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Ford Windstar Problems

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Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The price sounds pretty cheap, even if it were in US dollars. I assume no one bought it at one of their auctions (why would the auction house not try to sell it at auction - that's what they do)? Maybe you can get the auctioneer to tell you what's wrong with it.

    US TMV for dealer trade is ~$5,700, so even if it needs a new tranny or head gasket, it may be worth it to get it and dump 2 or 3 thousand in it (engine or tranny work could be double that though). Probably a better deal for a wrench turner.

    Let us know what you decide.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tony22rtony22r Member Posts: 45
    My 1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L V6
    Problems, Defects, Recalls

    * Defective factory Head Gaskets at 60K miles. White smoke, coolant in engine oil. Replaced under Ford Recall but I still had to pay $200 for "fluids & environmental fees".
    * "Hood Separation at high speeds" Recall. Dealer applied more Glue to the plastic hood!
    * Gas Tank (plastic) needed Reinforcement for hot weather climates. Recall. They installed redesigned straps on the plastic gas tanks.
    * Sliding Door needed reinforcement/welding.
    * Transmission Oil pan leaked constantly since vehicle was new at 0 miles. I was original owner.
    * Engine oil pan started leaking at 10K miles.
    * "Check Engine" light came on ALL the time! Usually on long drives or change of altitude. Dealer could never explain, and refused to fix it as there was no "problem".
    * Hesitation/Jerking/Loss of power at certain temperatures, elevations, engine speeds. Dealer could never reproduce problem so refused to fix.
    * Trim, body panels, weather stripping falling apart. (20K miles)
    * Radio buttons and knobs falling off. (20K miles)
    * Windows came off their tracks (30K miles)
    * Defective rim that leaked Air! There was an Air Leak in the steel Wheel right from the factory! Dealer refused to replace, they said it was a Maintenance item! GRR..

    I sold my Windstar last year at a loss for $3000. It only had 67K miles on it, yet everything was falling apart. I took the money and ran while the vehicle was still 'running'.
    I was the original owner and maintained that vehicle religiously, changing oil every 3K, tranny fluid flushes, air filter every 10K, coolant flush every summer, etc.

    Bottom line; DON'T buy a FORD!
    In the end it will end up owning YOU!
    I will Never Ever own another Ford vehicle again!
  • gandalf17gandalf17 Member Posts: 348
    Tony22r,

    Appreciate your feedback. Sounds like you got stuck with a really horrible vehicle. You probably should have pursued the lemon law on that one....

    Although your words alone would not influence my decision at all, I have decided not to purchase this 1998 Windstar. I have done quite a bit of further research, both here and independently and there isn't a chance I would pony up the money for a vehicle with a problem plagued history such as this. I find it exceptionally troubling that years went by and the same issues kept re occurring in the same vehicles. It reinforced to me why i will never buy a car from a North American manufacturer. I have owned Honda's, Mazda's and now a Subaru WRX for the last 10 years. I have never had a major mechanical issue or malfunction in all of that time. I have only had to have regular maintenance and a few minor problems fixed under warranty such as squeaking seats and loose window trimming.

    Steve Host,

    Thanks also for the feedback on pricing. I was planning on using this vehicle almost exclusively as transport to my boat which i have docked about an hour north of Toronto. The extra carrying capacity and the fact i didn't have to put mileage on my wife's Mazda Protege ES or my WRX intrigued me. I'm sorry, but the potential for costly transmission and engine repairs just isn't worth it for me.

