1999 Ford Windstar: won't start

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · WV

Van purchased used. Okay at first, then without warning the gauges (speed, fuel, tachometer, temperature) would start jumping wildly or top out and stick at max. Happened multiple times. Could sometimes clear by disconnecting and reconnecting battery cables. Have replaced battery twice. Replaced the gauge console. The o/d light (for the transmission) started coming on but does go off when you depress the o/d button - mechanic said that would indicate electrical problem. Now with key in the ignition, won't start but all the gauges jump wildly. You really can't rely on the gauges to be correct - I'm going 120 MPH and I'm sitting still! Ford did replace the rear axle that was recalled. I don't know what to expect next. Is there any recall that I missed on the electrical system or a real fix for this problem?

Filed Mar 23, 2011 · Suspension · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on november 10, 2010 for a recall repair associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly); however, the part was not in stock, and they were unable to perform the repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer for five months; until recently when the part became available. The technician stated that the vehicle failed to start due to the coolant leaking within the engine compartment. The contact strongly believed that the engine would not start because of the extensive period of time that the vehicle was parked in the cold weather. There was no failure mileage.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Electrical · 117,000 miles · MI · fire

Our 1999 windstars idling while stationary in park or with brake depressed would become erratic and stall, with brakes depressed we would have to put vehicle in n to try to keep rpms up, vehicle stall when started to warm up then start up after turning key off then back on then the fuel pump went out we had to get the whole fuel system minus the gas tank replaced(pump, filter,sending unit) but when it was repaired we didnt get the fuel gage back and the mechanic couldnt find why. Then we had static coming thru the speakers while vehicle was off and continued while driving and just stopped as soon as started, then our battery was constantly dead we had just bought a new battery so we had to unhook and hook up the cables everytime we drove or battery would die .then the interior lamps would not go off at times we had to make sure they were off on the dial at all times they would sometimes come on while we were driving and not go off. Then we started having brake problems from the ABS sensor to excessive fluid loss and pads(twice within a couple months) and drums needing completely repaired brake lights that wouldnt go off except when vehicle was turned off ABS sensor flashing/staying on, we had problems starting vehicle but when we took it in starter, alternator, battery were fine it would take 30 mins or more to get vehicle to start but it would crank over, one day it stalled and wouldnt start we took it in and were told the fp(9 mos old) and PCM fuse was blowing. We had the fuel pump replaced but was still pulling 16 amps it ran for about 60 miles and died. New fuse and while driving guages went haywire,van died,while filling with brown smoke my son and I were in it both have asthma and dr said to keep him home til he felt better(he was complainig of being tired and sick ) all mechanics agrred it was wiring but couldnt find bad wires, missing grounds anywhere in the vehicle obdii didnt help. Property damage is loss of vehicle, inside ruined window couldnt be put up.

Filed Apr 9, 2005 · Lights, Tires · 25,000 miles · MD

Our 1999 ford windstar has 51,000 miles and transmission has failed. Yesterday (4/8/05) while driving kids home from school the van made a loud clunking noise and would not go into forward or reverse. Was able to roll to shoulder. We replaced battery a month ago, and while driving over the bay bridge (maryland) easter sunday our headlights and dashboard lights began to dim and van seemed as if it was going to stall. By the time we drove 4 miles to home all lights were out and car was sputtering, wouldn't start. We then replaced the alternator. The o/d light has been flashing. Interior lights stay on sporadically as well as door ajar light when all doors are closed. Interior lights sometimes don't come on when van is parked and doors opened. No rhyme or reason to this. Tires have been replaced twice due to abnormal wear. We are getting quotes of between 1,600 and 2,800 for transmission. Also windshield cracked where mirror was reattached after it fell off. When we were just over 3 years and at around 25,000 miles, all dashboard warning lights came on also while driving on bay bridge. Took van to dealer (bob bell in glen burnie, md) and they said they'd have it done that day but kept it a week. I threw a fit and got a loaner - a tin can on wheels. Ford eventually covered some of the repairs through a 'special program.' I cannot beleive there has been no recall on these pieces of garbage with the number of transmission failures I see on this website. The federal safety agency should force ford to take responsibility for this nonsense and pay for these outrageous failures. We also have a ford pickup and will never buy another ford product. Henry must be rolling over in his grave.

Filed Dec 11, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

Just about everything that can go wrong with a car, I've experienced it as the owner of this 1999 ford windstar lx. I've had transmission work done, brake work, replaced tires (twice in 2 years), replace the battery and the starter. I came to this site because the car wouldn't start, wouldn't take a jump, wouldn't make a sound. I called to have it towed and the gentleman jiggled the key in the ignition and the car started. A few days later the same thing happened again. This time no one could start it. Testing the battery and primary parts for starting the car proved that these parts were all functioning normal. A few hours and $127.00 later (not including the cost of towing the vehicle) I'm told the problem is with the anti-theft device. It is broken and needs to be replaced to the tune of about $900.00 with a 90-day warranty. Recommendations to me were to get rid of the car. "this particular part in all ford vehicles is poorly built." I haven't decided what I'm going to do at this point, however, I feel pretty sure my decision will not involve staying with ford.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Engine · SC

While driving at a speed of 40mph. The windstar began to unexpectedly shudder and make a loud rattling noise. Engine check light flashed and the van violently bucked. We managed to get to our house. Van would not start after turning off. Dealer called and van towed.dealer checked problem and found the #5 piston had failed and had caused major engine damage and failure. Est. Replacement cost $4,000. Dealer was not sure if this was related to the earlier model windstar 3.8l v-6 problems causing failure. I am the second owner and warranty is expired. We are waiting to hear from ford but the dealer said they may decline to assist in replacement cost. I now have a $16,000 blue paperweight. The sudden jerkiness of the engine failure almost caused my wife and two kids to run off the road . The piston in the motor dropped down into the oilpan area. Engine now has to be replaced at 48,692.miles. Doing research into your database, from owners of 1995 windstars and a few 1999 models, I noticed a similarity in detail descriptions of the head gasket failure and resulting engine failure. This vehicle was very well maintained, I am the second owner. It was purchased new as a leased vehicle. I bought it after the lease was over. I hope you can investigate this engine flaw/defect with ford and I can get satisfaction

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Fuel system · MN

When vehicle would be run and then shut off, the engine would not start immediately, the fuel pump was replaced.

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Electrical · GA

Upon starting vehicle consumer noted the alternator does not turn over which causes a no start condition, consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.