Oct 14, 2007 (4:47 pm)

I just purchased a 2000 windstar with 57000 miles from a ford dealer...I need help or suggestions here... before they gave us the car they claim they replaced all brakes rotors and gave us brand new tires...car drives wonderful engine clean, just while driving we get a creaky noise when we accelerate, brake or hit bumpy streets...Initially thought it was the shocks/struts...brought it back to dealer since we purchased premium warranty and they claim its the brakes... that it should go away.. right now its been a full week with the car and we get the same annoying noises...one thing the mechanic showed us is driving while emergency brake is on... u do not hear the noise.. but to me that sounds funny.. any advice will be appreciated..
 

#24 of 58 Re: Strange Brake Failure and Noise [od1] by pine2002

Oct 14, 2007 (9:33 pm)

Replying to: od1 (Nov 15, 2006 10:40 am)
I HAVE A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR IT HAS BEEN GIVING US NOTHING BUT BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHEN WE GO TO STOP THE E BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, THERES A VERY LOUD NOICE, AND AT TIMES WE COMPLETELY LOSE BRAKES... WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN THE THE DEALER THEY DONT HAVE A CLUE WHATS WRONG WITH IT, THERES NO BRAKE FLUID LOSE. THEY CUT THE DRUMS AND ROTORS, WE HAVE NEW BRAKES FRONT AND REAR. WE ARE IN THE HOLE $300.00 AND WE ARE STILL HAVEING THE SAME PROBLEM ACTUALLY THE VAN IS THERE NOW. CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP US WE ARE ACTUALLY SCARED TO PUT OUR FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE YET THE DEALER KEEPS GIVING IT BACK TO US..

#25 of 58 CHECK YOUR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH!!! by kwelty

Nov 16, 2007 (10:08 am)

The recall that Ford recently did involves the cruise control switch and poses a real, very serious fire danger. Ford Windstars are not included in this recall (YET) but they have this exact faulty switch up to 02.
 
I post this HERE with brakes because this switch going bad allows brake fluid to leak all over this switch, your shifter switch on your transmission AND your transmission. As for your brakes, you WILL lose brake fluid, your brake lights WILL come on, and you can totally lose braking power if the leak becomes bad enough. As for the transmission, it will cause your shifter switch to short which can cause serious damage to your transmission. It's not just your cruise control that will no longer work if this switch goes bad. AND, the reason for the recall, fires can result, even when the van is not running. People have lost their homes because their Ford was parked too close to their house or in the garage. Google "Ford Windstar Cruise Control Switch" you'll find full details!
 
I have had brake issues for a year now and lost the cruise control last winter. I learned about this when I just had to have my transmission rebuilt and am on shifter switch #3 within one weeks' time.
 
My transmission issue is not 100% cured, but the new cruise control switch stopped the brake lights coming on randomly AND I have cruise control again.
 
If your cruise control switch has not been disabled or replaced with the new part available this past October 2007, then you need to take it to a Ford Dealership ASAP and have it fixed. They will charge you to do this, but I was told that WHEN Ford issues the recall for our Windstars (and that is very, very likely) we will be reimbursed for this. This is a very cheap part that can cause some very, very seriously expensive problems.
 
Hope this helps someone figure out their confounded brake issues and spares someone a costly transmission repair, or worse a car/home fire.

#26 of 58 Re: New Brakes [seloo] by cowboysfan

Nov 18, 2007 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: seloo (Aug 19, 2007 6:16 pm)
My husband is having trouble replacing the brakes on our 2000 Windstar. The lug nut that keeps the disc and roter on just won't come off! Any suggestions?

#27 of 58 Re: CHECK YOUR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH!!! [kwelty] by deisher7

Jan 04, 2008 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: kwelty (Nov 16, 2007 10:08 am)
you are so very right. I had the same problem and my brakes went completely out, got that fixed but now my abs light stays on all the time again. do not know what to do to fix this problem.

#28 of 58 2001 sqealing brakes by mals

Feb 16, 2008 (11:32 am)

#29 of 58 2001 sqealing brakes by mals

Feb 16, 2008 (11:32 am)

I recently replaced the front pads on my 2001 Windstar. Everything went fine, after 300 to 400 miles a sqeaul has developed on the right front when you are braking into a left hand turn. I have checked the anti-rattle clips and they appear to be good. Any thoughts.
Thanks
 
Matt

#30 of 58 Re: 2001 sqealing brakes [mals] by geneisaac1

Apr 27, 2008 (12:12 pm)

Replying to: mals (Feb 16, 2008 11:32 am)
On my own Windstar I had the problem of having to replace my front disc pads 2-3 times a year until I discovered that my front callipers were sticking and that this was a very common problem which results in very rapid disc pad wear.
 
Once I replace those sticking front calipers, the problem was solved.
 
It's probably a good idea to just replace the calipers with each brake job while your at it. Rebuilt calipers are not that expensive, and by changing them with each brake job, it's cheap insurance to not have to replace the brake pads so often.

Messages Page 3 of 6

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