    Thanks,
  • mikeu42mikeu42 Member Posts: 2
    Like all too many others, I wish I had this site before I bought my 1995 Windstar. I've had almost all the problems written about, and basically got the same "treatment" from Ford. My biggest disappointment was the Ford factory rep telling me that I could either take my costs for replacing the defective head gaskets in cash, or apply that same dollar value to the purchase of a replacement Ford vehicle. I took the $800.00 in a flash, but later found that I should have been offered a $4,000.00 incentive to buy that new Ford replacement vehicle. Of course Ford Customer Service told me that I had no proof of anything and to go scratch. Late last year there was some sort of a California court case regarding the control module???,,, but all I can find out is that nothing is settled yet??? Does anyone out there know if I/we have any chance of recouping a little more of our losses,,, or,, be offered a "replacement" incentive?????
  • bob550kbob550k Member Posts: 148
    I didn't buy a windstar due to the comments on this site. Call the factory prior to any used car purchase and give them the VIN number and most manufacturers can give you a complete history of all of the repairs done under warranty to that vehicle, some will even provide a printed report. This is a great way to verify mileage and repair history. Many companies keep all of the service information available to the public including oil changes etc... It would be a big mistake not to make a simple call prior to the purchase, you might avoid a real lemon.
  • penguinpenguin Member Posts: 32
    About 6 months ago, I took windstar to dealer because of a strange sound coming from engine. They said I need a new transmission-$2700.00. Since I was not experiencing any drivability problems I figured why not just wait until it dies. Well today I take it in for brakes and they tell me the transmission should be replaced and that they will put in a Ford rebuilt transmission for $500.00. Warranty period will be for 6 years/100,000 from when I bought van, which was May 1997. It has 70,000 miles so I get in effect, 15 months/30,000 miles. Now that seems pretty hard to turn down, but I'm wondering, if the replaced unit will have the same problems that the original had. Anybody have a similiar story?
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    Where do you get the phone number. I would love to have all this information.

    Thanks
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    You may be better off with the rebuilt. The part that usually goes (I don't remember what it's called) is replaced w/a better unit when they are rebuilt. Ford knows about this problem but it's $$$ running the show at assembly time, save a buck on the sale make a few more after the warranties run out and customer pays for new/rebuilt units.

    Ray T.
  • penguinpenguin Member Posts: 32
    I guess there's no good reason not to take Ford up on this. I would hope they would improve the rebuilt to fix whatever the problem was, but of course you never know.
  • joiner1joiner1 Member Posts: 1
    My '99 Windstar needs a new transmission at 37,800 miles. Everytime I took it in, I complained about the trans. It was serviced in Oct.(31K) and December(33K), both times they told me trans was ok. Dealer says they will pay half of the $3000 job. I don't have an extended warranty - Ford Customer (no)Assistance rudely told me to take a hike. Do I have any recourse here? And, if not - where did you get that $500 transmission?
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    Make sure you have copies of your previous repair orders. If you complained of transmission problems during your warrantly period, and you have the repair orders/documentation to prove it, and they said you had no problem, then you can argue your condition existed before your warranty expired. Stick to your guns and fight it.
  • jsiedhoffjsiedhoff Member Posts: 18
    Has anyone had any major problems with a 2002 Windstar yet? I have one that was a replacement for my 2000 that went totally dead on me. It took 3 months of fighting with Ford to get it. I am having some problems with the driver's side sliding door squeaking and rattling and some other similar noises but so far, no major problems. It only has 3000 miles on it so maybe it is too new to fail.
  • bloemiebloemie Member Posts: 8
    Penquin,


    I'm not sure what is wrong with the 98 transmission. In the 95's it was the forward clutch piston. For more info and history on this problem go to: http://www.magma.ca/~jheinze/Trannys.htm


    He won his court case against Ford

  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    You do have recourse, you have documented problems prior to warranty expiration! Contact your State Attorney Generals Office and file a complaint, then let the dealership know your not taking this lying down and that you have contacted AG's office. It will take a couple months to resolve but I think once Ford is contacted by the AG's office they will be motivated to replace your tranny at no cost to you. Stick to your guns, let us know how you make out.

    Ray T.
  • queen7queen7 Member Posts: 1
    I have a leased 2000 Windstar. At under 2,000 miles the fuel pump failed several times and had to be replaced. These failures took place in traffice with a van load of kids - I lost all power - steering, brakes, everything. Now, at 2,100 the compressor "broke apart". This happened while I was on an expressway with a van full of kids - the van filled with smoke. I also have broken seatbelts. The manager of my dealership was at first quite belligrent, but after checking with the service department told me he was going to try to get me a replacement.
    My perception is that the car has other problems they are not telling me about or he would not be anxious to replace it. I want to know if anyone can give me advice as to how to make sure this happens. I don't want to put my kids in that car again.
  • wendy19wendy19 Member Posts: 2
    I was just about to buy a used '98 Windstar at 51K from a local Ford dealer when I decided to check the internet. I found through Edmund's Pricing I would be getting a great deal, TRADE-IN PRICE(w/ my '93 Escort at 140k). When looking at other vehicles no one comes close.

