1997 Ford Windstar: check engine light

7 of the 192 complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 33 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2004
1
2003
44
2002
29
2001
47
2000
43
1999
57
1998
20
1997
7
1996
78
1995
92

What owners say

Filed Dec 11, 2006 · Acceleration · 114,000 miles · MD · fire

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated constantly, and the overdrive light located on the gearshift illuminated intermittently. This was accompanied by a strong smell of something electrical burning. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that the sensor on the master cylinder had caught on fire, and also burned the wiring harness between the master cylinder and the transmission. The mechanic replaced the sensor on the master cylinder, on the transmission, and the wiring harness, which corrected the problem. There was a the federal safety agency recall # 05v388000, which pertains to the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

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 Sep 25, 2002 · Engine · WA

Consumer states engine light illuminated. Took to dealer and they stated that it was a blown head gasket. Please provide any further information.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Suspension, Tires · MI

From 12,000 miles to present mileage, the vehicle had three transmissions replaced within five years, and the problem is reoccurring. Dealer notified. *ak the driver side front coil spring had broken. (recalled in november/the federal safety agency#01i00700)-was checked. The mechanics had placed a plastic sleeve over coils, and the spring had broken through and punctured the tire at 5 MPH. The overdrive and engine light had come on. The mechanics said that something inside of the transmission was bad.

Filed Aug 28, 2001 · Engine · MA

Purchased vehicle used from dealer who stated vehicle purchased new there. Due to lg number of same type of engine defects in this vehicle would like to know if this vehicle was included in recall in 1998 and never repaired.or if dealer previously repaired vehicle and resold it. I have read several other listings on this website and the problems we are experiencing with this vehicle are identical to those listed. If this is a poorly made component amends should be made. Estimated repair costs to my vehicle at this time stand at $2300.00. This is an extrordinary amount of money to pay for a manufacturer defect. We were told the head gaskets needed to be replace and possible the head was cracked. We are getting a check engine light and white smoke from the tailpipe as well as antifreeze odor and evaporation the engine is running hot and we have had no prior problem with overheating I am at my wits end about what to do with so many people seemingly affected by this 3.8l engine problem why is ford not stepping up???z

Filed Dec 14, 1999 · Engine, Locks · MN

The check engine light illuminates intermittently, possible engine failure. Nlm

Filed Jan 13, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · CT

Norm conditions 20 MPH stop ABS engaged,delayed stop. Near accident. Dealer found no problem, not repeatable. One year later problem recurred, and ABS light illuminated. Dealer to replace left wheel sensor. Seems that if the on-board computer doesn't think there is a problem, the technicians cannot find it. Sensors could have been replaced earlier as a precaution. Other problem- driving 55 on highway and transmission downshifted uncommanded. Check engine light had been illuminated since earlier incident with the dealer unable to diagnose. Sensor in gear selector was bad. Hopefully, no undue wear and tear on transmission resulted from the highway downshift.