Ford Aerostar

KAURELIO

I sold my '89 Aerostar with 172,000 miles to CarMax. They gave me $3000 for it. My wife and I were sad to see it go, but we bought my father-in-laws mint '96 Windstar.

swampcollie

This is all hard to believe. I have a 93 Voyager which i bought new. The van has been excellent. The only reason it has been in the garage in 85k miles other than routine care is to replace the starter. That was about a week ago. It has the 3.3 engine and is the short wb. Is there something fishy here or am i just lucky?

swen1

Was just wondering If someonr knewe any thing about problems or prices for a Ford Aroe star. Im thinking on buying a Ford Areo Star 93 that has gone 60000miles and is an extended modell that is packed with every thing! Does any one have any prices?
Thanks,
Sven

Karen_S

Have you checked out Edmund's info for this model? Here's a link:

1993 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XL Passenger Van Extended

You'll have to add in all the accessories to get a close estimation of the price.

Hope this helps!

KarenS/Vans host

tominghram

looking for info on 1996 ford windstar or aerostar
recall relative to problem under the dashboard. supposedly requires removal of dashboard to correct an electrical problem. anyone with info please advise.

Karen_S

tominghram,

Check out this site for information on recalls.

http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/recalls.html

Hope this helps!

KarenS/Vans host

tropsgal

I currently have a 94 Aerostar electric 4 wheel drive, we are the origional owner. We now have 38,000 miles (we don't go far on this island), and we are beginning to see problems. This christmas i replaced the CV Boots, 1 recall part, one part under warranty (something to do with the clock timer in the air bag, an expensive part, and one that is covered for 35,000 or 4 years i beleive). I have kept the oil changed, and the alignment and breaks all in check, but have noticed a whining when i back up, and a squeaky sound when I break. I thought it was gone when I had the tires replaced and breaks done, but soon after getting it back, it started back up. The air conditioner doesn't always want to turn on. I'm worried about resale value, and want to get out of this, especially after reading your stories here, and having 2 friends with similar problems. What would be a good van to look at, with low maitenance. I am considering the Chevy venture, or the odessy.

thanks
Kim

kellidra

We just traded in our 89 Aerostar XLT, which had 112,000 miles on it, and bought a 96 Windstar LX. We bought the Aerostar on a whim two years ago, and got a great deal on it--we were even able to pay cash for it. But then we discovered that the air conditioning was a mess. In April 98, we had it repaired for about $600. It worked all that summer, but this year when we needed to start using it, all we got was hot air. The shop that repaired it last year said it needed a new compressor at $700. We took it to another mechanic for a second opinion, and they told us that the compressor was not the only problem--it had so many leaks that it would cost at least $1800 to repair it. Add to that a bad fuel pump, and we would have had at least $2300 worth of repairs to pay for. The technician said it probably wasn't worth it; he thought we should trade it in and get something else. Earlier this year, we had already replaced the transmission and the power steering. The mechanic said that once it started having so many problems, it would probably keep having them. So, we started shopping around for a new van. At first we looked at Grand Caravans and Grand Voyagers--they are comfortable that we fell in love with them. Then we started hearing about transmission problems (friends of ours with a Voyager have gone through 3 transmissions in 3 years). Finally, we discovered the safety ratings on the Chrysler vans weren't as high as dealers had told us. Since we have a toddler and a new baby on the way, we decided we should go with the safer Windstar (our mechanic says they rarely see Windstars with expensive problems in his shop, and also that the maintenance costs on the Windstar tend to be lower). We are very happy with our new purchase--a 96 Windstar with only 28,000 miles on it. We got a great deal, too--without even haggling, we got the dealer down to within $200 of our original offer. Each time he tried to get us to go up on our price, we said, "This is what we can pay." He also tried to convince us to get a different, less expensive (and less nice) Windstar. We said, "We want this one, and if we can't get it here, we'll find something comparable elsewhere." Finally he lowered his price and increased his offer on our trade-in to $2000. We drove home very happy in our beautiful, air- conditioned Windstar!

