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Driver side window does not go up, goes down slow. Power to the switch, was able to get the window up by jumping the switch, Sounds like a common problem, I was wondering if the switch or FEM (Front Electronic Modual) were the ultimate replacement part?
It's a 2001 SEL with about 198,000 miles
We replaced the alternator about 2 years ago, with one from ford brand new. The battery was replaced with a diehard about 5 months later.
Regardless., just recently it started to buck at speeds of 35-40 mph. And the check charging system message and battery light will illuminate intermittently. (Ironically it has been in the 40s today the the electrical related message has not appeared)
The check engine light eventually came on with the code P0305.
It has started to make a clacking noise. I suspect a misfire though the check engine light is not blinking. I am reading maybe a misfire at Cylinder 5.( I had problems with the rear plugs and wires, the wire would get burnt by the exhaust manifold causing the spark to escape)
When it started giving me problems related to mechanical 30k miles ago, i did the following (They went away until now)
Cleaned MAF and IAC
Replaced upper intake seals and isolator bolts
Valve Cover
Replaced all spark plugs with motorcraft.
The wires were replaced also
I replaced the coil pack with a new one from ford as well.
DPFE replaced
More recently we replaced the belt with a motorcraft replacement, the problems proceeded shortly after this.
My suspicions are
a loose connection somewhere
More notably the positive wire harness, where the battery physically is connected, is somewhat corroded.
A bad MAF, IAC or EGR valve
Dirty EGR ports
I took out the MAF and IAC to clean again, and cleared the codes on the computer.
If the wire is not the issue I was thinking maybe something near the footwell, as the hood release cable may have dislodged something?
I doubt its the alternator or battery because the car has started and not exhibited any electrical problems besides the messages on the dash.
My concern is this electrical problem, causing mechanical as well because of miscommunication amongst sensors?
When the gas gauge stopped working, my favorite mechanic said the was the fuel sensor, located in the gas tank. It would be about $650 to repair.
I'm so glad that I know how to calculate gas mileage, and put that repair on the back burner.
Only the rear axle had a repair, and the front subframe I believe. (which I think you are referring to as a front axle). The only areas that are recalling the Windstars for the rust issues are the northern states, as down here my van is unaffected.
ABS light and Brake Light are likely the faulty ABS module which us fellow Ford Windstar Owners are trying to have recalled. (Report your ABS troubles to nhtsa 1- (888) 327-4236
My ABS module is faulty and I have to deal with it or come with I dont know how much money.
A motor mount is considered something that does degrade over time and is rarely covered by any type of warranty.
Visit www.fordwindstarrecall.info for more information. (I am not affiliated with the site I just found it useful)
1.) brake light and ABS light come on periodically.
2.) Driver and passenger windows work periodically.
3.) Rear windows do not work at all.
4.) Radio works intermittently, and now down to only 1 speaker working on drivers side.
5.) A/C powers down when going up hill or increasing speed.
6.) Power locks on both back doors no longer work. We have to manually unlock and lock.
7.) All of the buttons on the radio dash..only the right side of each double button works...the left side of a button will not work...weird!
Are any of these issues things that we can fix ourselves? We are not looking to put a large amount of money into labor.
Thank you for any input that you all have.
No luck lights were on inside but the odometer and driver side window stopped working. PLEASE HELP with any advice you can give. Starter was replaced in 2009 battery was replaced in 2007.
I have exactly all the problems you described. What a piece of junk 2001 Ford Windstar is?
I have spent soooo much money on this van, and it is still coming up with newer problems. I have fixed the windows, door locks, windsheld wiper motor, on and on.
Now the latest issue at 95,000 miles is the transmission is shifting badly. First it strted off having issues between 3rd and overdrive. Now it is slipping and having issues in most all gears. Where will this stop?
Anyone having transmission slipping problems and if so, what did you end up doing to fix it?
Ghetia
With this car you are going to get constant problems with the Upper Intake Manifold seals isolator bolts etc. (Clean the EGR ports while your at it)
You will get problems with the door lock actuator and rear windows..
And don't forget the abs module.
Just something you learn to live with and perform your own repairs.
My 2001 Windstar has 217,000 miles. I don't complain because i get all my money out of a van.
When people start screwing around with ECM/PCM's is when they create problems for themselves.
The antitheft light will blink and the car won't start if the Alternator is bad!
1999-2000 vans without the the jewel keys may have problems with PATS but its rare.
Check out www.fordwindstarrecall.info
Other problems.
http://fordwindstarrecall.info/morecodes.htm
We replaced the alternator on our current van about 2 years ago and it more recently went bad again. (The one we purchased before was from Ford)
Best bet is to get a new alternator (probably rebuilt from autozone etc.) And a new battery. Junkyard alternators are probably failing too.
It came out after I replaced mine.
The brake fluid leaking on the wiring caused all kinds of problems including no cruise.
it DESCRIBES your very problem.
I believe ford will replace your SCDS switch under recall.(unless you want your car to catch on fire and burn your house down) Leaky master cylinder can supposedly cause this overdrive problem...
ABS and Brake are probably due to a faulty ABS module
But it might be worth replacing here is info on it.
http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar02.html
I also have a E350 2008 van that kills the battery if I leave my GPS pluged in.
Ford needs to address this problem.
First I have a 200 Windstar SE, and replace the tie rods and front wiper motor every year or two.
A sensor between the firewall and the engine failed, keeping the service engine light on.
The ABS is intermittent, but usually on, but functional as a system.
Now I have issues that I have to believe are related.
First to fail were the heated mirrors and side view mirror controls.
Then the Side Door Buttons between the visors, became intermittent.
Then The DS Rear Window fails to open or close at times.
Then the Door Locks started functioning sporadically.
Then the Side Doors stopped opening consistently, seldom close all of the way to lock, and the DS Side Door only opens a foot.
and the newest to my troubles are:
The Backup Alarm and Back Up Lights do not work at all.
Sometimes some days are better, but usually not. Any advice, guidance or direction will be appreciated, short of directing me to the dealership.
I tried a different panel switch but the window still wouldn't go down. Two days ago, a mechanic replaced the motor and the window worked for a day. After a day of sitting in a parking lot with the sun shining on it, the window doesn't work again.
I'm thinking some wire or mechanism must be expanding/ shorting in the heat and when it's cold, it must contract and not short. But I have no idea what it could be (not an electrician) and when I go to a mechanic to explain what's wrong, they rarely listen to a woman trying to explain it - and they don't believe me when I say it works in winter but not the rest of the year.
So, any help someone can give, I'd be obliged.