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Ford Windstar Electrical Problems

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Comments

  • lgldsr73lgldsr73 Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2012
    Greetings. The power locks for all doors will not work. You can hear the relay (for lack of a better term) click in and out but the door locks to not go up. Any thoughts on where I can begin looking? Fuses are fine. :-/

    Also, the rear wiper is not operating although the washer fluid pump for the rear window is. Again, fuse(s) are fine.

    Thank you,

    Lyman
  • lgldsr73lgldsr73 Member Posts: 2
  • randman14randman14 Member Posts: 1
    SOME 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE/FLICKERING DOME LAMP, LAMP STAYING ON ALL THE TIME, COMING ON BY ITSELF. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY WIRES BEING CHAFED AT THE TOP OF THE RIGHT C-PILLAR. REMOVE THE HEAD LINER AND INSPECT THE WIRING HARNESS NEAR THE TOP OF THE RIGHT-HAND C-PILLAR. THE BROWN AND PINK WIRE CIRCUIT 1360 CONTROLS THE UPPER INTERIOR LAMPS. REPAIR ANY CHAFED WIRES AS NECESSARY AND APPLY TAPE TO PROTECT THE HARNESS.
  • bluzmanbluzman Member Posts: 1
    hi, is this what they call an ECM ?? rear computer?
  • skinnydugnskinnydugn Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2003 Windstar that has a multitude of electrical problems. I have replaced the battery 3 times, the newest being only 2 years old and the alternator once, again about 2 years ago. Windows work intermitently, gauges go crazy, sometimes even when the van is not running, interior lights flash, etc. Most of the problems listed in these other posts have occured at one time or another.

    Now, once again, the battery will not stay charged and a charging system check revealed that the alternator was supplying 0 charge to the battery.

    Throughout our hot dry summer the van seemed to run like a charm. Windows worked, no crazy flashing of lights, AC worked. Since we have experienced rain and cold here, the problems have all started again. It must be something that is being affected by the moisture and cold.

    Any suggestions any one can give would be appreciated.">link title
  • fystywindstarfystywindstar Member Posts: 24
    Did you replace the Alt with another Ford unit? If so get a Purolator of othe non Ford brand. I have an alt from Puralator with a lifetime warranty & it has solved most all my problems. It was changed 1 year ago next month @ the same time as the Battery. The only probs that I have now are lights on the dash & this is the cause of sensors in the wheels etc. & there are too many to pay to have them searched out & then replaced. After 50 years of driving w/ nearly a million mile I think I when there is a problem with my brakes etc. Most of the problems menyioned in this post can be resolved with the replacement of the Charging system as mention in this thread or the replacement of the computer that is in the rear compartment where the jack is stored.(It controls most of the electronics behind the windshield)
  • skinnydugnskinnydugn Member Posts: 2
    This was a non- ford alternator and it does have a lifetime warranty. So you think that replacing the REM will get rid of the charging problems?
  • fystywindstarfystywindstar Member Posts: 24
    Skinny, After all the ready that I had done here I thougt that was the answer. The replacement of the rear REM was stated to control all cabin lights & function so it just made sense. I spen 3 hours reading everything hear about these problems. So far I seem to have corrected my Charging problems but maybe "The Beast" is an exception to all the other owners. Have you had the master brake cyknder call-back done. There is a wiring harnes that runs from the underside of the MBC to the Trans thatdue to leakage is damaged & causes a short & possibly a fire. You need to be patient & more importantly read all you can here.
  • amor1220amor1220 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2012
    Battery drains every few months.

    Parking lights, front, back, or both, sometimes stay on after engine is off and leaving car.

    Blower and Inside Lights sometimes turn on by themselves.

    Right, back Signal Light won't work at all even though I've tried new bulbs.

    Clicking Noise left of steering wheel.

    Right, Front Window Sprayer shoots too narrow a stream.

    Any ideas on what I can do to repair any or all of these problems?

