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1996 Ford Windstar: headlights failing or too dim

6 of the 1,386 complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
0%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

What owners say

Filed Feb 13, 2005 · Lights · OK

Headlight assembly has clear plastic lens. Over time plastic has discolored which degrades lighting . Also lamp assembly collects moisture inside unit further degrading lighting this condition prevalent not only on my vehicle but also on other cars I have observed.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 52,000 miles · NY

Timing cover gasket failure allowed coolant to mix with engine oil. Gasket replaced but engine damage may have already been done. Speedometer wavers between 20 and 60 MPH at 30 MPH, headlight lenses have yellowed to the point that the headlights are useless. Most ford vehicles from 1990 to 2000 have the yellowing headlight problems and should be recalled as a safety problem.

Filed Jun 5, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

The left outer tie rod was replace. *yh the fuel injector, timing cover gaskets and wiper blades were replaced. The rear brake light was replaced . The switch headlight control was replaced. The drivers door ajar switch was replaced. Updated

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Acceleration, Electrical · MN

When stopping at a light, engine sometimes will die. Vehicle would lunge forward after pulling off from a stop. Took vehicle to dealer, they replaced something, and two weeks later problem reoccurred. *ak the engine stalls whenever more than one device is turned on at the same time. This problem makes it impossible to turn head lights and windshield wipers on together. The vehicle also shakes violently after being driven for few hours.

Filed Jan 13, 1999 · Brakes, Lights · CA

Disc brakes are warping from excessive heat buildup within the ABS brakes. Dealer contacted, and stated the design of car has small brakes. Repair work done at owner's expense. Also, headlights are filling up with water when raining, could cause major problems/speedometer does not work properly. Provide further information.

Filed Feb 26, 1998 · Lights · NY

Head light failure.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Exterior lightingReported June 19, 2000 · 20,637 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.s. Erroneously.
Risk
The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. Standards.
Remedy
Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.

Recall number 00V168000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1996 Ford Windstar headlights

Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1996 Ford Windstar?

6 of 1,386 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar (0%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2003.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Windstar?

There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 Ford Windstar

ABS 99Engine failure 83Check engine light 78Coil spring 63Overheating 57Brake failure 46Fire or smoke 41Transmission failure 40Misfire 30Stalling 27Ball joint 26Grinding brakes 25Adaptive cruise 22Slipping 16Loss of power 13Tire blowout 13Wipers 13Knocking 11Door locks 10Fuel leak 10Fuel smell 9Won't shift 9Sudden acceleration 9Jerking 8Harsh shifting 7Premature wear 7Fuel pump 6Power steering loss 6Seat belt 6

All model years of the Ford Windstar

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