robinson2

Hi,
I own a '92 Aerostar XL with electronic 4WD. It's got 99,500 miles on it and it just keeps going. It was our first experience with a minivan (if you can call all that room mini!) and we've virtually been problem free. It now needs new rollers for the slider door, but with 3 growing boys what can you expect? We are just now thinking of selling it and going to another 4WD van, obviously not a Ford, they don't make one! We are considering a Chevy/GMC Astro/Safari. The mileage per gallon isn't as good, we get about 20-22 with the Aerostar, but we're ready for something new(er). We're asking $5000 if anyone is interested...sticker value is $6200. Thanks Edmunds by the way, your sticker is in my window!

jruszler

Bought my XLT xten'd body 4.0L new in 90. Now have 95K on it. For drivability, space and comfort it has been xcelnt. For reliability - the pitts. About 12 days and 12 miles after the 1 yr warranty expired it started dripping oil. Ok, no big thing. I can live with that. (I've restored numerous Triumph TR3's) 2nd year the A/C gave out. I live in SF Ca. where it rarely gets over 70 degF so I can do without that too. Not worth $1800 to replace broken compressor and clean metal shavings out of the system. Yr 3 the rear ABS and brake lights flash off and on (mostly on) and ABS seems to have failed. Good riddance! I hated the ABS system. Can't control vehicle at all on packed snow on a steep downgrade at any speed until the ABS quit. Solution to flashing light was simple - remove bulb from dash! For a while now things are OK until 60K when engine gets hot in stop and go traffic for no reason. nurse it to a gas station, cool radiator with hose (engine running)to safely open radiator cap and add water. No more trouble except coolant seems to be a little low every 2-3 months. At 70K kitty litter consumption in driveway is starting to get excessive. We're starting to have to wear gas masks when first starting vehicle as oil that has dripped on exhaust pipe burns off. 75K - engine develops bad misfire. New plugs and wires fix that. Only took 12 hrs to install them. (12 min on a TR3) At 80K we're planning trip to Disneyland and decide it's time to to have local Ford dealer reseal engine and do all the nice things that can be done when engine is out of van. Also requested they check for coolant leak problem. They suggest replacing plugs and wires for $125 which I decline as they are practically new. They find leaking radiator and freeze plugs which are replaced along with all new coolant hoses and clamps. Total bill $2900. I do brakes and tie rod ends myself (normal wear items, no big thing) Now we're ready to enjoy another 50-60K of trouble free miles. NOT! The engine begins miss-firing again at Disneyland but makes it 600 miles home. This time having learned the proper contortions and tools it only takes 4 hours to replace plugs and wires. Also, coolant leak hasn't been fixed. Dealer checks and says new radiator is bad and replaces. Next week coolant is still leaking. Dealer pressure tests again and can't find a problem. Says it might be head gasket or cracked head. Great! they could have checked for and fixed that while engine was out. Instead they sell me a radiator when original was probably fine. Oh well, engine runs fine and I can add a little coolant now and then. 88k we're headed to Seattle for Xmas. Get 300mi north to Redding and Van coasts to a stop with no power to drive wheels. Engine revs ok but no power in any gear (automatic). Once stopped, engine won't start. 1 week plus rental car & 650 gets new flexplate (flywheel) which has failed from fatigue (over flexing) Redding Ford Dealer says he's never seen it before and has no explanation for cause. While waiting we walk over to honda dealer next door to look at Accords. Salesman shows us brochure of new Odesseys and raves about them but has none to show or sell. This is first we hear of the new Qdessey. A week after returning home, heater fan quits. $125 for new part. next day JCWhitney catalog comes (I thought I was finally off their mailing list) They list fan for $40. Oh well, I saved 5 years of weekly catalogs by not ordering from them. 91K and it's Easter Vacation. We decide to take kids to Grand Canyon before it gets too hot - still haven't fixed A/C. Van is running great. Decide to travel via Nevada and avoid high Calif gas prices. Get caught in snow storms at Lake Tahoe and in Tonnopah. But van handles great without ABS! Stopover in Vegas. Return to van in 5 story garage after watching Pirate show. Van won't start. AAA tows it to Pep Boys to replace starter. New starter jams so Pep Boys take a closer look. Flex plate is cracked again! They can find no cause either. We drove the van straight home before new plate breaks and put our name on the waiting list of every local dealer for a new Odessey. The Redding Ford dealer and Ford District service refuse to honor their 12 month service waranty (Pep Boys did same job for half the price). Van is now losing a quart of water every 2-3 days but runs great otherwise. Bought used 88 Accord with 107k fully loaded and everything works. (even the A/C!) This was to be interrim transportation until new Odessey is available.

