1995 Ford Windstar: misfire or rough idle

Filed Jul 25, 2007 · Engine · OH

I purchased a 1995 ford windstar from a private owner who reported no problems with it. After owning it for about 1 year, the engine began to run roughly. Shortly after, it would stall out if idling and I noticed the smell of gasoline. I took it to a repair and they told me it was shooting raw fuel out of the exhaust. I replace the computer module, two blown open fuel injectors, the spark plugs and the wires. They said that should correct the problem. Two months later the exact same thing happened again. This time it was suggested that the entire engine be replaced along with a new computer module. I donated the vehicle to a group listing all the items that were recommended to be fixed. We do not miss our "blow up mobile".

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 76,000 miles · WA

The engine was the main problem due to the head gasket recall. In july,2000, we argued with ford about a bad engine running for which we had just paid over $300 to evaluate by an outside repair shop. After about 6 weeks we received our car back with a new long block paid for by ford, including a rental van for the time in the shop. In january 2001 the engine was running rough again and we were charged $81.45 to check it out and replace a wire bad on cylinder 6 which was misfiring. Three months later in april 2001 the car ran rough again and the engine light was back on (happened for years intermittently since we owned the car). The new long-block had another bad head gasket reinstalled per the second ford dealership service center. After nearly another month we had the second new long-block in less than one year. Now less than 2 years and 40,000 miles later, following the 110k service of radiator flush and oil change at 113,098 miles the engine rapidly lost oil and is misfiring and burning oil. Ford's position once again is that the warranty was only for 12 months or 12k miles. On a smaller note, the brakes have gone out numerous times and we have replaced rotors and pads numerous times with no improvements. The power steering has performed very poorly. We changed the fluid in 2000 and then the ford service center and they replaced the outer tie rods and reset the alignment. Within months it was going out again intermittently. Most often when starting out the power steering goes out and you must manually steer the vehicle.

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Engine · 55,895 miles · NC

My complaint is about my 1995 ford windstar van with the 3.8 lt v-6 engine. I bought my van new on 9/12/95 and have taken care to keep it in good shape. It had recently, in later part of march, began to run roughly. I took it to a mechanic on april 1, 2003. The mechanic informed me that the head gaskets has blown out. My van only has 55,900 miles on it! Ford had extended the warranty to cover only the head gaskets for 100k miles or seven years whichever came first. Even though my warranty, according to ford, ran out in sept. 02, I still feel that 56k miles is too low to suffer this kind of major repair. When I contacted ford, they said there was nothing they could do. I feel I should not have to pay for a defective design by ford. The mechanic said the repair would be between $1000 and $2000 dollars depending on the extent of the damage. It could even be higher if the damage is extensive.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving heard a popping noise/vehicle will run roughly, and would not go into reverse.contacted mechanic.outer head gasket had blown.also, replaced transmission.

Filed Jan 4, 2002 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

Consumer contacted dealer due to the fact that engine had a rough idle. Dealer replaced consumers engine to remedy the problem . But, it did remedy the problem, once again engine was replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Dec 6, 2001 · Engine, Fuel system · CT

Engine began rough idling, strong smell of fuel within vehicle, check engine light went on within a few minutes. A cloud of smoke followed the vehicle.

Filed Oct 18, 2001 · Engine · IN

Engine gasket has failed 4 times. Engine misfired during acceleration. Ford customer service representative (michelle) refused to answer my questions and concerns. The failure of the engine on the highway had the potential to cause a serious accident.

Filed Dec 7, 1999 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Driving in freeway vehicle started to chug. No warning lights came on the best I came remember. Finished driving home thinking I'll get a tuneup on monday. Sunday evening I drove to repair shop, (perfect tune) to have a tuneup done first thing in the morning. The shop called and told my husband a head gasket had blown and we had to replace the engine. I wrote to fords trying to get some assistance and also called them. I was told it was out of warranty and they would not considered any help or reimbursement to me. After the engine was replaced the vehicle still seemed to run rough. I took it back to perfect tune thinking ti was the engine (so did they). This went on for months having them look for the problem and trying to fix it. Finally they said they couldn't figure out what was wrong and said I better take it to the ford dealer. I took it to brighton ford and they determined it was a bad transmission. Within appoximately 6 months I had to replace the engine and the transmission. Recently my sister saw a news report on windstars having problems with the head gaskets thus causing the engine trouble. Is there also problems with the transmission. Hope you can help. Thankyou

Filed Oct 31, 1999 · Engine · IL

Driving car to make a left turn when check engine lite comes on. Vehicle starts rough idle and wife notices white smoke fuming out of exhaust pipe. Knowing that 95 windstar 3.8l has a reputation for blown head gaskets suspected that was what occured. Compleated turn and got car safetly off the roadway, called for tow to nearest ford dealer. Diagnosis, blown head gasket, causing hydro-lock during diagnostic test . Solution . Replace engine with longblock due to coolant damage to crankshaft and cylinders and block. No warning and this car has been professionally maintained. Oil and coolant were checked the day before and were at proper levels. Coolant changed 07/99. Solution engine replaced at owners expense. No properly maintained car should have this kind of failure,especially during first 100,000 miles. Am pursuing this with ford customer service hot-line with little sucess. Any suggestions?

Filed Sep 26, 1999 · Engine · PA

Head gasket failed, misfire one cylinder draining coolant, no smoke though. 98m01 expired. Now what?

Filed Jun 24, 1999 · Acceleration · NJ

After a month of rough idling and 47800 miles the "check engine" warning light came on. Brought to dealer to indicated that item was covered under service "notification".

Filed Jul 17, 1995 · Acceleration, Brakes · FL

Rough idle.