    Thank you, Rob
  • travis76travis76 Member Posts: 3
    Mine is doing the same thing, lights go off when she is driving and turns on when she turns the car off. Have you found something out yet?
  • travis76travis76 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2012
    It had an old battery, so I replaced that, tested alternator. She will drive it and then her lights will turn off, when she parks and turns it off, the lights come on until the battery is drained. Help! Need this van!
  • amor1220amor1220 Member Posts: 3
    Mostly my problem now is the back parking lights sometimes staying on after I turn off the engine and exit the car. Of course draining the battery if my wife or I forget to check. The front parking lights don't usually stay on though albeit I've seen this once where both the front and back were. Some people told me it might be the brake light switch under the dash being the culprit but it's not that. The brake lights are on the outside of the parking lights and much brighter. I had my daughter go into the car and pump them to see that they were indeed different columns of lights. So what in the heck could be causing this? I'm stumped. :confuse:
  • a1mike1aa1mike1a Member Posts: 9
    armor1220
    Try lifting the brake pedal to see if your lights go off.
    If they do you need to lubricate the pedal pivot with lithium greese.
    It gets dry and doesn"t let the pedal return spring do it's job.
  • confused1977confused1977 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Ford windstar. The other night i was driving home and the abs light and taction off light came on, then the airbag light came on, then the high beam light. then my radio turned on and off, then my break lights turned off, then when i pushed the brakes the headlights went off. when i got home i turned the car off and tried to restart the car and it clicked. I also have had weird problems before that happened. my gauges go wacky. an ideas I cant afford to take it to a shop and pay over 100 a hour in labor plus parts. i wanna do it myself if i can.
  • bca1953bca1953 Member Posts: 1
    I am having exactly same problem on 2003 Windstar. Have narrowed it down to REM rear electronic module, which is a delaer item , $400 for part and $110 to replace in Michigan. The cost is holding me back..do you know any other fix for this? I do not want to spend $500 plus and find out it doesnt fix the problem. :mad:
  • travis76travis76 Member Posts: 3
    I put it on hold for now through Christmas, I just disconnect the battery everytime right now
  • amor1220amor1220 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2012
    I don't think it's the brake lights as I've explained previously. After reading different information for a few weeks I believe I have at least two major problems. One is a bad switch(es) in the steering column, and a faulty REM (rear electrical module). Just for these two parts is probably 650 to 700 bucks and that's without labor. Who put together the 1999 Ford Windstar parts and wiring... the Apollo 1 engineers? Geez, I've only got around 35,000 miles on it.
  • wiremonsterwiremonster Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2013
    After 5 hours of performing grueling diagnostics today I FINALLY found out why my battery was discharging at a continuous rate of 450milliamps (while not running) on my 2001 Windstar...the REM (rear electronic module) is keeping relays 1 & 4 turned on (the ones under the dash in the fuse/relay panel below the headlight switch). Normal drain on car batteries with the ignition turned off is under 25mA. If you suspect the same is happening to you, take the fuse panel cover off after the van has sat overnight and put your hand on the 2 relays at the very left side of the fuse/relay panel. If they are nice and warm, BINGO, your REM is malfunctioning. I have also had fuel pump run problems and the keyless entry has been malfunctioning intermittantly since DAY 1! This module is responsible for those functions as well as the brake lights, emergency flashers, door locks and many more. Thank God I had the sense to buy the shop manuals for this van otherwise I'd have to take it to the dealership and I HATE them (Scarritt Lincoln Mercury in Seminole, FL) as do so many other folks that got the shaft from that shyster!
  • richthefactorrichthefactor Member Posts: 1
    Did this fix it? I just bought a 2000 windstar yesterday and now know why it was so cheap. It has all problems listed above a new alt and new R E M. does the R E M need to be programed to the vehicle by the dealer?
  • wiremonsterwiremonster Member Posts: 6
    I shot myself in the foot! After reading Ford service Article No. 02-13-9 and performing a test using that info I learned my REM was acting perfectly normal. The 450mA drain I measured was due to my actions by simply leaving a door open which kept the computers "awake" while I was servicing the van. If a door is left open, the computers won't go to "sleep", thereby keeping relays 1 and 4 and their associated circuits activated. The article states it takes at least 30 minutes of no interruptions before you can test for the computers going to "sleep". Read all about it here:

    http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/tepetty3/2010-10-08_191739_tsb02-13-09.pdf