That was 3 wks ago. Tomorrow we pick up our new Odessey EX! The wait was only 2 months. The Aerostar I'll give to charity for the tax writeoff. I'll never do business with Ford again.
The Accord I expect to sell for a profit. For all you suckers that buy WindStars, I truly feel sorry.

Ok, I have to pay for $5000 in dealer installed options above the MSRP to get it but it's worth the price. Leather Interior, full floor carpeted mats, 6-CD changer, Towbar and Xmssn cooler, security system, roof rack crossbars, misc trim and leather steering wheel cover etc, etc. All stuf I wanted but wouldn't splurge for if they didn't make me!

muzquite

jruszler...Good Luck with the Odyssey! No offense, but I had to chuckle over your "Aerostar saga"...I was just glad to see that someone else has some of my luck! Since we live in Tx, we had to do the AC...2 yrs in a row. After nearly $2100 and an infinite number of trips to shop, we managed to get almost $400 back and finally have an AC that works. First time it was the compressor and condenser and the afternoon we drove it home (after writing a $1300 check) it quit. Seems they couldn't get all those shavings out.... One year and 6 days later the compressor went out again and through perseverance and an attitude we got them to honor the 1 yr warranty. I've also done the fan motor, the radiator and heater hoses that are gold-plated (evidently!), fan, the front end work...etc. I have enjoyed driving the van, but am disappointed in the repair costs and reliability. By the way, ours is a '91 w/88,000 miles; we bought it used from an individual who was flawless with maintenance and records, but that didn't seem to help! Unfortunately, I'll never own another. Not sure what we want now, but reliability will play a BIG part in the decision.

carsrus

That was quite a bad luck story. You deserve an award for sticking with any vehicle that long with ongoing problems.

My experience has been just the opposite. 1993 extended, rear wheel drive, 4.0L engine. The first 75K miles were business, I purchased it for personal use after the lease was up. Currently it has 117,000 miles with no major problems. Had a front brake job at about 90K, flex pipe on the exhaust ($100) about the same time. Still on the original plugs, battery and belts and hoses. I did change the trans fluid every 40K. I tow a 18ft. boat in the summer and two snowmobiles in the winter. I broke the plastic driver's door handle once while forcing it open after an ice/snow storm and the rear hatch mechanism rusted out and had to be replaced. I've been very pleased with the Aerostar and apparently very lucky as well.

I have noticed that it is running hotter this summer while towing with the air running than it did last summer. I recently had the cooling system flushed and filled, hopefully that will cure that potential problem.

silveradodude

HELP!!! Have a 1992 Aerostar van that has over 200,000 miles on it. Have been using it like a truck for the last 2 or 3 years, and still carry kids to all the soccer, basketball, football games etc.

Went to change the water pump (blew out the weep hole diaphragm), and decided to change the belts and hoses too.

Problem: The alternator, A/C, fan belt that is recommended by any parts store is at least 4 or 5 inches too long!! This is based on the "proper' routing of the belt in the Haynes manual. If you're familiar with this Aerostar, it shows to have the belt go around the alternator, around THE TOP of the idler pulley (V-grooves down), and around the fan pulley down to the A/C.
Using this routing, it will leave at least 3 inches too much belt with the alternator adjusted out as far as it will go. I got a belt 2 inches shorter, routed the belt UNDER the idler pulley (V-grooves up), and promptly fractured my water pump housing all around the shaft. (I suspect from the added stress of belt being wrapped around approximately 250 degrees of the water pump/fan pulley). Well, I've got my new water pump, a belt that is 5 inches shorter, and I'm going to route it as the manual shows. Wish me luck, or ADVICE FREELY ACCEPTED.

Notes: Haynes calls for a 64 inch belt.
I used a 62 inch belt to trash my water pump.
I'm using a 59 inch belt now.
62 inch belt episode wouldn't allow the A/C pulley to turn, lot's of slippage.

