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Ford Windstar Problems

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Comments

  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    Hello to All,

    First time posting here because of a problem my wife pointed out to me last night. I am hearing a hell of a racket with engine running when turning steering wheel left or right whether driving or just standing still. I checked power steering fluid and found level OK but it looked like chocolate milk and smelled terrible, the pump sounds like something is going wrong internally but I have no clue. The van was dropped off at dealers this A.M. to be checked out and I'm holding my hand on my wallet. TSB's I got from NHTSA site don't go into any detail on this, is there something one of you mechanic's out there might know or anyone who has been thru this with their Windstar? The van has 48000 miles so a warranty fix is outta the question.
    Thanks for the help........

    Ray T.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    What proof is the dealer showing you for their concern of internal coolant leak? Since you have been monitoring fluid levels and found no change where is their info coming from? I think your summation may be the correct one, their looking for a big dollar item to fix that isn't needed based solely on mileage. My take on that is "if it ain't broke than there's nothing to fix"
    My 2 cents worth.

    Ray T.
  • jvirginiajvirginia Member Posts: 65
    My '96 had that same problem. I had to replace the power steering pump. In my case, the problem was caused by a local garage that topped off my fluids when I brought the van in for an oil change. Ford uses ONLY Type 'F' auto transmission fluid in their power steering units. This fluid is not compatible with any other type of power steering fluid or power steering fluid conditioner. If other fluids are mixed in, the seals in the pump and the system begin to break down, the fluid gets clumpy and smelly, and the pump gets very noisy. You will need to replace the pump unit and flush out the entire system. Hopefully, the seals in the system haven't been destroyed and will not leak after you refill the system. When I told my garage about the problem, they tried to convince me that all Ford power steering units get noisy and that it was normal. They also said they were unaware of any special fluid requirement for the Ford power steering systems. I showed them the manual and they still tried to convince me any transmission fluid would operate in the unit. I don't allow them to touch the fluids any more. After I replaced the pump and flushed the system, the noise went away and the system worked fine.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    Too Late, Dealer Service called said seals leaked and they think the pump may be damaged so they recommend changing pump, seals, flush & refill system, and realign front end all for just $753. I guess to remove pump requires disassembly of front end. Imagine that a 2 year old vehicle with 8 TSB's issued on this problem and because I'm outta warranty with mileage it's my wallet to foot the bill. Well I called the General Manager & explained that the very first time my wife brought it in for service she complained about a noise from power steering and service said it was "normal", now here I am 2 years later needing a major repair on it. He is going to look into this issue and get back to me, hopefully today !

    Ray T.
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    If, and that is a big if, you have the paperwork from the first visit where you complained of the noise in the power steering pump, you should be entitled to a repair free of charge. You need that documentation. Don't let them talk you out of it. You complained about the problem within the warranty period and they failed to fix it. It is as simple as that. Don't even settle for the "we'll pay parts if you pay labor routine". Also, If you can find TSB's that also address the subject, that gives you even more ammunition.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    Yea, I had the 8 TSB's BUT there was no written documentation of the problem on the first service visit when my wife brought it in, they just told her it was normal, so we got screwed! She was not acertive enough nor did she notice it wasn't put on the service ticket at the time, so NO written documentation.(That service writer no longer works there either) They looked over our service history and FORD has a Good Customer Award Program, or something like that, so based on the fact we are a good customer they are willing to deduct $273 off the $873 repair bill, whoopi ! The service manager said that was the best he could do for us and he could find NO TSB's for our van listed, I told him I pulled 8 off the NHTSA site directly related but they got an attitude after that. My wife told him that as soon as it's fixed we are selling or trading it in for anything but a FORD. FORD will be history for ever more in my book, never again.

    Now how about a Grand Voyager?