    When I test drove the vehicle it made a loud sound in the steering wheel. I took it too my mechanic (also my brother-in-law). He found it was the front passanger tie rod. He also suggested to have the surpentine belt changed and the rear brakes adjusted. The dealership has done all of this, plus a front end alignment. I test drove it again yesterday, I thought the brakes where skipping, but then again, I have never drove a van (3.8L V-6 auto van vs 1.9L L4 manual hatchback). They said to have my mechanic check it over again if I wish. My brother-in-law has told me not to buy a Ford Windstar, b/c they have a lot of problems with them (something about aluminum against ? w/ the 3.8 engine). I take into consideration he in not a FORD person, but can't help but see when I check the internet (especially the '98s), I see nothing but tranny, power steering problems and electronical glitches. I can get the extended warranty, but for an additional $1500 and 36,000 miles on 51K is it worth it, especially if it has to be in the shop all the time?

    I have had 2 Escorts both over 130K in 8-9 yrs. Not only do I run around alot, but I redo furniture and have loved my Escort 4 dr. hatchback for that reason. We also have 2 touring kayaks that we put on the luggage rack in the summer. My brother-in-law suggests a truck, but I test drove one yesterday Ford Sport Ranger V-6 manual and I hated it. I think he wants me to keep the gas mileage down plus be able to haul the stuff I do. Viewed the Ford Focus wagons and found brake problems every 20K.

    I'm going crazy making the decision on the Windstar. I have checked Caravan's and Voyager's but they just don't seem to come down in price. Local dealers are way over Edmund's dealer price. PLEASE HELP!!!!! I need to make this decision soon (they have waited 2 weeks-which also scares me).
  • sel3sel3 Member Posts: 33
    Wendy,

    Ask the dealership to show you the maintenance history of the Windstar. If it has a good history and the dealer fixes all the current problems, tell the dealership that you have done some research and this model has some problems with the engine and drive train. Tell them you want a free extended warranty on the engine and drive train. If not, leave your phone number and walk away! SEL3
  • wendy19wendy19 Member Posts: 2
    SEL3, I thought I mentioned everything. I did ask for a history record and they said they could only go back 90 days. As far as the extended warranty it would cost additional $1500 for 36K. The manager came out and told me that he had gotten it from an Acura dealer b/c it wasn't going to sell there. He said that it got lost in the shuffle when it was brought over and that's why it was put out on the lot with "a noise the the steering" which my mechanic found to be an unpassable tie rod. At first I felt good that the manager told a story about the vehicle, but now I'm thinking that he was only informed and rehearsed what to say.

    Friends tell me to go with my instincts or gut feeling, but I'm more the technical type and the gut feelings come b/c I'm too analytical. Picky as they say, cautious I like to think. But I still need your opinion.
  • sel3sel3 Member Posts: 33
    Ford keeps computer records on all vehicles ask to see the warranty repair records for this vehicle. If you do not get a free, not a $1500 extended warranty for the engine and drive train my gut says walk away! When I purchased my 2000 Windstar, I told the dealer I liked the van, but was not sure of the engine and drive train. The dealer gave me a 6yr, 100K extended warranty, the dealer cost for the package was only $350. Take your time and look around.
  • jj69jj69 Member Posts: 1
    I just got it 3 months ago with 25k miles and I am hearing like a bee noise when I go uphill. I wonder if this is a sign of transmission problems.
  • penguinpenguin Member Posts: 32
    Run, don't walk, as fast as you can to get away from it. Seriously, don't even consider it for one second.
  • borthistleborthistle Member Posts: 1
    regarding speedometer Ford winstar after 54000 miles speedometer malfunctions.From discussions with other
    owners it appears to be a common problem. Is this one those malfunctions that is common knowledge to Ford but
    they do not bring to the publics attention?
    David