Any and all suggestions appreciated.

wyhead

My '90 Aerostar has 130,000+ miles and though I've had a few problems, nothing too bad. I'd heard the transmission would break, but not so far! My Ford dealership, on the other hand, has gone downhill in the past 10 years as it changed ownership; the current crooks told me the fact that my A/C (which they'd fixed) wasn't cooling so well was because I needed a new engine! That was 50,000 miles ago, thank you, and the engine runs fine! I've started test driving new minivans and SUVs, but none drive as smooth as my Aerostar, with its truck chassis! (except maybe the Sienna). After all the horror stories I've read on these boards about the new American vans/SUVs, I realize I've been lucky!

pmcmahon

My 93 Aerostar just passed 200,000 miles. Very low maintenance costs to date. Small problem with loose ignition, but . . . I hope the next one does as well.

feefee

We are looking for some help in deciding whether to purchase a Caravan or Windstar. We like the cargo area of the Caravan better, but are hearing that the Windstar is more reliable and has a better safety rating. Can anyone give us information to help with the decision?

mtschwartz

I bought this van when it had 75,000 miles on it. After reading alot of the responses on here you'll think it was a bad move. I must say that after 4 years my wife and I couldn't be happier with an auto purchase. We traded a Honda Accord that I bought new the year before because of a new baby. We outgrew it in 6 months. My van has had trouble with the A/C. Not really a suprise after reading on this site. I've replaced the condenser one year and then the next had to replace both the compressor and dryer. I did a R134a conversion then and have had good service from the A/C since. I Reccomend making sure your servicer replace all the expansion valves. I do most of my own work and I could believe how much metal had accumulated in the screen. No wonder I had compressor problems. The transmission shifts a little harder than I'd like but at 130,000 miles it still does better than most other minivans. I had to replace the thermostat because it broke full open all the time. The van would never heat up. Hoses and belts replaced and some gunk built up in the rear heating lines that was a little tough to get out. Overall, for the value and space, this van has been great. I've towed a 2000 lb camper up some pretty big hills (get the tranny cooler) with no trouble. I hauled an old piano 350 miles with plenty of room and power to spare. I could go on and on how great this van has been. I've got a front end vibration that I suspect is the tie rods. Not too bad at 130,000. I've also got a high-rpm noise that I think is in the torque converter. (that tranny can't last forever) Overall, I'm at the empass of do I replace it or replace the engine and transmission. They are broke, but will probably wear out in the next 50,000 miles. I'm looking at a full size Ford conversion van with a 5.4 V8. If any of you have experience with that engine I'd love to hear it.

walterchan

We own a 96 Ford Aerostar and this is the first time we have a major problem with this vehicle. In 11-26-99 we have 3 different types of cooling problems.

1. Thermostat needs to be replaced.

2. AC failure sometimes.

3. The car starting to shake when we start the car.

That's all. It needs to be tow to a repair shop. It only have 54,000 miles in it. Anybody has that kind of problem like I have.

elkhorn

I'm considering purchasing this vehicle but I'd like to get a little information from some of you in the know. Does the 96' Aerostar have a more reliable transmission then previous year models and would this years models have a better air-conditioning system or the newer enviormently friendly refrigerant?

merlebert

A couple of you have mentioned problems with your fuel gauge. The one in my '89 quit several months ago-- stuck on "empty."

Anyone had experience with diagnosing / repairing this problem? It is likely to be the gauge itself, the wiring, or the sender unit? Or, is it that the float in the sender unit may have developed a leak and has sunk to the bottom of the fuel tank?

bennykenny

I bought a used 93 Aerostar xlt in 96 from a local Ford dealer. I brought it home with 45,000 mi.on the odo. Currently it has 98,000 miles on the odo. I love to drive this vehicle.
Believe it or not,I have not had any ac. problems with the dual front/read ac. system. In the heat of the summer the interior of the van will actually get brrrr cold. Now that I've bragged about it, watch the damned thing go south tomorrow.
No trans. work on the 4 sp.auto w/od. I've never changed the trans fluid. Still nice and red, no trace of burning. In "96" I towed a 2000# pop up camping trailer every other weekend from Massachusetts to New Hampshire; a total of 3 hours each way, from May to October. Van never even hiccuped. Still have the plugs, rotor, wires etc. that were in it when I bought it.
No oil leaks, no tranny leaks. Change the oil and filter every 5K to 6K miles. Use nothing but Mobil 1, 5W30. I use regular gas and add a quality gas treatment every 3K to 4K miles.
I replaced the front brake pads with premium pads about a year ago. They are still working great. Didn't bother cutting the rotors. They looked good, and I have had trouble in the past with brake jobs on other vehicles when I cut the rotors.
I replaced the exhaust system about 2 months ago because the expansion joint had failed. I put on a new Ford factory welded system because it was cheaper than a quality aftermarket component system.
I replaced the tie rod ends and aligned the front end about 6 months ago.
About the only real problem I have had is with water pumps. So far I have replaced 3 pumps.
I was going to trade the van in this fall, but hey it's paid for, I like driving it, so I have decided to drive it at least through the winter and clock 100,000 miles on it.