    Ray T.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    You think you have trouble now, just wait. If you want real reliability go with the Honda, but you will pay for it. From what I have read the wait is 60 days and you will pay a few K over list. BTW-I am on my second Windstar and have nothing but good things to say about it and my dealer. Good Luck
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    I can see you deal with dogs as is the case with my wife's van needs, she breeds/raises/shows Siberian Huskies and after trying her fathers 2001 Odessey she says it seems smaller inside compared to Windstar and may not handle the 4 crates and grooming equip. she takes to shows/competitions. So it's either a Chevy or Chrysler/Dodge for our next choice. We have 48000 miles on the 2000 now & she averages 25000 miles a year so I don't want to wait till another major out of warranty issue arises before unloading this thing. Kelley Blue Book figures show we have already lost $13k from our $27000 purchase price in 2 years time, time to get rid of it now before it's absolutely worthless for anything other than a donation to a charity.

    If FORD would just own up to the persistant repeated problems with the Windstars & do right by the customer they could bolster their credibility and sales in the market, rather than throwing away customers as they do.

    My 2 cents.......

    Ray T.
  • penguinpenguin Member Posts: 32
    I took my '98 with 67,000 miles around last fall and looked at various cars and vans, including the Forester, Caravan, and Sienna. By the way, I was really impressed by the Sienna. For a van that cost 22,000 I couldn't get any more than 7000 in trade. I thought they were just trying to take me until I looked around at what they were selling for on the open market. The Toyota dealer said if I had a '98 Toyota, they could have given me 4,000+ more. I really do like the features and feel of the Windstar, but every week it's another oddball problem that crops up. Then there is always the realiabilty problem lurking in the back of your mind. Even if you haven't had a major problem like trans. or head gasket, you know that it could happen any time and that Ford will just leave you hanging.
  • candlemakercandlemaker Member Posts: 9
    Hi, I am here because of a problem with our 2001 Windstar. We traded off our 95 Windstar on the 2001. It seems we have had problems since day 1.
    Ford has not fixed the issues we experienced with the 95. This week we took it to the bank and signed it over to them. We don't need more Ford headaches.
  • skimmelskimmel Member Posts: 43
    The Windstar has been around for a long time. I read a lot about problems but seems like a lot of them are in "pre-2000 models" (totally unscientific seat-of-the-pants guestimate). Is this true or am I just not seeing the big picture? If it is true, is it just that the newer models haven't been driven as much yet?

    I am also interested in this because the Odyssey seems like a great van, but certainly has had its problems and I wonder what a 7 year old Odyssey will look like (i.e, comparable to a 1995 Windstar).
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I know most of us on this topic have had or still have trouble with our vans but all in all if you look at the number of complaints on the Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge or even the Honda topics we are not all that many. In this day and age and with the complexity of cars you almost have to purchase the extended warranty. If a power window motor goes bad you are looking at 500 alone. Heaven forbid that your central computer go bad. That is 3k.

    It would also appear most of us have trouble with the dealer. I have been buying from the same dealer for about 20 years. I get around 25% off all my work since I bring all my vehicles (I have a 99 Windstar SE, my wife has 94 Probe GT and we just purchased a 2001 Suzuki XL-7 in August) in for service. Yes, I even got a 25% discount on a balance, rotate and align on the XL-7. Had a long talk with the owner about the XL-7. When I went to purchase an Escape they wanted 2k over list and the sales people laughed when I said 500 over invoice. So I got the XL-7. The sales people did not even talk with the sales manager about my offer so they lost a sale. The owner was not really happy about that. When he saw the XL-7 he asked what happened. I told him the story. He told me to come directly to him the next time I wanted a car and I will get anything I want a invoice, plus any rebates on top of that. I said even an Excursion, and he said yes. I told him I would hold him to it in a few years. Anyway, I have a good relationship with
    the service people and have not had any trouble getting things fixed. Hex, they had the Probe in just prior to it going out of warranty and the tech who serviced it said they wanted to keep it for an extra day to look at the auto trans and the next thing I knew there was a new one going in. The slightly hard shifting that I felt was the start of a major problem so they just replaced it, not an overhaul of the one in the car but a factory job. Not bad at all. The dealer is Sterling Ford in Sterling VA