    #
  • bearsfan1bearsfan1 Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone had any luck convincing Ford to replace or repurchase a Windstar based on multiple intermittent problems? If so, what did you do? I have a 2001 Windstar SEL that started having problems at about 600 miles. I have had multiple instances where the vehicle will not start but when is towed to the dealership, starts immediately-dealership claims-no problem found. Other problems include the check engine light coming on intermittently(multiple parts replaced including sensor, vapor mgt valve, heater core), the ignition falling out(ignition has been replaced 3 times), the ignition sticking, a strange coolant odor coming from A/C(heater core leak, steering fluid leak) and defrost system, door controls not functioning etc, etc. I am now going through the lemon law process with Ford and have an arbitration date set. Ford sent a copy of the paperwork that the dealership submitted on the vehicle and it stated that the dealership feels that there is no problem with the vehicle and that all problems have been resolved. Besides the fact that many of these problems remain unresolved, I think there should be some consideration from Ford for the number of times I've had to bring the vehicle in-over 30 days in 12 months. Any suggestions on how to deal with Ford at the arbitration???
  • djacob62djacob62 Member Posts: 5
    Today my 98 Windstar (3.8L) with 60K on it starting lurching as I was backing in to a parking stall. On the way home the tranny sounded a bit rough (whiring and a short grinding noise). The past few weeks we have noticed it clunks once in a while. I checked the tranny fluid and the level is OK. I also noticed the engine pinging today as well. When I got home, placed the tranny in park and I depressed the accelerator and it ran very rough - I've never noticed any of this before.
    I've gone through all the messages hear and I'm not too thrilled with all the tranny problems and I noticed most of the pinging problems deal with 99 models.

    Anyway, I have to wait till Monday morning to call the ford garage. I don't have an extended warranty on this and I'm sure the standard warranty has already expired. Any advice on how I should deal with ford on this. I don't feal I should have to pay the entire cost of a new tranny, since I have had the van since 2000 I wouldn't mind paying a portion of the repair or replacement.

    For as much as we pay for cars and vans you'd think that the tranny would last *a little* longer.
  • lwylielwylie Member Posts: 1
    My 1999 LX Windstar was slipping, and I was told I needed a transmission rebuild. The transmission began to slip while the rebuilder test-drove the vehicle.

    The rebuilder couldn't figure out what was causing the slip so they spoke to Ford, who said the problem was with the speed sensor, not the tranny. A speed sensor replacement didn't do the job, nor did a new valve body. Now it appears to be anybody's guess. The dealer simply maintains the speed sensor "should do it."

    I've done plenty of complaining already. What I'm hoping for is some concrete suggestions. Any relevant experience out there?
  • warankwarank Member Posts: 5
    I was just about to buy a used '99 Windstar SE with lot of options close to SEL for 15000/- mileage of 29k.

    The owner told me that recently at 24k their transmission went down and ford changed the Tranny and gave them a 2 yr 24 month warranty.

    Ford dealer did an vehicle inspection for me and gave a clean chit.

    But in this post I see nothing but tranny, power steering problems and electronical glitches,I can get the extended warranty, but for an additional $1200 and upto 75,000 miles , is it worth especially if it has to be in the shop all the time?