bennykenny

If any of you have front power windows that seem to get stuck when going up and down, you might want to try the following: buy a can of pure silicone spray in an auto parts store and spray the heck out of the tracks that the sides of the glass go up and down in. I had sticky windows (I had to actually push them down with one hand, while holding down the button with the other hand. Try this when going through a toll booth some time). I pulled the interior trim off each door to see what could be binding the window. I couldn't find anything other than a sloppy window mechanism. I greased the slides and reassembled the doors, with no improvement in the operation of the window. As a last ditch effort I sprayed the window tracks with silicone, and to my amazement they started working like they did the day the van came out of the factory. That was back in May, and they are still "sliding" up and down effortless today.

reks1

I purchased this vehicle in 94 with 45,000mi on it,it now has 135,000mi. I can honestly say it has been a good vehicle most of the time, but I have experienced the same problems that are posted on this site. The Overdrive in the transmission went at 129,000 (not bad since I tow a boat) I have a friend who is a Ford transmission mechanic, and he went over it for $700. I also needed to replace the AC compressor, once again, my friend set me up with the AC guy at his dealership, he put a remanufactured compressor in flushed the system etc. for $425, and don't forget the oil leaks, I had oil pouring out of the intake manifold gasket,
this along with the valve cover gaskets was $325.
I can't imagine what the dealer would have charged for all of this work, maybe $3,000 plus. The one nagging problem I do have is a vibration that nobody can pinpoint, so far I have eliminated the Tires, wheels, driveshaft,front suspension, it is a total mystery, anybody have any ideas? Anyway I do like the van the AWD is great in the snow, but it seems to have big ticket repairs more often than I would like. also I never bring a vehicle to the dealer after the warrenty runs out, way to expensive, also you can get some real hacks at the dealerships, try and find a good (honest) local mechanic and bring it there, and save 40-50% over the dealerships. Example: last week a coworker had a leak in in his heater core ( 93Taurus wagon), He called the dealer they wanted $800, he called a mechanic he knew the price was $425 for the same job, i have had similar experiences.

samiam3

Got a '97 Aerostar AWD last September. After reading these posts, I'm going to try to sell it! Thought I got a good deal, but have a feeling I'll really get hosed trying to resell. Other than reliability concerns, I've noticed extensive "road rumble"--really loud. It has Michellin XW4's on it (original)--anyone know if I might correct the noise problem with another tire? (assuming we can't sell...)

guitarzan

Reks1, have the wheel bearings been inspected? Differential(s)?

Samiam3, a good tire dealer could answer that for you. Many times Michelins have a lot of road noise, I have heard that. You can type "tire" in the search box, and see if anyone can help in the topics about tires.

Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

mrjustinj

My wife drives a 96 Aerostar with the 4.0 We bought it with 18k. It now has 144,000 miles. We have only had to fix it twice- once it was overheating and had the thermostat replaced and radiator flushed/cleaned. About 100 dollars. Then at about 90,000 the van would not go forward. I'm thinking expensive fix- the transmission filters were dirty- had to have them replaced and trans flushed- cost just under 200. Not too bad, all in all. I can't stand driving it, it always feels like its going to tip over to me (I drive a 4x4 truck, so it's not because its tall), but my wife loves it. She won't let me replace it, she says since they don't make them anymore when the engine or trans or something goes, we have to fix it. It still looks like new, so I guess it's still cheaper than a new one. It also burns no oil, and gets about 20 mpg on the highway. Personally though, I love the way the Caravans drive.