    Yes, we do Greyhound Rescue as part of Greyhound Pets of America. We will haul around 5 dogs lose or 4 with large crates. And yes, the Honda is a little small on the inside. The Chrysler products seem to have a better layout inside and a little more space. Our four crates require some jury rigging to get them all to fit in the Windstar. In the Dodge they just fit in with no trouble.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    I could not disagree with you more when it comes to buying an extended warranty. The only person making out on it is the salesman and dealership. What ever happened to vehicle reliability? To have to purchase additional coverage just in case something goes wrong outside the warranty coverage is ludicrous. If manufacturers can't stand behind their products than we as the consumer should show them the door. I say dump the load as soon as warranty runs out not purchase additional coverage at over inflated prices and STILL have a deductable to meet EACH time you go in for repairs. This power steering pump on our 2000 Windstar should have been covered regardless of the mileage since there were so many TSB's issued on it, the dealers stance of TSB's are only there to assist the mechanics when vehicle comes in for this problem (provided you state it properly when you bring it in) is pure baloney and I'm not eating it! FORD is doing a terrible disservice to we, the consumer, with it's handling of problems related to their products. Their commercials constantly harp about their build quality being job #1 but what do they actually dish out in reality?, an unreliable vehicle since it's inception!
    I'm glad you have a good repore with your dealer but this is the exception not the norm in this case. Bottom line is that the service dept. is there to bring in money to dealership and if they dupe the customer by NOT informing them of known TSB who pays the price?

    Sorry for ranting but dealerships that operate like this tic me off when the only way they stand behind their product is at the customers expense.

    Ray T.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I understand your point, however, we keep our vehicles for a long, long time. I would still have my 95 Windstar if it has not been totaled. It had 135k of hard miles on it and was tight as a drum. The nice thing about the extended warranty is when you bring it in for service, even for routine maintainance you get a car while it is there and if they need it for a few days you get to keep it. Also, I know of no car that goes 100K without some kind of major repair needing to be done. Even the high end cars break down. To my wife and I it is not a question if something major will break, it is when it will break. I get the Ford extended 6 year-100k 6/100k for 1K less than a regular customer.
    It would be nice if more dealers stood behind their cars as mine does. That is one of the reasons I go back to them. Now then, I do not expect them to repair the trans or AC unit for free at 150K. I maintain a reasonable stance with them and it pays benefits in the long run.
  • jvirginiajvirginia Member Posts: 65
    I can't agree with your conclusions. I believe every car maker eventually introduces a product that turns into a complete bag of worms for both the consumer and the manufacturer. In this case, Ford's 3.8l engines and transmissions are the culprit. Ford can make a very decent product, as evidenced by their line of trucks. But they screwed up big time with this engine and transmission combo. And, unfortunately for the consumer, they used that catastrophic combo in multiple car models and for many years before the problems were discovered. I say unfortunate because had the use been limited to a select model, Ford may have been more willing to stand behind the consumer. But, the usage extended for so many years and models, Ford can't afford to foot the bill for each and every one of those disasters. It's happened before and it will happen again. Chevy had the Vega, Ford also had the Edsel and the infamous fireball, the Pinto, and there was the explosive GM sidemount gas tank pickup trucks. These were just bad ideas, mistakes. That is what the 3.8l engine and associated tranny are, a mistake.

    Just about any expert will tell you that extended warranties are a waste of your hard earned money.
    Outside of the infrequent disaster model, most major problems that are likely to develop will occur in the first 50k miles. Most manufacturers are providing 3yr/36k miles bumper to bumper coverage and some provide an extended drivetrain warranty of 5yr/60k miles.

    Did you also know that some polution control devices on your car, such as the ECU/OBD (computer), catalytic converter and a few others are actually covered by a federal mandated warranty for 8yrs/80k miles if you live in an area which has an EPA approved emissions inspection and your car fails this inspection because the specified device is defective?

    There are three specified major emission control components, covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use on 1995 and newer vehicles:

    * Catalytic converters.

    * The electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU).

    * The onboard emissions diagnostic device or computer (OBD).