    I purchased an REM from ebay that has all the same code numbers, save for the serial number so it should have the same programming as my original, I just have not tested it yet. But yes, the REM has a programmable computer that, if you did not buy one that has the same programming as your old one, may not work as expected and you will need to have its memory re-programmed by a dealer with the appropriate equipment and software/firmware version.

    To make a long, sad story short, the battery discharge issue was all due to me not driving van enough. I only go about 1 mile each way to and from work, and over a period of 3 years the battery just did not get charged enough. I've only driven it 54K miles in the 12 years I've owned it, that's only 4500/year...My bad.
  • portwarbossportwarboss Member Posts: 2
  • portwarbossportwarboss Member Posts: 2
    last thing that happened was fuse 16 blew. so i have a different fem and rem in it now, but these lights stay on, didn't do it before. the fem and rem fixied my other problems, and now this, dash lights stay on with key out and door closed, can walk away for hours, still on. all switches are off, the lights are on the dash and the heater controls. please help.
  • char2308char2308 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 ford windstar sel it runs great but we can't drive it because the back brakelights don't work my back signal lights won't work, my back doors won't open or unlock hand my full guage isn't working. Anyone with any suggestions.
  • flash40flash40 Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2013
    REM needs to be replaced

    I am experiencing the same exact problem with my 2003 ford windstar lx
  • flash40flash40 Member Posts: 2
    REM needs to be replaced
  • robert216robert216 Member Posts: 1
    try REM
  • ogunjobiogunjobi Member Posts: 1
    I have Ford Windstar SEL 2000 which has refused to start after the battery had been changed. My car suddenly stopped while driving home from work,called a technician to service the alternator fuse but after so much trials,i had to tow the vehicle home.since then i've been unable to start the engine.Any useful hint on what step to take would be highly appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Ayoola.
  • fystywindstarfystywindstar Member Posts: 24
    I had a very similar problem & it was resolved by a new Battery & a new alternator(both of which were non Ford [Purolator for the latter]). I have had no major problems since.(about 1.5 years now) I still have a bunch of gremlins but most can be resolved by replacing sensors & cleaning electrical contacts( sliding doors & door lock solenoids). Also have a dealer have a look @ the rear computer in R.R. fender. Some here abouts have said that this is a point of problems but I have found nothing with mine ('02 SEL). Hope this helps you and any others. Cheers Angela ;):D:D
  • wiremonsterwiremonster Member Posts: 6
    Listen for the fuel pump to start when you turn on your ignition without engaging the starter. You should hear a faint hum for about 1 second coming from the gas tank and as pressure comes up it will shut off. You must have a quiet atmosphere to hear it, some make more noise than others. If you need to listen for it again just shut off the ignition for a few seconds and turn it back on and listen carefully. You can do this several times if necessary. If you hear it, then fuel delivery should be OK.

    Next, check for ignition spark by removing one of the spark plug wires from a convenient plug and use a neon tester. Connect the tester and crank the engine, you should see the bulb flash very briefly for each power stroke for that cylinder. If it flashes you know your ignition driver and coil is working. If you get no spark replace the coil pack module, mine was about $75 from Autozone. If you are getting a spark, the only thing left is to check the injector activation.

    Have someone crank the engine for 8 seconds (no more that 10 sec or the starter can be damaged) while you take a whiff at the tail pipe. If you don't smell strong gas fumes during the first 8 sec crank, wait 30 seconds and crank it again for 8 seconds. If you don't smell anything you know the computer is not opening up the injectors and you will need to get a readout of your van's computer chip to see what's going on...CAUTION: If this gas ignites while you are checking for fumes you can be hurt, so be careful how you proceed with this check!