bmwnomad

Seems I spent hours looking at all those posts. I came to this site because after retiring from my regular job, I took up doing handyman work. I'm looking for a 2nd vehicle to use in my new business. Was undecided as what vehicle to get. Pickup with cap, full size van, minivan or what. We have an '93 Aerostar that we bought in '95 as a lease return. It had 19k miles then. We've used it as a bus, moving truck, freight hauler, and go to church on Sunday family car! One reoccurring problem we had is with the power steering leak. We had the pump, hoses, and rack replaced, only for another leak to develop about 8k miles later. And seems that whining noise from the pump was constant. While at an auto parts store I saw on the counter a product that was guaranteed to stop power steering leaks. Yeah sure, I thought. But I tried it, and sure enough it worked fine. I went to check the level about a month later. The lighting wasn't so good, and surely by now it needs another gulp I thought. Well I poured in some more of the stuff, and before I realized it , it was overflowing the pump and making a big puddle in the driveway!It really didn't need any more fluid. Another problem was the driver window getting stuck on the way up. I too, fixed it with silicon spray. Had the 30 K service done at the dealers. At 65 K I had them flush cooling system and service the transmission. Right now, she is running fine at 75k miles. Both front door inside panels are cracked from pulling on the handles to shut the door, and the temp gauge tells me the engine is always running very cool, even in summer with a/c on full. I think the gauge is full of soup! Anyway, after reading all the positive comments about this very roomy van, I started thinking, this is the perfect vehicle for my business! With both seat backs laid down I can fit 4x8 sheetrock inside. With the seats out I can roll my full size motorcycle in. With the seats in and up I can haul my Sunday school class! Wonderful car. I'm going to look for another one tomorrow!

taurus2

We had a '93 Aerostar and it died at 73,000 miles. After that we bought a '96 Ford Econoline. Still have it. It has 80,000 miles. Runs great.

pbroekers

I own a 1989 Ford Aerostar. Presently has 190,000
miles and still looks and runs good. It has been in the transmission shop 4weeks of the last 5. Seems not to want to shift into 2nd periodically.
The shop is fixing to put another rebuilt trans in as it is under warranty and they can't locate problem to fix it. Any suggestions? Anybody out there exceeded 200,000 miles on this model?

dz3

MY 93 AEROSTAR HAS A PROBLEM GETTING HEAT ON VERY COLD DAYS. REPAIR SHOP CANNOT SOLVE. THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. STILL ONLY TEPID TEMPERATURE. ANYONE WITH SOLUTION?

guitarzan

There is the possibility of a bad batch of thermostats.

How is the condition of the radiator? Can they test the water pump also?

Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

terryrussell

I have a 93 AWD model. Bought with 30K and just turned 110k. Some problems, but still reliable.
Two examples are pretty important, because what seemed like major problems were solved pretty easily, at least temporarily.
1. At about 60k I had the trans fluid changed, maybe for the first time. The next day the trans started slipping badly. The shop fiddled with it but no success. THEN,after a few months, I took it to one of those places that do a 100% fluid change. It has not slipped again in 40k miles. It is a bit slow shifting in cold weather, but that is a different problem and not a big deal yet.

2. For a couple years we had another problem of front end chatter. I could not find the problem but I knew it was mostly when turning and breaking at the same time. I never did find the problem, but when I needed new tires I thought I would try switching to smaller tires in hopes of helping a real tendency for the engine to ping. It did not help the pinging at all, but the front end has not chattered since (a few thousand miles).

3. I still wish I could solve the pinging problems. I use at least 92 octane and it is okay, but still pings sometimes even on that.
Anyone have any luck with solving a pinging problem?
Terry

bennykenny

If you have the 3.0 L. V6 engine you might try adding a good quality fuel additive to clean the fuel system, valves and cylinders. Do it for two successive tankfuls, and add a can about every 5000 miles.
My experience with the Ford 3.0 liters is that they will start to ping under moderate load unless you periodically add a HIGH QUALITY fuel system treatment, and follow the mfg. directions with the product. If engine is mechanically OK you should be able to go back to using regular gas after the treatments. Hope this helps.

pbroekers

We took our 89 Aerostar in for transmission job as it was intermittently not shifting into second.
We would have to shift to neutral to clear. After spending $1300 for a rebuilt transmission by a reputable mechanic, we still have the same problem. Mechanic has had it for 4 weeks now, supposedly going thru trans with fine tooth comb. Last guess was copper shavings in the governor area. Anything this mechanic might not be aware of that would put an end to transmission problem?