    There are also other emissions related parts covered under the EPA federally mandated Design and Defect Warranty for the first 2yrs/24K miles. Did you know that if you fail an emission inspection in the first 2yrs/24K miles on a 1995 or newer vehicle due to a bad PCV valve or defective spark plugs, you are fully covered under warranty for parts, labor and cost of testing and diagnosis?

    Of course, the longer you own and drive a vehicle eventually parts will wear out and require repair.
    I have a 1989 Chevy with 140K miles. The only major repair has been the timing gear at approx 90K. Everything, including the A/C, still operates. I have a 1988 Ford Taurus wagon (3.0l engine) with 130K miles. No major repairs required on that vehicle yet. I have a 1995 Ford Thunderbird (4.6L engine) with 107K miles. No major repairs required on that vehicle yet. If you spend your money on proper care and maintenance instead of an extended warranty, you'll be ahead of the game. I've only ever driven 2 vehicles for less than 100K before I sold them or traded them. A Chevette that was damaged in an accident and my 1996 Windstar. At least there was a good excuse for the Chevette.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I am aware of all the things you have said. However, from my experience I have used all my extended warranties way over the cost to me on every car I have ever owned. It is a personal preference with my wife and myself.
    I am a fanatic about maintance. I use Mobil 1 with a new filter every 5k. All maintance is pulled on time. I have the transmissions power flushed every 60K with new transfluid installed after the first 5k and put in synthetic fluid that meets Ford specs. I never let them use recycled fluids. I do all the things to keep them up and running. However, the miles we put on are hard ones. The Probe and Windstar do about 60 miles in DC rush hour traffic every day. That is 15K a year just going to work. We have a third vehicle (the XL-7) for the weekends and that will be suplimented by a 1990 Maxima next month. My mother died this past December and we now have the Maxima being shipped from Arizona later this month. It is the car driven by the "gray haired little old lady". It only has 72k on it and is in prime shape so that will help. I put over 6k a year doing greyhound events with a full load of either dogs or display materials. How you use your vehicle is also a part of the equation on an extended warranty. As I said above, I have used all the ones I have had way over the cost to me so in my instance the up front cost has been worth the investment.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    I think I have hit upon the worlds largest conspiracy: There is only one car manufacturer in the world. All the different ones we see are just fakes!! Why do I say this? I was going into several of the van discussion groups to see what was going on and it appears all vans, no matter who makes them, have the same trouble: bad transmissions, bad A/C, bad power door systems, bad power steering units and the most infamous of all: the unknown noise or clunk from the front end. I can not believe every auto maker has the same problems so it just must be there is only one out there with a bunch of clones. :-) Any thoughts on this!!!
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    About a week ago I asked about the infamous ping the 99s have. Is it a loud one or hard to hear? I have had my 99 SE for a few months now and hear a light ping once in a while and if it is a problem that there is a solution to I need to bring it up to my dealer. Thanks.
  • midlifecrisismidlifecrisis Member Posts: 391
    I owned a 95 Windstar, which we kept for about 30K miles and then traded in for our 97 Windstar with many more options. Sounds like I made the right choice in opting for the 97 model.

    I hear all kinds of stories from co-workers about problems with their vans. Especially Dodges, which apparently have self-destructing trannies. Two people I know have 96 Windstars with high mileage and not troubles to speak of. Wouldn't it make sense that the people with troubles would be attracted to a forum like this to discuss the problems? Thus, a high percentage of people posting here are having problems?

    Last I checked, the 96 and 97 Windstar got average reliability ratings in Consumers Report. All other year Windstars got worse or much worse than average ratings.
  • bdemasbdemas Member Posts: 51
    5greyhounds: We had a 99 that had the pinging problem. There were some days it was very noticable and others where you would barely hear it. It seemed to be affected by atmospheric conditions. We ended up getting rid of it prior to having it fixed, the dealer wasn't very helpful in trying to fix it. We replaced it with a 00 SE, no pinging problems with it.

