Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar Models:
Ford Windstar Problems
The Check Engine Light May Illuminate Due to an Intake Manifold Vacuum Leak
The Check Engine Light may illuminate with fault code P0171 and/or P0174 stored, indicating a lean fuel mixture. Our technicians tell us the left valve cover gasket, upper intake gaskets, vacuum line, and bolts may need to be replaced with updated parts to correct this concern.
Warped Front Brake Rotors Can Cause Steering Wheel Shimmy
Warped front brake rotors may cause the steering wheel to shimmy when the brakes are applied. Our technicians tell us the brake rotors and pads should be replaced to correct this concern.
Knocking Noise Due to Broken Intake Runner
A knocking noise from the upper engine area may indicate a loose intake runner. Our technicians tell us if this is the case, replacement of the upper intake clamshell will be necessary.
White Smoke/CEL Due to Blown Head Gasket
White smoke coming from the exhaust and an illuminated Check Engine Light could indicate the head gasket has blown.
Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak
The engine oil pan gasket can develop a leak. Leaking oil may accumulate on the exhaust system resulting in a burning smell. Replacing the gasket should correct this leak.
Ford Windstar Recalls (Recent)
Ford Windstar Recall 03V459000
Summary: CERTAIN MINIVANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." DURING TESTING, A THIRD ROW BENCH FLOOR-TO-SEAT LATCH RELEASED BEFORE THE STRENGTH REQUIREMENT WAS MET. IDENTICAL LATCHES ARE USED IN THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS.
Learn more »Ford Windstar Recall 02V072000
Summary: IN SOME MINIVANS, WATER AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS (DIRT, SALT, ETC.) CAN ENTER INTO THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO A MISSING BODY SEALER.
Learn more »Ford Windstar Recall 02V101000
Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING ASSEMBLY, SOME BRAKE LINES WERE INSTALLED IN A TWISTED POSITION, CAUSING CONTACT WITH THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CONTACT COULD ABRADE THE BRAKE LINE CORROSION PROTECTION, CONSEQUENTLY, SALT OR WATER ABSORBED IN THE DASH PANEL INSULATOR WOULD PROMOTE CORROSION. THIS CORROSION COULD ULTIMATELY LEAD TO A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE.
Learn more »Potential Loss of Steering
RepairPal Expert Overview:
A corroded mounting bracket can cause the lower control arm to become loose or separate and/or the frame mounting bolts may cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. One or both of these failures can result in loss of steering control. Dealers will inspect the affected areas and perform the necessary repairs. This recall is expected to begin by February 14, 2011. The Ford recall number is 11S16.
Learn more »Ford Recalls 1998–2003 Windstar Models Due to Corrosion in Rear Axle
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Ford is recalling 1998–2003 Windstar models manufactured or registered in twenty-two Eastern and Midwestern states due to corrosion on the rear axle, which makes it susceptible to torsional stress. This can cause the axle to crack, and even break entirely, which can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers in the affected states will inspect and potentially install rear axle reinforcement brackets, free of charge. For a list of the affected U.S. states, call Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Learn more »Ford Windstar Questions and Answers
The driver side and passenger side passenger window switch does not move the passenger window up or down.
Where's the EGR vacuum solenoid located on my 1995 Ford Windstar.Can I see it from the top of the engine?
I have a leak in the oil pan and because of rust and I don't want to spend $400 at a garage to get it fixed. I want to do it myself. Who knows how to do this? Who has a diagram of the car parts?
T...
when my overdrive light blinks it the van runs when its off i have to drive on drive 2 and then shift back onto drive and i constantly have to do that
My car is stuck in overdrive. How do I get it out? I pressed the OD botton NUMEROUS times but it does not do anything! It stays in OD!
Ford Windstar Stories
I just buy a 2000 winstar,only whit 49.600 milles,i have a problem,i hear a clik noise near the ac,and after the noise sometimes the RPM go up and down...somebody can help me...n.juma@hotmail.com...thanks
We have a 2002 Ford Windstar. One of the sliding doors won't open from the outside and both are getting harder and harder to open. The engine light practically stays on. Everytime we turn around there's something wrong, (fuel filter; air kit; alternator--twice; electrical problems). This vehicle is a lemon. When we attempt to answer a recall, to which we've received 3 and only had one problem resolved, your dealership won't schedule an appointment and tells us it could take any where from 4 hours to an entire day. VERY POOR SERVICE AND VERY POOR QUALITY!! Diana Sheridan
Running on 4th fuel pump, though mileage is only 96,000. Changed sensors twice. Changed coil, spark plugs, wires. Check engine light stays on as 'default' on this one!
A real nightmare, a real crap!!
I have a 2003 ford windstar van.I have a problem at red lights.The van revs up to the point that if I really didnot mash on the break I would be affaid that I would hit the car in front of me.What canI do?And what is wrong?
I just got my windstar... I have a few issues but other than that I love it and all the features!!! This thing is fully decked out except for a Navigation System. It's amazing... Love the sliding side doors, but noticed I have to hit the button on the remote 3x's on each side to get the door to open. So I may be considered rather new on this.
One is the instrument panel just starting acting up for no reason at all, after the fact that I took it to the dealership and they plugged the computer in just to get the code for the keyless entry code on the driver door... Is this something that has happened alot, or may the problem not be related to this? I assume it is, because it just starting happening. Another thing going on is the reverse parking sensor is acting up. If I put the car in reverse the light automatically says "OFF" on the button. If I put it in any other gear I can push it in and it will be "ON" what would cause this to happen?? Please let me know as any information will be helpful. Thanks.Tiffany (teaspoon30@hotmail.com)