tsc1

In 93 I purchased a new 92 Aerostar AWD Ext XLT. At that time I lived in Fairbanks Alaska. The Vans first two winter it saw temps at 30 to 60 below zero for months on end. It never let me down it would fire up first crank at 50 below, but I hated the sound it made so I installed a block, oil & transmission pan heaters and battery blanket. I also pull a camper and always have five passengers. This vans been a work horse. I currently have 99994 miles on it. My repairs; power steering hose (twice), battery and brakes (twice) haven't even did a tune up. At 75K I had two rust threw spots on the driver side rear quarter panel (upstate NY loves salt). Rust threw warranty was 10yrs 100k, so Ford picked up that repair. I have always been faithful with my scheduled maintenance oil every 3-4k all other fluids 40k. When I was in Alaska I would have at least three pieces of interior molding crack during the winter, which were repaced under warranty. I guess NY winters are not so bad because the problem disappeared when I moved here. The cruise control stuck on once at 60mph, that was weird, but it was 63 below that day, couldn't find a problem and it never did it again. My complaints--I installed Lund Fiberglass Running boards they look sharp but they just can't take any abuse to delicate for my liking, I've did fiberglass work and repainted them three times. I'll never do it again. The front seat belts stopped retracting this winter so I'll replace them. It drives me nuts when they get shut in the doors. All in all its been a great Van, I'm hoping for another 100k.

antone

No heat in the bottom registers? Floor registers open electrically, heat may be there but vents may not be opening. Try this, with the "Temperature" control full on,(turned all the way to the right, and the "Fan" control to "Vent" and with the Fan's "Speed" control at 1 or above, see if you get heat from the dashboard registers. If you do, then bottom registers may not be opening. If you don't get warm or hot air at the dashboard registers AFTER WARMUP, then a good mechanic needs to check everything inline from the heater core on back. Good Luck

clwestx

I have driven the 4 liter in the past, just bought this 3.0; has noise under load (take-off, low gear)like pistons knocking, but goes away in Overdrive; lots of lifter clattering at high rpm. Is this typical of 3.0's?

dmcleod2

I'm new to the internet and have found Edmunds to be the best thing since sliced bread. My problem is with a recently purchased 1990 Aerostar. An obnoxious thumping occurs periodically. It seems to be coming from the frontend. It thumps faster at higher speed and slows as the vehicle slows. It usually stops as I apply the breaks but resumes as soon as I let off the breaks. The previous owner mentioned the problem and said it happened too seldom for him to worry about. He also mentioned that his mechanic looked it over and didn't see any obvious problems related. To avoid costly hit and miss repair attempts I'm wondering if anyone has handled this exact problem. I would really like to keep the van. Is this repair bill gonna change my mind.

hadestoupee

Spent about 2 hrs reading all these messages. Bought an 89 Aero with 38K miles, now has 118K. Besides normal maintenance have replaced throttle position sensor, steering rack and hose, blower motor, and both power window plastic drive gear mechanisms. I believe most power window problems I have read about here are the plastic gears that mess with the drive motor gear. Because of the way they are made, they get sloppy and bind up, then the window won't go up and down. They are easy to replace and cost ~$30 each. Have had to replace both of mine. Takes about 4 hours each. A Ford Service manual tells you everything you need to know. Been having a transmission problem, feels like running over warning strips on the highway. Let off the gas and it quits, intermittent. Anybody else experiencing that? Have also read a few people having shimmy in the front end. Have found that this truck is very sensitive to wheel balancing. All of my shimmy problems have been corrected by front wheel rebalancing and telling the shop that I will know if they don't do it right, so tell them to do it right the first time. I think sometimes tire mechanics get in a hurry and get a little sloppy.

fordaerostar94

I was recently purchased a 94 aerostar xlt with 96,000 miles. I can't find a tag with what kind of oil it takes. Can anyone tell me what kind and weight of oil to use???

mickymike

I've owned a 90 aerostar since new.133000 miles Rebuilt the tranny at 120000. General repairs. Who needs things like a functional fuel gauge,air conditioning,a heater that disperses hot? air where you want it or a radio that plays through more than one speaker anyway? After having said all that, I must say it has been the absolute finest utility vehicle I've ever owned! Now for the $64000 question. I have an opportunity to pick up a 94 Aerostar xl ext with a 4.0L with 49000 mi. My 90 has the 3.0L. My concern is with gas prices bouncing around $1.50 a gal. how much of a difference will I be noticing when I fuel up? I get 19-20 mpg around town and have gotten as much as 26 on a trip. How do those of you that own a 4.0L like them? Any info you can give me would be appreciated!