    You mentioned in a prior post that you got an extended warranty for about a grand less then normal, I shopped the net to find the best price on the same plan, what was the final cost you paid? We paid around $1200. By the way, we already made use of the plan we purchased for the 00, the torque converter went shortly after the factory warranty expired. To me, extended warranties are a crap shoot, sometimes you win sometimes you don't, the odds that you will need one with a windstar are rather high, thats why I bought one.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    My plan is the Ford plan and it was $1,500. I had done some research on what I will call after market plans but read various stories, both good and bad, about them so I went with the Ford plan since I never had a problem with coverage. You are correct about it being a crap shoot. However, I forgot to mention one thing. If I do not use it I get my money back from the dealer. If I have repairs done and the total is less than the plan I get the difference back. For example, if I have $1,200 worth of repairs done I get $300 back. This is part of the employee purchase package from the dealer. For me it is a no lose situation. I even have it in witting.
    Thanks for the information on the Ping. It goes in for some minor work while I am on a trip to Arizona (I am flying) and I will leave it with them to work on and have it looked into. Again, thanks.
  • bdemasbdemas Member Posts: 51
    5greyhounds: I got my Ford Premium plan over the web from a dealer in Iowa, 6yr/100k with $50 ded. The local dealers wouldn't get anywhere near it. I like the sound of money back deal on yours. You definitely can't lose. I hadn't heard of that before. I avoided the aftermarket plans as well after a trying time with one on my 95 windstar.

    Regarding the ping again, I haven't heard of anyone having a problem with the 2000 model's pinging. Based on this I assume Ford was able to get a decent fix for it. Maybe its a component (PCM or whatever) that they can put on yours from a 2000 model that'll take care of it.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Yours is like mine except I do not have the deductible. How does your dealer feel when you bring it in and he did not sell it to you or does he care just as long as he gets the money from the repairs? I had the money back deal on my wife's Probe GT also. They do it for long time customers. This is my 6th car in 17 years (also my mother-in-law has purchased two from them and my sister-in-law has purchased one) so I am considered not just a loyal customer but a long time loyal customer, even with the XL-7 in my garage.

    On the ping, thanks. From what I have found on this site the PCM (?) has to be replaced. Even re-programming does not do it, it has to be replaced. You are probably right, they use a 2000 model year part. Thanks for the info and good luck with your van.
  • bdemasbdemas Member Posts: 51
    5greyhounds: Before I bought the warranty, I went to the dealer that sold me the van and services it. I told them of the deal I had found on the web. The manager said they couldn't touch it price wise. About a month after I got the warranty I took the van in for the torque converter replacement. The service manager looked up the van on the computer and noticed the warranty. He made no comment on where I bought it, just did the work.
  • mike01075mike01075 Member Posts: 3
    Well the third motor has gone in and no pinging what so ever wqith the additional replacement of the manifold. Speedomeeter is back to normal and everything seems to be running great. According to Ford, TSB's are progressive. They take the first step in a necessary repair, if that doesn't work, then they replace more parts pertaining to the TSB's. I told him, "what ever you are smoking, you're not sharing with the rest of us." What a crock?! Anyway, 2000 windstar is up and running..........time will tell.
  • penguinpenguin Member Posts: 32
    I take my '98 Windstar in to the dealer to fix a power window and a squealing belt. They call me and say the check engine light is on and it needs a coil in one of the cylinders, $350. The car was driving fine and the engine light was not on when I drove it in to the dealer. I say let it go for now. I pick up the car and it drives like crap. Actually, I feel it is unsafe, no power, vibrates, etc. Take it back for them to check it out. They replace the coil and tell me no charge, warranty work. Now my car has 70,000 miles and is almost 5 years old. Some strange deal.
  • dnecednece Member Posts: 1
    Just got my 99 back after 3 weeks worth of extended warranty work. Thank goodness for the $50 ded. Our pinging problem was taken care of by replacing a bad intake manifold gasket(had to wait 2 weeks for the part from Ford) and the PCM. Also had a transmission leak and power steering leak(second time around) repaired. If you've had problems with a groaning noise on slow turns have the front rack checked out. Ours had to be replaced. All of this and only 55k miles. Service rep told me I'd be back before 75K for a new transmission. Lovely.
  • skip32skip32 Member Posts: 2
    My windstar with 74K on motor has been good to me,although I had to replace te intake manifold at 67K due to a crack that made the engine constantly misfire and the check engine light would not go out. Now I have a coolant leak and I'm told it's the timing chain cover ? Cheap part but expensive labor to repair. Anyone know of any recalls or TSBs on this problem????
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    Skip - not covered. In fact, if I am incorrect, this is the most common repair AFTER the #4 cylinder has coolant leaking into it and you need a new engine.

