Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Ford Windstar Problems
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Ford will be of 0 value in helping you cover costs of tranny repair at 65k. Maybe their attitude has changed in the last 5 years, but I wouldn't bank on it. If you have no extended warranty - look for zip to 10% off at best.
I got a '95 to 100k with relatively little pain, as compared to most of the posts around here at Edmunds/Ford/Windstar with just a head gasket, a tranny, a few tie rods, a few speedometers, a few broken door locks, a broken rear wiper. The truely expensive stuff started just after 100k with a water pump, fuel injectors, thermostat, ball joint, etc.
May want to buy stock in a repair shop.
This is not wiring going to light at back of console.
The overhead console can be dropped down by removing one screw and pulling down to remove console from clamps - easy to do. The wiring harness (?) does not look like factory installed. If you have a 03 SE please drop your
overhead console and check for wiring at /near windshield - this may be a tracking device.
03 SE owners - thanks for your help.
c33
peterz
If you feel the dealer is making an honest effort, give them a few chances to fix it. If not, express your dissatisfaction and go to another dealer.
G/luck
Joel
35k, tranny shot, rebuilt by Ford.
67k starter and torque converter problems. Replaced starter, new seal on torque converter.
88K beginning of serious coolant leak. We all know what that probably means....
No support from FORD or dealer. Even tried to trade it in on another Ford, but the trade in value SUCKED! Ford dealers know they are a problem car. Got a much higher trade in quote from a Toyota dealer.
My wife has an Explorer, NO Problems and it's older. Why won't Ford built a decent mini van?
Now, is it time for a Nissan, Toyota to Honda?
Yes, that's my real question, I have enough stress in my life without worrying about about a "family hauler" breaking down.
Good Luck
Ken
He did a "chemical" clean of my fuel injectors and replaced the (I'm embarrassed to say) original fuel filter. He also cleared the code so that the "Check Engine" light no longer lit up. After driving 900 miles I find that this light has come on again.
Is it time to get that tune up? What ignition wires and platinum plugs would you recommend? I can't afford to trade the WS in and besides the trade in value would be too low.
\
By the way, the best mileage I got on my trip, averaging 60-65 mph was 28 mpg. There is definitely a loss of power in the car going uphill.
Ken
HELP!
Trash it now? Can't really afford it but may not have much choice.
It's not a good thing when the first words uttered by your mechanic are "how attached are you to your van?".
You're not the first Windstar owner to hear that. I wouldn't put $1500 into that motor with those miles (you need head, intake and timing cover gaskets installed). Your two best options are a factory rebuilt motor installed at a Ford dealer which will run you $2500-$3000 but will include a 3/36,000 warranty. The other would be dumping it for whatever you can get and take the cash + repair savings and put it towards the payment for a new van. Keep in mind if you keep the van you'll be looking at transmission, suspension and electrical wor withing the next 100,00 miles. It will still be cheaper than new car payments, but how much trouble and downtime are you willing to put up with?
I tried to restart it several time with the same results. Rough idling or even stalling and a strong gas smell. Lifting the hood it sounds likes it missing. Plus the check engine light is illuminated and it is flashing, which I've never seen before. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
I'm betting it's an o2 sensor myself although my experience with them is that they cause the CEL to shine steadily.
Try asking in Got a Quick, Technical Question? too.
Steve, Host
"Check Engine" light
Steve, Host
i believe its called the transmission range sensor
Is your Cruise control not working as well
its a ten miuite job to replace about $70 for part , check the Haynes manual for instructions
Roger
My check engine light is on and the codes P1152 and P0174 come up on the meter.
I found the 1152 is the Fuel Air Meter and
the 0174 is the Sys Adaptive Fuel too Lean (Bank 2)
I would like to know what and where these sensors are and if I can replace them myself.
The cruise control has stopped working.
The fuse in okay, other systems that are using that fuse are still working.
Any thoughts?
Q2: If you're husband doesn't have experience with modern cars and about $500 worth of diagnostic equipment, no.
You need to run from that shop and never return. Not only are they overcharging you, they clearly have no idea what they're doing. Those codes on a Windstar are almost never the fault of the O2 sensors. Below is a bit from MotorAge summing up basically the problems you're most likely looking at. My advice is to take it to a good local Ford dealer for this problem, you most likely need a lot of small parts on top that engine replaced.
"Ford: 1999-2003 Windstar with 3.8L engine
MIL illumination with DTC P0171/ P0174 indicates a lean running condition. There are several possible reasons for the codes. Problems with the intake manifold gaskets and/or with the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator can cause a vacuum leaks and improper fuel pressure. Oil leaking from the old-style left side valve cover can contribute to both problems. The bulletin lists several possible fixes for these problems, along with PCM calibrations, part numbers and an illustration for identifying the valve cover.
Bulletin 03-16-1"
Next morning, the AAMCO (only place we could find)guy tells us 2250 for rebuilt tranny.
We decided to bite the bullet and fix the thing. UGH! I hate Ford. I guess it was too much to ask to have our family hauler's tranny last more than 46K. Needless to say, we are ditching this thing and buying a Toyota Highlander ASAP!
I like your name, by the way..."Neeeeiiigh! Snort!"