1999 Ford Windstar: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed May 12, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · 120,000 miles · UT

*cruise control stopped working beginning of 2011, never came back on. *ABS light turns on/off intermittently. Started about 1 year ago; 5/2010. *side door locks don't work correctly and get stuck (have to manually pull them up). Started approx. 7/2010. *passenger door does not unlock from the outside with automatic lock button or keys. Started approx. 1/2011. *heater only works in back, not front. Started approx. 10/2010. *open regulator window loosened and broke off, shattering, while on interstate. Bought replacement window, but the regulator assembly does not come in single parts, so I have not purchased a replacement plastic securer to hold the rear of the window on. 5/7/2011. I feel there is more I'm forgetting, but I can't think of anything at this time.

Filed Nov 16, 2010 · Electrical · IN

Tl*the contact owns 1999 ford windstar. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when the interior dome lights remained in the on position. The contact made several attempts to turn them off; however, the automatic door locks also failed to lock immediately upon activation of the ignition. The brake and anti-lock brake system warning lights illuminated on the dashboard until the engine was turned off. In addition, the radio would not function properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times for the same failure, and they were unable to detect the problem. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.

Filed Jun 28, 2010 · Body, Brakes · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. The contact stated that the rear, driver side sliding door would not close. The dealer replaced the alternator but to no avail. In addition, the ABS warning light remained illuminated and the front driver's seat belt was covered in an unknown oil each time it was retracted. The dealer was unable to repair any of the failures. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 106,653 miles · CA

We recently purchased a used 1999 ford windstar sel minivan. We took it to an auto shop to have an oil change, and air filters replaced. Upon returning home that evening, we noticed and smelled smoke from underneath the hood. When we went to look at it, we found white smoke coming up from behind the air filter and in front of the master brake cylinder. We thought that some fluids had been spilt and were simply burning off. When we went to drive it later that evening, the entire inside of the vehicle went dark. All of the interior lights, the odometer, speedometer, computer station, radio, climate control, windows, door locks, A/C, instrument panel, cruise control, and turn signals stopped working. We made it home safely as the head and tail lights were still working. Upon inspection the following day, we found that the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) developed a leak. It had been leaking for some time and had literally eaten away the electrical plug. The wires had been eaten through as well and had crossed and caused the short.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Brakes, Fuel system · 103,000 miles · MI

April 2008 lost fuel pump, and guage for gas level had fuel pump sending unit and filter replaced but gauge didnt come back it stayed on as a low fuel light permanently. Brake fluid leaking or excessive use by braking system had to fill about once weekly brakes though they had been replaced would just go out with no warning ABS light wasnt indicative due to fact its lighting up and staying lit was errratic. Replaced braking system and front end components (linkage pins gone, rotor that had gotten very hot and possibly started on fire due to brakes going out and heavy breaking needed to avoid accident death had to pump brakes rapidly to try to stop sometimes unable to stop brake pedal would stick on hard pumping when attempting to stop passenger side sliding door lock engaged and unable to engage.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · OH

We have a 1999 ford windstar, ABS light on, doors wont unlock, odometer doesn't work, now blinkers are not blinking lights will not turn off, had to unhook the battery. What are our options. We have an electrical mess.

Filed Oct 10, 2007 · Body, Electrical · 79,000 miles · OK

I purchased a 1999 ford windstar a few months ago. I have had nothing but problems with it. In fact, I have spent more than half of what I paid for the vehicle in repairs in only 2 months. The reason for my complaint is that the most recent repairs have involved items that I feel are extreme safety concerns. 1- the power doors on my vehicle to not lock/unlock properly, making it unable to open the sliding doors. This was looked at by the ford mechanic today. I was told that the door latches were bad and were "burning up" the door lock actuators. I'm not sure if this is the reason, but also lately, my door ajar light comes on my dash and the interior lights are coming on intermittently while driving. I have 3 children, two of them in car seats and unable to get them selves out of a car. I am concerned that if something were to happen such as an accident or an emergency situation that I would not be able to get my children out of the vehicle. I am paying to have this repaired at the tune of around $1,000.00 which I think is a real rip off, due to fords poorly manufactured vehicle. 2. My brake light stopped working on the left side of my van. I changed the bulb and tested it, and did not fix the problem. I then noticed that my rear tail light is now not working. I had this checked out by the mechanic today, and was told it is the rear electronic control module which is going to cost me nearly $600 to fix. I'm not sure what would cause such a thing to fail, but this is definitely a safety concern, where lights come into play. I could have been rear ended due to this malfunction. I'm beginning to wonder if ford is in the auto making/selling business, or the service business. It appears to me that they are poorly manufacturing vehicles only providing job security for the mechanics. Please investigate this situation. Any help in remedying this and getting ford to pay for their mistakes would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Nov 21, 2006 · Locks · 75,000 miles · NY · 1 injury

My 2-year old daughter's right hand was crushed in the power sliding door of our minivan. Her hand is too small for the safety sensor to detect it and therefore, the door latched and locked with her hand between the body pillar and the door.

Filed Jan 5, 2006 · Locks · 115,000 miles · AZ

For several weeks, the door ajar light remains on despite the fact all the doors are closed; the automatic locking and manual locking will not work. After 10 to 15 minutes of driving, it will go out and the doors will finally lock. Today, while that light was on and the doors would not lock, the driver's side rear sliding door opened while the vehicle was being driven and making a turn. This is extremely dangerous. My grandchildren ride in this vehicle and it is totally unsafe!

Filed Sep 15, 2005 · Locks · 80,000 miles · KS

Both of the sliding door power locking mechanisms are malfunctioning. They no longer unlock with the switch. It is also impossible to pull the lock knob up. When the switch is pressed the door re-locks itself. If a person is sitting in the back seat, the door also will not open via the door handle or switch. This is a very dangerous situation if an emergency were to arise. Sometimes we can open it by holding down the front door switch and pulling the outside door hand at the same time. It doesn't work every time.

Filed May 2, 2004 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · MO

I really don't know where to begin. We purchased this vehicle used in 2000. The day after purchase it had to be returned to the dealer for electrical problems. The dealership fixed the problems. We noticed a hard shifting right away and inquired about it with the dealership. They said that it was because it had a large engine and we were just not used to it. We drove it for about 18 months when at 60,000 miles the o/d light began flasing. We took it to a ford dealership and was told the transmission went out. We were lucky and had purchased an extended warranty which after many phone calls and complaints finally put in a new transmission. Now 2 years and 30,000 later we need another new transmission. The van starting lurching when stopped at a stoplight and then tried to stall. We has also noted a noise that sounds like the whole front end is about to fall out. We also have electrical problems where the light come on and never go off. The A/C-heat, comes on when you start the van and the blower is in the off position. The electric door locks, which are supposed to lock when the car is put in drive, finally lock about 50 miles down the road. After much research on the van and all the problems it has I can't believe that ford will not do something. I guess the lives of the families with children that drives these vans mean nothing to them. I guess it will take the death of someone's children and a heafty lawsuit to finally get some action. My wife is now afraid to even get behind the wheel of our van since it has a tendency to have its failures in the middle of traffic ( guess we are glad it has a five star safety rating). We would get rid of it but have now found out that it has no value either.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Locks, Transmission · 22,000 miles · NY

Consumer complained repeatedly about transmission problems, but nothing was done because the dealer could not duplicate the problem. *ak the door lock was inoperative with the key, when driven at low speeds a clunk noise was heard, but it was an intermittent problem, the vehicle lurched in low gear and the consumer had to downshift when going up hill. *sc