    Any advice helpful
  • dicnicdicnic Member Posts: 2
    Since the posts on this thread relate to earlier Windstars, especially regarding transmission etc. problems, does anybody have evidence of the 2002 Windstars being better? Does anyone ever post GOOD things about Windstar? They can't ALL be bad! Any thoughts?
  • pencilpusherpencilpusher Member Posts: 7
    Why would you plunk down 15 grand on a '99 Windstar after reading all these posts? Hey, it's your money, if you want to buy a pack of problems go ahead.
  • dkatzdkatz Member Posts: 2
    Bearsfan - Very interesting to hear about your 2001 Windstar SEL having intermittent trouble that the dealer can't diagnose. I have a 2000 SEL with exactly that issue. Since October, after about 18 months and 21000 miles, my van began to intermittently not start in the morning about once every week or two. Normally, I just jump it then take it in, but other times I've called roadside assistance to tow it. I've had it in nine times to three different dealers, and no one can find the power drain. Its also on its third battery in three months. Today, the Ford Field Engineer is supposedly looking at it to decide whether they'll buy it back. The dealers are all nice enough about looking it over, but I find it unbelievable that none of them can locate the problem. One dealer even kept the van for two weeks, but never experienced a problem. If they don't buy it back and the problem persists, the state attorney general tells me I have to go through an arbitration panel to get a partial refund. I'll let you know what the Field Engineer decides.
  • jsiedhoffjsiedhoff Member Posts: 18
    Dkatz and Bearsfan, I had similar problems with a 2000 Windstar. I have multiple postings earlier in this message board with my continuing saga of problems. Ford has since put me in a 2002 Windstar but I am experiencing some issues with it as well IE: squeaky/rattling sliding doors, etc but so far nothing mechanical. The 2000 I had was about one year old when my family and I took a trip from Illinois to Florida and on both the way there and back four days later, it died in the middle of the interstate. It was towed to a dealer both times. After about three months, they said the problem was a bad crimp on a wire in the fuse box. (Search for my earlier postings for more details)
  • bobaranbobaran Member Posts: 4
    Several months ago we rented a 2002 Windstar. Since we were in the market for a minivan this was also a chance to test it out. Things ran smoothly for that week but there were imperfections that a car with 700 miles shouldn't have. Everytime we hit any bump the door ajar chime would be set off, and a squeak in the back. A couple of our friends have older models and haven't had any serious problems, but reading this board and our test drive bugs convinced us not to even consider the Windstar. We are now happily driving a new MPV.
  • bearsfan1bearsfan1 Member Posts: 3
    dkatz-Please let me know what the outcome is of the field engineer evaluation!! I just had my arbitration hearing with the Ford dispute settlement board this week and it doesn't look good. The dealership submitted paperwork to the case file that didn't include half of the problems we had experienced and included a statement that they felt there was no problem with the vehicle. It was pretty hard not to get emotional at the hearing after reading that !?#&. Good luck!!
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    Where are your copies of the repair invoices? These also need to be submitted for review. If the dealership doesn't show invoices that you have, it is clear he is being deceptive. If you don't like the outcome, there is always the option for a lemon law lawsuit. Lemon laws vary from state to state, so you will have to discuss with an attorney. In my state, arbitration is an option and not a requirement. You can sue the manufacturer without first going through arbitration. Do this thing on your terms, not theirs.
  • morknmemorknme Member Posts: 1
    We haven't had any problems with it aside from the standard squeaky doors and some crackling noises in the steering, but it's about to go out of warranty. Do we keep it and buy an extended warranty or trade it for an MPV now at a loss?

