In hotter conditions, the "key in the ignition alarm" rings even while driving, the check engine light burns continuously. I know of three windstars that are doing this. *la temperature or moisture seems to affect the "key alarm" and it continues to sound. One friend who is a mechanic, has to pull the fuse nightly on the check engine light or her battery runs down. I was told to replace the starter because it would not start on the evening so I did. It's still not starting right. Acts as if the battery has been drained. Tried to disconnect the check engine light but same fuse runs the wipers.
1996 Ford Windstar: windshield wiper failure
13 of the 1,386 complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar describe windshield wiper failure.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 6 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Windshield wiper failure by model year
What owners say
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
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.
Speedo head jumps. When driving vechicle, the speedometer needle will start waving. You can't tell how fast your traveling. Service center stated this is real common on 1996 windstar. Windshield wiper motor froze. Can't clean rear window.
In the past two weeks the transmission has slipped twice. When at a complete stop and accelerating the vehicle has to be put into park and then back into drive. This is very dangerous. There is only 56000 on vehicle. Battery light continually comes on this can be very nerve wracking when in heavy traffic. . Speedometer fluctuates and flops around after 40mph, sometime sticks at 50mph. Rear wipers work when they want. We have just returned from serving 8 years overseas, this is our only vehicle and from the research we have just been able to start this windstar is headaches with the same problems. I would like to be able to take my family to see relatives they have not seen in over 8 years but this vehicle is unsafe.
Since the transmission failure I have met others who had the exact same problem with the 96 windstar. This is not an isolated incident.. The failure of the windshield wipers is a safety problem.
The speedometer starts moving erratically once speeds of 25 MPH are reached. Also, sometimes, the windshield wipers will only work on high speed. I have contacted the dealer, and am told it will be $500.00 for the speedometer. I feel this, as well as the problems with the wipers is a serious safety issue. I've read several complaints on this site about problems with speedometers on 1996 windstars, and I think ford should be responsible for repairs, not me.
Eletrical system shorted out. Windshield wipers worked only when washers were being used, dome light stayed on when door was closed and won't go off.
When turning on the windshield wipers the wipers don't work,upon turning on the washers they work.
Outer hood panel separated from body of vehicle prior to recall (97v‑180). In addition, replaced front electric door latch/multifunctioned wiper switch/windshield wiper switch/engine cylinder head gaskets due to coolant leak, and differential seal.
Windshield wiper pivot arm nut became loose while in use. Wiper fell to left off of windshield.
Owner states that his rear wiper does not clear window effectively and that washer pump does not operate, he also notes that he has a hard time of seeing out rear window.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks
- Some vehicles may exhibit a high pitch whistle from the heater core housing case
- Adapters are available to convert vehicle "j hook" windshield wiper arms to a conventional pin style
- Adapters are available to convert windstar "j hook" windshield wiper arms to a conventional pin style to...
- Buffalo, ny area only - the windstar assembly plant would like top be notified of any cracked windshields...
- Windshield and interior glass - fog/film
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Ford Windstar wipers
Is windshield wiper failure a common problem on the 1996 Ford Windstar?
13 of 1,386 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Windstar (1%) mention windshield wiper failure. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Windstar?
There are 0 recalls and 6 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 13Knocking 11Door locks 10Fuel leak 10Fuel smell 9Won't shift 9Sudden acceleration 9Jerking 8Harsh shifting 7Premature wear 7Fuel pump 6Headlights 6Power steering loss 6Seat belt 6
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1996 Ford Windstar?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history