    As most experiences go, if you do not have the extended warranty, you are out of luck... Start with the Service Manager. If that goes nowhere, ask to have the dealership contact the Ford CSR (Customer Service Rep) and explain that you would like to work with that individual.

    Yea, I am still a little bitter about my whole 95WS dealings (4th tranny and 4th engine) and I have only one course of action - No more Fords for me...

    Good Luck!

    Gill
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • blackbird4blackbird4 Member Posts: 4
    I've searched and can't find anyone with this problem...About ten days after my 3 yr warranty expired, the check engine light came on, dealer said it was the intake manifold/gaskets (at 33,000 miles). A week after "repair", check engine light is on again. Dealer said hose disconnected. A week later, check engine light is on again because "computer believes the engine is running lean." Dealer says it's the vapor management gasket. Four days after "repair", the check engine light is on and the dealer says the "Detroit engineers are working on it, keep checking back to see if they have a fix!!" Anyone who has experienced/heard of this I would appreciate hearing from you. My next step is going to the General Manager and making an appointment with the Area Rep. Couldn't find TSB's that fit this problem. I did find the TSBs regarding spark knock intriguing, as my service manager recommended a higher octane gas--what a laugh. I'll be taking copies of all related TSBs for that problem to the meeting.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    The first (& only) time the check engine light came on in our 2000 Windstar was because air filter was dirty, changed it had dealer reset and no problems since as far as the light goes, now the power steering pump and rack system now that's a different story @ 47000 miles had to have both replaced & of course it was out of warranty!
    I am looking down the road at the first ever Chrysler/Dodge product since their 7/100 warranty is best out there so far. Don't want to wait for another major headache with this FORD (Fix Or Repair Daily) piece of crap Windstar. Now if Ford came out with this type of warranty as standard I would consider another.

    By the way, what is the link you are using for TSB's ? I haven't had any luck finding them for free.

    Ray T.
  • sel3sel3 Member Posts: 33
    Ray T,

    What symptoms did you have when the PS and rack system had to be replaced?

    Thanks,

    SEL3
  • shuedshued Member Posts: 107
    Hi, Guys:
    I have found that MSRP of 2002 is increased so
    much. At 2001, MSRP of SE is about $27,700,
    now MSRP of SE is about $29,000. What kind
    of extra equipment is added? Does MSRP change
    explain the reason of sale number reduce?
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    "www.nhtsa.dot.gov" Just one of the wonderful things you federal government does for you. And it's all free, as long as you keep paying taxes!!!
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    Shued -

    Ford has had their financial problems of late. Be assured that there are price increases going on to attempt to expand profitability.

    Also, Ford is famous for price negotiation. My cousin (10+ year car sales veteran) has shared with me that Ford seems to be "more" flexible when it comes to haggling (i.e., the percentage between "invoice" and "sticker" is a little higher, providing more wiggle room).

    Good Luck!
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    The steering started to make funny noise close to end of its limits and could be felt as a restricton while turning wheel. Pump and rack assembly had to be replaced at cost of $900, after some bitchin and moanin they knocked it down to $600 but have lost my faith in Ford products.

    The TSB's supplied by NTHSA are short takes and do not go into detail which is what a former site used to do but was shut down by who knows who.