    If you have confirmed the fuel pump is working, spark is there and the injectors are activating you will need to obtain a readout from your van's computer to assist you in troubleshooting. Most engines that have been running OK and just stop usually do so because either the fuel delivery or the ignition spark has quit working.
  • qusayqusay Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 Windstar SEL, after replacing the battery by non-FORD battery ( less voltage than the required ) the power sliding door and Radio & casset not working at all & remote keyless entry , I checked all the fuses and found intact please advise is it from computer it might need reprograming or ?
  • wiremonsterwiremonster Member Posts: 6
    Not sure about the 2003, but the 2001 has 2 sets of fuses, one block of fuses under the hood on the driver's side and another block under the driver's side dash, did you check both sets?

    My radio and power windows are fed by a relay that allow them to be used for a few minutes after the ignition is shut off, perhaps there is problem with your relay, but that does not explain why your remote entry is not working.

    One thing I have on my 2001 is a fuse you can pull under the dash sort of in the middle of the fuse panel. This particular fuse can be disconnected without removing the cover via a small knob that when pulled, disconnects the fuse from its socket. This will kill the radio and the remote key entry receiver.

    This fuse is supposed to be pulled if you are going to be away for several weeks so your battery does not go dead. MAKE SURE this fuse is plugged back in all the way, perhaps somebody pulled it when replacing your battery and forgot to push it back in.

    Other than the above I don't know what else to tell you. Hope this helps.
  • qusayqusay Member Posts: 2
    thank you for your quick response, we have checked the fuses & relays & found them intact , I have read the owner guide book & it is mentioned that fuse # 6 if removed the following systems will not be functinal:Radio & power sliding door & keyless entry system, & when the pull fuse is reinstalled the radio & etc need to be reset,the question is :
    How can I make reset , is it programing.
  • hlkaplanhlkaplan Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 Ford Windstar LX and my gauges only work half the time. Can anyone tell my why this would be happening?

    I have rebuilt my van and now this is happening.
  • haerohaero Member Posts: 1
    Hey, I have been having a look at an issue with my sisters van, a 2003 ford windstar, and narrowed it down to the FEM. the front passenger signal light non-functional, the FEM does not seem to want to alternate it on and off. Now that I have narrowed it down to that... I cannot afford to replace this part at the moment.. Does anyone know if it is possible to rig the front signal to run off the rear one, at least temporarily, or will that blow fuses or cause other issues.

