1994 Ford Aerostar: engine overheating

Filed Jul 1, 2001 · Transmission · AL

While driving in the smoky mountains in nc the transmission overheated and poured out transmission fluid. The van began to smoke and I pulled over in a dangerous place. I decided to turn around (also in dangerous place) I went back to cherokee, nc and a mechanic said this was a common problem for areostars. He said many people get ripped off by untrustworthy mechanics. While traveling over the mountains we saw three other areostars with the same problem. Two were being towed by wreckers. Areostar owners need to be notified of this problem. That the transmission will overheat under a load and transmission fluid will be lost. We were very upset by this and our vacation was ruined. But because we found a good mechanic we were not ripped off. I cannot say the same about the other vans that we saw being towed from the mountain and we were only there for a couple of hours and saw three others in trouble.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Engine · OH

Vehicle experiencing problem with loss of coolant and overheating while driving. Independent mechanic informed of a head gasket failure. Vehicle was not covered under manufacturer's extended warranty. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

Filed Jan 5, 2000 · Transmission · WA

This van releases automatic trans. Fluid from the seal between the torque converter and the transmission body. It does this when hot (but not overheating), in the summer, while towing a light weight camping trailer (load within ford towing limits). This occurs typically while climbing, but also on a flat grade at high speeds (65-70 MPH) in hot temperatures (85f +). The fluid squirts onto the exhaust pipe, releasing large amounts of smoke. There was a previous recall on this van for a similar problem with releasing trans. Fluid onto the exhaust pipe, and I had the recall work done, but it involved the transfer case and driveshaft, not the torque converter to transmission seal. I have had a large aftermarket trans. Cooler installed as well as a trans. Fluid temp. Guage. The engine coolant and trans. Fluid are within normal temp. Limits when these incidents occur. The dealer service dept. Has told me that this problem would not be fixed by replacing the seal; that it would continue because of component limitations. Although the drivetrain components have not been detectably mechanically damaged by these incidents, the incidents are a clear safety hazard because of the fire hazard as well as the possible loss of control if the drivtrain components were to fail precipitously. When these incidents occur, I have to pull over immediately and shut off the engine and let the trans. Cool for a time, and this is another safety hazard because there is not always a safe place to pull over. I believe that the previous recall for this (or a similar) problem did not result in an adequate fix and that the issue should be re-examined. The date of the incident noted on this report was the first occurrence.

Filed Sep 8, 1999 · Engine · MO

The engine had started to overheat. Had heard a ticking noise prior to vehicle shutting down. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Was informed by mechanic engine lost compressor part & needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 29, 1999 · Electrical · GA · fire

An electrical short caused vehicle to overheat and catch on fire.

Filed Jul 7, 1999 · Engine · CA

Vehicle been experiencing ongoing problem with engine overheating. Vehicle been has been brought to dealer for repaires on 11 occasions, and nothing appeared to work. Can the federal safety agency help or provide additional information on this matter.

Filed Jun 22, 1999 · Airbags, Electrical · IL

Complete radiator failure, told epoxy broke loose, replaced with new, suspect overheating of wiring harness caused relay or fusable link failure in column/dash intermittent loss of cruise control, then full loss, horn lass at same time, airbag warning light at same time.

Filed May 25, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · AZ · fire

Ignition switch short causing overheating and fire in the steering column prior to recall notice, after recall work performed several damaged components continued to fail (wipers, lighting, etc.) (99v‑029). Mjs

Filed Feb 27, 1999 · Electrical · CA · fire · 3 injuries

Ignition switch short circuit caused wiring to overheat and burn in steering column area.