    Ray T.
  • davids1davids1 Member Posts: 411
    You can request additional information on the TSB listed on the site referenced in post 788. I have requested information in the past and have not been charged for it, even though you have to agree to pay reproduction costs etc. Be selective by not requesting information on every TSB listed in the data base.
  • shuedshued Member Posts: 107
    Increase the invoice so much,
    the result is that the volume of sales decreases
    almost 30%. I think Ford do it purposely to
    have the reason to shut down the assembly
    plant. It was reported that this assembly
    plant is the most effective plant of Ford.
    Ford plans to close it. The worker ask why,
    now Ford can say no one want the Windstar.
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    The Chrysler warrantee is a limited powertrain warrantee only. It is not transferrable and has a $100 deductible. It would have done no good for the steering rack
  • penguinpenguin Member Posts: 32
    by shutting down all their plants. They could strike a deal with Toyota and slap a Ford logo on a Sienna and then we'd have a decent van.
  • rayt2rayt2 Member Posts: 1,208
    So whats the chance that Ford & Chevy will jump on the band wagon and offer this type warranty in very near future........................... I know only when they start seeing a slump in sales and an increase in Dodge/Chyrsler sales, just had to throw that one out there LOL

    Ray T.
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    To some extent you are betting your company on the results. Yes the powertrain warranty is a sales gimmick, it does however cover the single most important and expensive to repair portions of the vehicle. It also has the potential to backfire bigtime, if the reliability of the vehicle is poor.

    Chrysler is betting that their reliability has improved enough that the gain in sales will overweigh the impact of the warranty claims. Early reports for the 2001-02 vehicles may support that bet. Both Consumer Reports (In their 2002 buyers guide) and JD Powers are reporting improvements. In fact, some of the wehicles such as the PT Cruiser have entered Toyota/Honda territory in the CR frequency of repair charts. The Cruiser has all red dots, signifying much better than average reliability.

    Will Ford and GM be willing to make the same bet? Perhaps, GM has already committed themselves partway with their extended warranty.
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    I find it interesting that CR/JD Powers are reporting "improvements". Just understand where I am coming from... Most issues related to the 1990's DC minivans were related to the transmission. Tranny issues seemed to arise after the standard warranty expired (36000 miles) or between 60-80K miles. How can improvements be reported when these models have yet to turn 30000 miles? It's got to be purely speculation... My next door neighbor bought into the "we fixed that transmission problem" with his 1997 T&C. At 72000 miles, that dealer was singing a different song...

    Similarly, Ford turned as much a blind eye at their engine/transmission debacle with the 3.8L/AXOD combination.

    My .02 - it took a long time for these issues to arise - It will take just as long to make them go away.

    Why is it so hard for manufacturers to do the "right" thing in the car service business! Admit when you do something wrong! For $30000, I have the expectation that I should not have to shell out any expense outside of standard maintenance for at least five years. Is that asking too much?!?!?!
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    If problems develop down the line, then Chrysler will face enormous warranty claims.

    Problems don't generally emerge out of a vacuum. Those cars that develop problems later in life generally manifest some sort of problems early on.
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Till it was totaled last year I had a 95 Windstar GL with 135K on it. Every 60K I had the transmission power flushed and new (not recycled)fluid put in. I never had so much as a hiccup from it, even though it was shown the shift piston was prone to failure. No one pays attention to the transmission. It does have a dip stick for a reason, just as the engine has one. Of those that have problems I would like to know how many have ever checked their transmission or had it serviced, checked the fluid, or for that matter, even know where the stick is and how to do it. I agree that the transmissions are a problem, and not just with Ford, but how many of these do we bring on ourselves?
    I replaced my 95 with a used 99SE and have no complaints about it. There were only 19+k on it so it is still under warranty and I will have some minor items worked on but at 30K, 60K, etc it will get the maintance it calls for along with Mobil 1 and a new filter every 5k. Good maintance is the key. As the fram filter add says: pay a little now or a lot later. I will take a little now, thank you.
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    "Long Transmission life usually equates to Good Maintenance"

    My 95WS history:

    Original Purchase Date April 1995.
    Serviced by ONLY Ford Dealers (2 dealerships).
    ALL fluids checked prior to service visits (so that I would know if levels were falling).
    No towing or excessive hauling.
    Prior to 1999, she ran like a top...