    Did Ford change anything between 97 and 2000? When we bought the van they said they had fixed the engine and transmission and they were different. From reading these forums it looks like maybe that's not true? What was only happening in 95's 2 years ago seems to have started in 96-98's now. Is it really just because the 2000's haven't gotten that high in mileage yet? Was it a sign that we got our 5th recall notice in the mail today? What do you think?
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    If it has been reliable I would keep it and buy the warranty. You lose money by selling it and then go deeper into debt.
    I am on my second Windstar. I had a 95 GL with 135K on it and would still have it if a man in a truck had not run a red light and totaled me. I did have the gasket go on me but the tranny was still is good shape. I presently have a 99 SE and had a squeaky right rear door (A little lube on the hinges and silicon on the rubber and that took care of that) and that is it. My service manager told me the 99 was better than the previous year since the transmission was changed and so far I have no reason to doubt him. I always get the extended warranty. We keep our vehicles for about 7 to 10 years and in that time something major will break. Face it, just a power window motor will be $400 to $500 to fix. If the CPU goes it is about 2k to replace.
    As to recalls I do not know what it was for but with today complex machines they are a fact of life. Look at the 1.9 million recall from GM. How can you tell there will be a heat build up due to electrical current that would lead to that kind of problem and it may impact only one or two percent of the cars. Even the big guys (BMW, MB, etc) have them. It is of course your call but from a financial point of view you would lose a ton on selling it an then getting a MPV. (However, the 2002 MPV with the 200HP engine is very sweet, but small) So much for my two cents--or close to a dime I guess. One more note. It was really funny on my 95. Just after it went out of the extended warranty I only had one problem in 50K ( ground wire corroded through and it would not start). Go figure.
  • dkatzdkatz Member Posts: 2
    Bearsfan and others - Field engineer looked at my 2000 Windstar and decided the brake light switch was sticking intermittently. They changed the switch, but the next morning, the battery was dead again and the van wouldn't start. I towed it back to the dealer, who has had it for three working days now. I went there yesterday to get a loaner and they now have decided the accessory module comes on intermittently when the car is off. They are expecting a replacement module in today, and we'll have to wait and see if that fixes it. If this is not it, I'm not sure what I'll do. This is the 11th time its been to a dealer for intermittent starting issues.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I was just browsing around and thought I would read the Chevy Venture board and see what their problems were. I have a 99 SE that I bought after my 95 GL was totaled and from reading the chevy board I am really happy I did not get a GM product (I gave it a thought for about 2 seconds). They have a lot more problems than the Windstar.
  • birkiebobbirkiebob Member Posts: 19
    Here's a positive note. I have a bit over 56,000 miles and will be taking it in for the 60,000 mile check shortly(before heading out from the Midwest to Yellowstone in July). I have not had any problems with head gaskets or the tranny, just find it difficult to remove front wheels to rotate(lug nuts seem to corrode too tight) occasionally. But other than a bad radio ground(resulting in buzzing) that was fixed under warranty about 25,000 miles ago, the van has been pretty trouble free. I do my own "easy-routine" maintenance(oil change, air filter, serpentine belt, rotate tires(are originals), etc.), but will have Ford garage do the spark plug, tranny oil(third time), coolant, and fuel filter changes. I figure it will run about $300, but that's pretty small compared to what I've read here. I will continue to do what I can for preventative maintenance (regular oil changes, tranny fluid every 20,000 or so, rotate tires, check brakes, etc.) and hope to get another 56,000 miles out of the vehicle. I NEVER get the extended warranties on my vehicles, and consider myself way ahead now so as to be able to afford any bigger repair that may come along-but I've never had to yet. Happy motoring!
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I guess you and I are in the minority. I had a 95 GL that did have the gasket problem but overall for 135,000 it was a reliable vehicle and I had no trouble with the transmission. It was totaled by a red light runner. I now have 99 SE and am happy with it. I pull the routine maintance per the book and so far I am happy with my used 99. Like you I do the easy stuff. I use Mobil 1 and change the oil and filter every 5k. Routine maintance is the key. You should be able to get more than the 112 you mentioned above.
  • bearsfan1bearsfan1 Member Posts: 3
    After my 2001 Windstar(24,000 miles)came back from getting an oil change at the dealership the other day, we noticed that while driving it seemed like the vehicle was not in the correct gear-almost like it in D1 or D2 and there is a weird noise coming from the motor. Also, we noticed that there is a hot smell-electrical burning smell after driving a few miles. We have had all of the typical Windstar problems like failure to start, the check engine light, the door controls etc. but this seems to be a new one. Anyone have any thoughts as to what these symptoms might be?
  • smokybearsmokybear Member Posts: 2
    I bought a 97 Windstar about 8 months ago and have had numerous problems with it, although nothing serious yet. One of them continues to annoy us. The chime is frequently on for no apparent reason. There are only two factors we have been able to identify: 1) It only stays on at speeds under 20 mph, and 2) It is more frequent with the headlights on (sometimes the chime goes off if I turn my headlights off, but not always).