badams

I have a 1993 4.0 Lit that I bought in 93 with 22k miles on it, now has 131K. I have replaced the heater coil. other than the regular maint. it has been a great van! My windows also "stuck" when trying to move them down...silicone took care of it, and I guess the biggest problem that I have is when I turn the steering to the left, I get a "buzzing" sound with the "door ajar" light flashing away. Only happens when I turn left,no big deal, just annoying. This van has hauled a 3,200 pound boat and trailer, carried endless supplies to the beach when moving a family we knew, all in all a wonderful van. I WISH the automakers would reconsider making a van with the luxury options of a Premiere and rear wheel drive of a Aerostar, with a 4.0 Lit to go...my .02

rbm

It's the extended length with dual A/C and 3L. motor. Biggest problems were the brakes, needed new pads every 6 months, and when I put them on they would smell like they were burning. After a few times of that, I replaced everything, calipers, hoses, discs, and now it's fine.

Other problems were:
2 new heater cores,
pinhole leaks in A/C and steering hoses,
tranny vaccuum modulator,
power window buttons falling off,
one exploding battery,
distributor cap carbon-tracked to oblivion.

(the last 2 problems were due to neglect).

Overall it's been a great vehicle, and people always seem surprised that we are "Still" driving that same car.

Currently has 140K miles and its used every day as a truck and family hauler, and it still looks good enough to drive to church on Sunday!

Sure wish Ford was still making these, we need to replace ours at some point and I can't stand the thought of a "car-like" minivan!!!

mickymike

So I go to check out the 94 ext. like I said back in #97. Body solid except for rust bubbles starting on the floor pans where they are under the drivers and passenger doors-up here on the tropical shores of lake erie that is the begining of the death knell for the body. Otherwise everything else acceptable except- this family has three male kids that absolutely thrashed the interior. This woman tells me" You'll have to excuse the tears in the headliner. Those are from my sons soccer shoes." No, I don't think so! Those kids just destroyed that interior. Oh well, I'm a patient man. I'll just sit here with my pet DoDo bird and my wooly mammoth and wait for the right van!!!!!

efarmer

If you experience the warning light or buzzer for "door ajar" (especially while turning) you may try cleaning the electrical contacts for the door with a pencil eraser. These contacts are usually near the latch assembly and appear as 3 or 4 small brass contacts. They become corroded over time. The motion and vibrations during turns causes a poor connection which results in a warning light or buzzer.

bobs1234

To answer the gas mileage question, I get about 21 mpg mostly hiway. This van has 65k on it and I have replaced front wheel bearing ($400!!!), numerous interior plastic pieces, cruise control sticks on when cold (less than -20C) which is extremely frightening, driveshaft recall on AWD (free), power windows are stuck, alloy wheel centres are discolored, the sliding door went out of adjustment. The pros to this vehicle are it does have good power for towing, the AWD is great on ice and snow (I live in the north so this is 6 months per year), the rear heater/ac is very good, and it carries a LOT of cargo when you go with just 5 passengers.

nealkerry

I own a 94 elec AWD 4.0 Aerostar. Took it to Ford who told me that it was the PCM and that it needed a tune up which I promptly performed. After replacing the PCM I noticed that during some hauls the van began pinging loudly once again. I really love my van, however, I can not stand this racket anymore. I am looking to get rid of this unless anyone has any advice. I wanted to mention that this model does not have a spark knock sensor (unless you can tell me otherwise) nor does it have the traditional "adjustable" distributor cap so no adjustment may be made. Some thing must be wrong, can someone help... nealkerry@hotmail.com

aeroscott

I've got a '90 Aerostar with 197,000 miles on it. It's still going strong, but as it approaches 200,000 I am thinking of replacing it with a '95 or greater AWD Aerostar. I'd like to get one with the 2 bench seats that convert to a bed, but can't seem to find one. Does anybody know if Ford stopped making the dual seat/bed (vs. rear-only seat/bed) at some point?

badams

Thanks for the suggestion on the contacts for the buzzing...now what is/was the Horsepower for the 4.0 liter engine? I can't find it anywhere..

Thanks!

marjoe

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