    Thank you.
  • firewolf1firewolf1 Member Posts: 1
    i have a seriouse problem when i get to a stop light my van starts having some thing like a asthma attack and the reves go up and down till she shuts off any ideas of what that is
  • wiremonsterwiremonster Member Posts: 6
    The only thing I can think of is it may have a vacuum leak. My 1993 Mercury Sable did that same thing and I found a vacuum hose disconnected, YES it was my fault, I forgot to put it back on after I had changed the spark plugs and spark wires. After I reconnected it all was fine again. If you cannot find anything as obvious as that, take it to an auto parts store that has free computer code readouts and see what is happening. It's a place to start.
  • fystywindstarfystywindstar Member Posts: 24
    Wiremonster is correct. Also could be your intake manifold. My Check Engine light is always on(comes on after about 2 weeks after having codes cleared), & the code that comes up is "left bank lean.", as my star passed "Air Care" with no problems, I have ignored this problem as it is a small leak in the Intake manifold gasket & the cost to repair is prohibited & as it is running lean this means lest fuel. I had the same problem as firewolf1 but the replacement of the alt, reg & battery (all replaced by non Ford parts [Puralater]), I found that the Beast no longer stalls @ a stop sing etc. but still idles kind of rough.
    I also have both the brake warning lamps on & these also are being ignored as I have had system thoroughly checked out only to find that it is sensors @ fault & not the system. Door & window problems, first clean the door pillar contacts before tearing down the doors to replace solenoids etc.
  • nachumamanachumama Member Posts: 1
    i've checked the fuses inside the car and in the engine compartment and i didn't see any blown fuses. all this happened after i took apart the driver's door panel to fix the power window that wasn't going down. could there be a ground wire in there that might be causing the problem? or is it the rem? dang, i don't want to spend too much money on this van since it's a piece of junk but it's my only mode of transportation. help.
  • tjvjrtjvjr Member Posts: 2
  • tjvjrtjvjr Member Posts: 2
    1998 Ford Windstar , no break lights or shifter unlock. The break pedal switch is good , fuse 7 ( as well as all others both under hood and inside van ) are good. All relays I can find under hood and inside van check good . This Windstar was manufactured February / 1998 so it does not have the Rear Electronic Module in the jack storage panel . It has power in to dark green wire going to break pedal position switch and power out from the light green one. I have checked all grounds and wires I can find / trace and have found no breaks. All other lights and switches work as they should .I cant find a good print to locate all the related wiring and grounds . This one has me baffled . Any help will be greatly appreciated.
  • wiremonsterwiremonster Member Posts: 6
    When you say the "rear and interior lights are not working", just which "rear" lights are you referring to? Brake lights, parking lights, or the light at the rear door? Do any of your power windows work now? One thing you might try is working the "instrument panel light dimmer/cabin lights on-off" control all the way up until it clicks so the interior lights are forced on, do they come on then? If not, the control module that operates these lights may have a problem and off hand I don't know if its the FEM or the REM that controls them.
  • cliffordkellycliffordkelly Member Posts: 1
    i have no power to windows, radio,interior lights ,no power steering basically nothing electrical working but will start up though. help help
  • fireyblazefireyblaze Member Posts: 1
    I purchased my 03 Ford Windstar about a month ago. Within a week it showed signs of what I now know is a bad FEM. The van was taken to Ford who did a diagnostic test and they did verify the problem was in the front electrical module. Ford no longer makes the front electrical module. They did locate a used FEM but how dependable can it be? Now that you can't buy a new one will I be replacing the used one often? The FEM is a very important part of this van without it the van is not drive-able.
  • billyb1956billyb1956 Member Posts: 1
    They did have intake manifold problems I THINK there was a recall. Call a ford dealer and ask if any open recalls on your vehicle you will need to give them the VIN#
  • fystywindstarfystywindstar Member Posts: 24
    Thanks so much billy. I certainly will check that out. I am surprised that they didn't bring that up when I had the brakelight switch done. Cheers.
  • eltruck352eltruck352 Member Posts: 1
    i have big electric problem i check all the fuse and relay
  • mcturnanmcturnan Member Posts: 1
    I've had this van for going on two years and had no problems till recently. Pretty obvious it's either in the fuel pump or security/electrical. Ran into a problem where fuel pump does not turn on when you turn on the key. It's done it twice now and the last time it took about 20 minutes for it to kick in and operate as though nothing had happened. Making me a little nervous of course since I was about 10 mi from home when it happened. Any ideas? I suspect an electrical or security system problem but checking out if anyone else has had this happen.

    Thanks...
  • dnt2dnt2 Member Posts: 3

    2000 ford windstar cannot find where a two wire plug goes after removing the cowl. Looks like maybe for a hood switch it is a 2 wire violet with orange stripe wire and a black wire that ties into the wire bundle that goes to the wiper motor. Best that I can tell the van does not have a switch? 6-30-2000 build date. I just do not remember seeing this wire before and do not remember unplugging it from anything. Please let me know if a 6-30-2000 build date Ford Windstar would have the hood switch or not. There is not a underhood light on this van I believe the hood switch would be part of the security system maybe? Security system seems to work just fine.

  • 2002windstart2002windstart Member Posts: 1
    My 2002 windstar smokes from solenoid when I try to start. What could it be 
  • mitchaay21mitchaay21 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1998 windstar. Turned the Hazzard lights on and lost the interior lights and power to all the windows. Please help
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