1998 Ford Windstar: check engine light

Filed Oct 13, 2015 · Engine, Wheels · 200,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and vibrations coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact observed that the rear driver side wheel turned inwards and the check engine warning indicator illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 182,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission failed intermittently and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2011 · Brakes, Engine · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. The contact was driving 35 MPH and attempted to engage the brakes but the pedal was depressed into the floorboard abnormally with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The contact also mentioned that once he turned on the heater, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the mass airflow sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 200,816.

Filed Dec 14, 2005 · Engine · IL

Service engine light was on and van was running rough. Diagnostics indicated that the intake maniford runner control vacuum motor was stuck. Van would overheat if not replaced.

Filed Aug 23, 2005 · Electrical, Suspension · 35,000 miles · CO

We have always had trouble with this van - we bought it used(1 yr old) so we had no recourse as far as warranties go. We finally were able to take it in to the ford dealership and have the light problem looked at - they replaced a sensor for $140 and as soon as we drove 45 miles it started up again! We were on our way on a road trip and I called to tell them it failed, but when we got back two weeks later they claimed that it must be something different... Interior lights do not shut off, removed door ajar chime so we didn't have to listen to that while driving all the time, door ajar light has been on continuously for more than 3 years, we've had to remove the dome lights and turn the other lights to "off" so our battery doesn't go dead over night - the passenger floor lights remain on however and get very hot... The doors do not lock because the car thinks it's doors are open! The car has become dangerous to drive and the problem has stumped too many mechanics to list - when driving above 40 MPH the right wheel starts making a 'thumping' noise and when turning left or accelerating it becomes almost deafening, now it's making a very loud screech if, but don't want to sell this death-trap to anyone else either you turn too sharply - there is a continuous squeaking noise coming from the same area. Please help!! Thank you, [xxx] ps... Cruise control doesn't work and the back wiper only works if you're backing up... Have had the van realigned continually and I just bought another set of tires in june and the left front tire is already worn out... The right passenger's window sometimes doesn't roll back up and the service engine light stays on sometimes for months for no reason as well as the brake light... Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 27, 2005 · Engine · 7,000 miles · WA

Service bulletin #01205 or the federal safety agency #625715 I have a ford windstar gl 1998 I only had it turn over to 70,000 and my engine light keeps coming on and I'm getting trouble code po 171 and I'm also notice that fuel gage don't not go to the full mark and I had to have all 4 h2o sencer replace and now my odemeter and trip meter quit working and I only have 72,000 on my van is there something I can do with these vechile problems that I shouldn't have with such low miles I just bought the van in aug 2004 with only 56,000 are any of these problems on the recall list . Please help if you can I can't afford to keep repairing my van that should be a recall problem.thanks for any help you can give me

Filed Jul 23, 2005 · Transmission · 12,475 miles · OR

First incident happened while driving up a low grade and coming to a stop. Van started rolling backward after removing foot from brake and when it finally moved forward the service engine light came on and no speedometer. Took it to the dealer and was told that it was a faulty sensor. Most recent incident happened after passing a semi on the freeway. Passed doing approximately 70 MPH and when pulling back into right lane van lost all forward power and speed. Speedometer once again dropped to 0. Was able to make it back to the dealer but as yet have not had it looked at by dealer. Said to bring it back on the weekend.

Filed Jun 29, 2005 · Fuel system · 80,900 miles · MI

Dt: contact stated the fuel sending unit and the fuel pump harness melted. Dealer told contact she was lucky the vehicle did not blow up on her. This happened while she was driving the vehicle. The check engine light came on, and then vehicle coasted to a stop.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Fuel system · 37,000 miles · OH

Concerned about fuel tank filler hose. Check engine light comes on states loose fuel cap. Fuel cap has been replaced three times. Problem persists. Is there a 1999 recall on windstar fuel tanks? What does it entail? We are the original owner of the vehicle.

Filed Aug 1, 2004 · Transmission · 94,000 miles · OH

Without warning, the speedometer went flat and the engine stayed in low gear and the "check engine light" came on when I was trying to drive up a steep hill. I called my husband and he put a little extra transmission fluid in it. I was able to drive it home. We took it the following day for a oil & air filter change and transmission fluid flush. We only made it a few miles until it broke down again with the same problems. When we had it checked at the shop, we were told it also has a broken motor mount. We called a "transmission specialist" and were told by the description, it sounded like the speed sensor had gone out. We had this van custom-built, no one else has ever owned it. It currently has about 94,000 miles on it. It has had regular mainentence and has never been iinvolved in a collision. Has ford recalled any of this, it seems more than the regular wear and tear?

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Engine · 50,930 miles · ND

A/c oct. 99 $168.98, dec. 99 $134.40 suspension july 01 $664.61, dec. 99 $515.85, jun 01 $61.78, body jun 01 $443.61 other cd player jun 01 $19.50 and $366.86 turn signal jan 02 $161.04 dome light jan 02 $84.02 jan 02 $89.72 door oct 99 $134.52, mar 03 $285.07 steering sept.02 $258.82, mar. 03 569.32 computer controls sept. 00 $106.02 engine jan 02 $784.75 coolant smell (found front cover gasket leaking) sept. 02 85.95 (told throttle body worn out, sold me update computer software, seams to run better) currently in shop for check engine light and A/C system intermittent. Mechanic found engine problem, says main bearings or crankshaft bad, possibly due to coolant in oil system from january 02 problem

Filed Jan 1, 2004 · Engine · 50,200 miles · NV

Check engine soon light came on. I took it to the ford dealer where I purchased my 1998 ford windstar. I told the service advisor I had a coolant leak. When the mechanic did the diagnostic test he said the leak was at the valve covers and intake. The gaskets had to be replaced at a price of over $900. It appears to be a major problem of the 1998 ford windstar which is not covered under the defect warranty. My windstar had just over 50,000 miles on when this defect happened.