    JAN 1999 - 47000 - New Transmission (warranty)
    MAY 1999 - 52000 - New Transmission (warranty)
    MAY 1999 - 52000 - New Head Gaskets (warranty)
    MAY 1999 - 52025 - New Motor (warranty)
    JUL 1999 - 53000 - Replace O2 Sensors (warranty - $50)
    OCT 1999 - 56000 - New Transmission (warranty)
    JAN 2000 - 59600 - New Blower Motor (et al - only $400!) - Extended Warranty is about to expire...
    FEB 2000 - 61000 - New Front Brakes & Rotors ($225)
    APR 2000 - 63000 - New Inner Tie Rods ($300)
    At EVERY oil change from this point forward, I indicated to the service rep that we were constantly smelling coolant....
    MAY 2000 - 65000 - Front Brakes Line Failure - @70 MPH no less ($300)
    MAR 2001 - 75000 - New Motor (warranty)
    APR 2001 - 76000 - New Outer Tie Rods ($300)
    DEC 2001 - 85000 - New Motor (warranty)

    As you can see, neither the transmission nor the engine has made it 60000 miles. Remember, this vehicle has been DEALERSHIP maintained from Day 1. Good thing I bought that 5/60000 mile extended warranty!

    While I agree that good maintenance is critical - I think you can see that you have to have a solid product that good maintenance will only enhance. Ford's 3.8L/AXOD engine/transmission problem combination is not an isolated issue (see any of the following): http://www.cartrackers.com, http://www.lemonaidcars.com, http://www.consumeraffairs.com, http://www.thecomplaintstation.com, http://www.epinions.com

    It was an engineering defect that was not properly addressed throught their customer service channels. For THOSE reasons, I will no longer patronoize Ford. There are too many competitors to NOT properly deal with customer issues! Ford has taken quite a hit in the last five years - and I am living proof as to why.

    Off the soap-box now! Enjoy!
    Wholigan
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • 5greyhounds5greyhounds Member Posts: 338
    Sorry you had so much trouble. I guess it is the luck of the draw. A friend of mine down the street has a 2000 Camery. He thinks it is junk, nothing but problems.
  • teoteo Member Posts: 2,508
    That Extended warranty of yours sure has paid over at least 20 times over!
  • wholiganwholigan Member Posts: 148
    I REALLY wanted them to buy me out of it... they just wouldn't do it... I think their Extended Service Plans are underwritten by an insurance company outside of Ford so they really didn't see the point.

    Oh well, at least it is running - for now. I like to read about all this stuff anyway. Just wish new cars didn't cost $30000! I am in no rush and have a very open mind - and very HIGH expectations after this debacle!!!

    Later-
    Wholigan
    2003 Honda Odyssey EX-LRES - Midnight Blue Pearl
    2004 Honda Accord EX-L Graphite Pearl
    2007 Honda Civic EX - Atomic Blue
    2013 Honda Civic LX - Crimson Pearl
  • gandalf17gandalf17 Member Posts: 348
    Prices are in Canadian Dollars. I may have an opportunity to purchase.

    VEHICLE FOR SALE

    VEHICLE IS SOLD ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS AND IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS

    VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT TORONTO AUTO AUCTION

    PLEASE RESPOND NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH

    1998 FORD WINDSTAR CARGO VAN
    APPROX. 91,000 KM
    EXTERIOR COLOUR: VIBRANT WHITE
    INTERIOR COLOUR: GRAPHITE CLOTH
    3.8L 6 CYL ENGINE
    AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    AIR CONDITIONING, AM/FM CASSETTE, REAR DEFROSTER, CONVENTIONAL SPARE TIRE,
    ABS BRAKES
    PRICE: $4,500 + GST AND PST, (NON NEGOTIABLE)
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