1997 Ford Windstar brakes problems

Filed Aug 14, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 90,000 miles · MI

My windstar gl wouldn't start. I replaced the range selector switch. When I restarted the vehicle I forgot the reconnect the brake pressure sensor wiring connector and the ABS light came on. I tried to get the code cleared but no-one could access the code. I took the van to the dealer for a recall notice on the speed control system and had them look into why the ABS light was on. I was told the ABS module had quit and needed replaced. The module is $1500.00 and $300.00 to install. That's more than the van is worth. I searched online and found out many other windstar owners are having the same problems. The cruise control system has also quit and the dealer rep. Tells me that the cruise control also goes through this module. With the possibility of fire it seems rather irresponsible for ford to do nothing more than install a fusible link as a safety measure. I am looking into buying a used module to repair the cruise and ABS. The failure is total. Neither the cruise control or the ABS system works at this time.

Filed Apr 14, 2009 · Brakes, Engine · 70,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was abnormally low. Upon further inspection, he noticed that the front coil springs fractured due to excessive rust. The failure caused the tires to deflate. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 01v199000 (suspension:front:springs:coil springs); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired according to the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 90,000. Updated 6/4/09 *cn the exhaust system was replaced and brake lines snapping. Updated 06/09/09.

Filed Feb 28, 2009 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · CA

Abs and brake light on same time. Notice brake fluid leak. Refill brake fluid often. Speedometer needle sways erratically for about 2 years. Cruise control inoperable for 2 years.

Filed May 10, 2008 · Acceleration, Brakes · 191,000 miles · AL

Noticed that I was leaking some brake fluid for the last couple of months on my 1997 ford windstar but very little at that. About the same time the cruise control quit working. One day while driving I noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Raised the hood but the smoke had quit. Got back home and noticed this again when I was stopped in the driveway. Checked under the hood again and found that the cruise control deactivation switch was smoking and very hot. Went to the ford dealer to check if there was a recall on this and there was not . Installed the replacement part with plug adaptor and this fixed the problem with smoking and the cruise started working again. Noticed on the net this same part that is in my windstar is also in other vehicles that has been recalled. Why is this? This could have easily caught fire and been a total loss to the van and if it had been parked in the garage the house also.

Filed Aug 17, 2004 · Brakes · MI

Abs anti-lock braking engages during normal dry braking. This causes a lessening in braking just before a complete stop. Could cause a collision by not stopping car within the distance expected.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 87,000 miles · PA

I bought this 1997 ford windstar in march of 2003. The very next day I returned to the independent car dealer due to the check engine light was on. They said nothing was wrong and they reset the light. Within a week it was on again and this time they said it was a fluxation in the electrical current and it was making the light come on. They reset it. About 2 weeks later it is losing coolant somewhere and running rough, they check it and now it needs 2 out of 4 oxygen sensors replaced im told. They pay for it if they truly fixed it because about 2-3 weeks later I am havint the same problems so they replace the other 2 oxygen sensors, but cannot explain the coolant loss. Ever since I have had nothing but problems so I decided to go to the local ford dealer even though I try to avoid dealers because of prices and they charge me $58 to tell me I need a head gasket, my ABS system is not working, timing cover is leaking, ball bearing is shot and my antifreeze looks like mud. This is all wrote on a service estimate I asked them for. It would cost about $1700 + tax for them to fix. I have read that ford knew they had a problem with the 95 windstars and the head gaskets and offered an extended warranty or money towards a new car so I feel they know all windstars with this 3.8l engine are faulty not just the 95's. I called ford and they told me tough luck basically. I have read on the internet numerous complaints about the head gaskets in all 3.8l windstars and I want my van fixed.

Filed Feb 16, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 88,890 miles · OH

Have a 97 ford windstar all of a sudden I had a tire blow completely here to find out that the coil spring on drivers front broke and went into tire, then to find out there was a recall 2 years ago on it but was never notified of it and also a few weeks ago, van all of a sudden kept getting real hot with rolling white smoke just to find out that there was problems with the head gaskets on these windstars but yet still was never notified, this is not right, I feel we were cheated, now have a van that sits and still owe $10,000 on because I'm a family man of six and cannot afford the cost of these major repairs, I'm afraid of what might of happened if this would of blew with all my family in it on a highway, is this how the ford company treats their consumers by lying and decieving them.

Filed Aug 29, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · PA

Abs braking light system appears on dashboard. Also there is coolant mixed in with oil inside of engine. Dealership is aware of the problems.

Filed Aug 13, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Right rear brake would lock up after being parked. Would break loose after being dragged on dry pavement for about 20 feet. Abs light would come on sporadically. Had ford dealer replace rear brakes.

Filed May 20, 2002 · Brakes, Wheels · CA

My anti lock light stays on brake light indicator stays on after I come to a hault for the first time out for the day. But I thought it was from the brake drums crushing my brake pad I had to replace one at a time.but the in one month my rear rim cracks leaking air then front rim does same thing in same month dealer say we ca sceduel you an appointment at your cost. Thanks you ford for a fine response.