    Has anyone else experienced this?
  • vatnvatn Member Posts: 4
    my 98 windstar just started chiming indicating the door is ajar and they are not, anyone had to fix this? 57,000 miles
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    There are two possible places to look. The first and perhaps most common is the sliding door. on the Frame there are four silver circles. They are contacts for plungers in the sliding door. If they get dirty, they will cause that problem. To clean them, just use a pencil eraser. Another place to look would be the tailgate latches. The switch is built into the door latch. You might have to clean it. I think people have used something like WD-40 sprayed in the latch. Try the sliding door contacts first as they are the easiest.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I concur with crkeehn. I had the same thing happen on my 95. Never did have the trouble with the rear though. Now I clean the contacts as they get dirty and no problem.
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    I never had a problem with the rear either, every time I had the phantom open door, it was always the side contacts. However others have reported a problem with the switch built into the tailgate latch.

    Once I did have a problem when cleaning the contacts didn't work. I carried an old blanket in the rear to protect the cargo area when carrying old leaves, trash etc. It was preventing the tailgate from totally closing although it did APPEAR to be closed. I just moved the blanket and blissful peace. Ahhhhh
  • john936john936 Member Posts: 1
    I understand that with any vehicle there will always be problems, let's face it with thousands of parts you really can't be perfect. However perfection is something always to aspire to even if you never achieve it. Ford, through its Windstar problems has demonstrated its ability to be consistently deficient in quality. The problems posted on this board reflect a total lack of responsibility and accountability from a corporation to its products and customers. They are the same problem areas over and over, year after year, identified but never resolved in subsequent years. I have owned Ford products for 30 years,some good some not so good. Today I vowed not to spend another dollar on my Windstar. The front end has been rebuilt, the transmission replaced, the strut rods re-welded along with various other items have been repaired on a vehicle with approx. 68,000 miles. I really have to acknowledge GE Capital for their coverage,in particular the transmission. Anyone who reads this board and even questions whether to purchase a Windstar should have their head examined. Ford should be ashamed of the quality of the Windstar product and their failure through the years to resolve known common problems. This vehicle is my last Ford purchase. Good luck to all Windstar owners and remember It won't last forever.
  • socalricsocalric Member Posts: 1
    I was stopped at a stop light, and tried to accelerate when the light turned green, and nothing happened. Just the whizzing of the transmission for a good while, then eventually the car started moving again. I brought the car back to the dealer the next morning, and they have checked the computer, the transmission, the transmission fluid quality and level, and all supposedly came out fine. I've seen this sort of circumstance listed on this board, but have not seen what is the culprit behind this kind of problem. Anyone know what is wrong, what to do, what to tell the dealer? Thanks!!!!
  • fords4everfords4ever Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know where the daytime running light module is located
    2000 - 2002 thanks in advance for any help.
  • wayne19960wayne19960 Member Posts: 2
    Gang,

    New to this message board, I am interested in reading more of your comments but I wanted to get this out there. My 2000 Windstar was equipped with General P215 70 R15 tires and I have experienced problems with them. You may want to check yours. I have approximately 28K miles on the van/tires and have had them rotated properly according to schedule. Proper inflation, the works... One tire had a bulge in the sidewall which later split vertically from the rim to the tread. Fearing for my family's safety, I went ahead and paid out of pocket for 2 new tires (for equal tread)instead of waiting for an appointment with a Ford Dealer/General Tire Dealer.

    Upon getting the new tires, I noticed that the other two original tires were cracking all the way around the tire where the tread meets the sidewall. Ford/General did agree to give me a discount on two tires for this. Check it out on your vehicles. I would hate for this to turn into another Ford Explorer/Firestone debacle.

    Wayne
    Lincoln, DE
  • wayne19960wayne19960 Member Posts: 2
    Following up on some of the previous postings I have also experienced the intermittant starting problems and the intermittant door ajar chime.

    My starting problems have originated from something to do with the position of the steering wheel. For example if the wheels are cut to one side or another, when I turn the key, the dashboard lights will come on but it will not start. To get it to start, I sometimes have to put the van in neutral and push it or coast a short distance to relieve the problem. After that, it will start right up. Its no real problem for myself but for a smaller female that wouldn't work.

    Wayne
    Lincoln, DE
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