2001 Ford Windstar: check engine light

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

Most important is the brakes have been changed and checked. On several occasions the brakes have just failed and I would pump them enough just to get in a safe location. Aaa has had to pick me up and when the brakes where checked they were find and the fluid full. Also the rear just fell but I had that repaired by a local reputable shop on candler rd, decatur/ there is a residue all around where I put the gas in. I've had the same mechanic for almost 30 years and he says the anti-lock brakes may be faulty. The brake and engine light will not go out even when repairs are made according to the codes that come up. The scariest time was when I was driving on university ave in atlanta and the car would not stop at the light at a normally busy intersection. I began blowing the horn and thank goodness no one was ahead of me. Aaa took their sweet time coming and by the time they got there the pedal was back up but I had them to tow me home anyways. My mechanic checked it and all was find but he was concerned and so was I. I did not contact ford but it has happened again as I started it yesterday morning and the brakes were on the floor. This is just too dangerous. I told my mechanic not to come check it before contacting ford.

Filed Jul 8, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 165,000 miles · FL · crash

Brakes continually have failed causing accidents. Pedal goes all the way to the floor before and after new brake pads and bring bled.throttle idle sensor causes vehicle to stall while driving. Abs light and brake light and check engine light keeps coming on. Now they just stay on. I need to know what,if any recalls have been repaired or any options that may be available.

Filed Sep 19, 2016 · Body · 95,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a noise on the floorboard and the check engine and brake indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was rusted beyond repair. The technician stated that the option was a complete replacement of the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall expired after three years. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Body, Engine · 236,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 4 MPH, the motor detached, fell from the vehicle, and pulled all the cables for the gear shift. In addition, the ABS, the airbag, and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic stated that a rear axle and the front sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 236,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2013 · Acceleration · 188,646 miles · TX

I was driving down the interstate going to a local fast food when I loss all acceleration the car was slowing down even though I was giving it gas. Knowing I was slowing down I turned my hazard lights on and coasted to the shoulder lane the car was still running so I turned the car on and off. I still had no acceleration the car wouldn't go into any gear or reverse I had know choice but to tow it home.I looked around on the internet to find out what the problem is it seems that this is all to common with ford windstars. Just looking for a solution to what seems to be a problem even if you go down the list of possible replacements just needing help with a solution. I didn't have the usual indicators that you would have when something goes wrong my engine light didn't come on at all which is weird.

Filed May 30, 2013 · Brakes · 121,000 miles · TN

I am in the process of trying to figure out what is going on. While driving on the interstate (with cruise control on) I noticed the od light started flashing and the check engine light came on. I pulled over and the brakes were smoking to the point I was afraid there would be a fire. I had to sit on the side of the road with my toddlers and wait for it to stop smoking. I was still about 20 miles from home. I am not someone who is fortunate enough to have family nearby or friends who could help. We are on a tight budget with a child who has special needs and only one working parent so could not afford a tow. The 'check engine' light stayed on but the od was off upon starting the vehicle. The od came on 2x in the 20 miles it took to arrive. Each time it came on I pulled over, turned the van off and back on. When the od was flashing when I let off the accelerator, even on an incline, it was slowing me down so I figured the brakes were engaged. With the cruise control on I was unable to tell so I was pushing it up to 70mph with the brakes going against it. On the way home I did not use cruise control but it kept happening only it was very noticeable that the brakes were rubbing. There is now brake dust all over my tires and the side of the van. This could have caused an accident, this could have caused a fire! My daughter is disabled and in a complex child restraint system with straps and positioners. I also have a 1 yr old and if something had happened I am not confident I could have gotten them both out in time had a fire started. I need this van to carry my daughters wheel chair around. I am extremely irate. We bought this vehicle 3 months ago (second hand)!!!! Something needs to be done about this issue since I have read online that it is actually common!!! They are saying the code is p1744 torque converter clutch system stuck in off position. $3000 to fix!!!

Filed Nov 29, 2012 · Acceleration, Engine · NY

I took my van in for the 11s16 recall and now problems are taking place afterwards. I got my van back and now the check engine light is on and coolant is leaking everywhere.

Filed Nov 5, 2012 · Brakes · 11,500 miles · OR

Abs ECM failure - ABS brake light on (intermittently) as well as the brake light (intermittently) and check engine light (permanently).

Filed Aug 13, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 77,000 miles · NY

Abs, brake light and check engine light all on at the same time. Vehicle shakes like it is going to cut off. Despite numerous attempts at repairs, still does it as of today (2012).

Filed Apr 30, 2012 · Brakes, Transmission · 132,000 miles · MI

Ford windstar seems to be a good vehicle at first. With age numerous problems continue to happen. Service shops regard problems as common for a ford windstar.I think ford ignores the problems. My husband and I are loyal ford owners, I don't know how much longer we will continue. Currently the ABS& brake lights are on. Transmission leaked out all of the fluid while driving, had to rebuild trans. Speedometer doesn't work properly when brake lights are on. Engine light is on, numerous codes for this problem.

Filed May 1, 2011 · Electrical · 63,000 miles · IL

I bought my windstar used from a dealership.I was soooo happy to finally have a safe and big enough vehicle for my family. After purchasing my van I had to have some work done witch estimated at 1,000. Mechanic said it was normal wear and tear. After picking my van up from mechanic, I was driving home and the check engine light came on. I had several mechanics look the code up and they clear it(most likely what the dealership did to sell me the van). Each time it is cleared it still comes back on,and about 2 weeks after the last cleared code my ABS and brake lights keep coming on after only a few min of driving. I now see others are having the same problem as me.the new recall 01/27/11 I am sure that issue had not been fixed. I am pretty sure my subframe is bad too since I have been hearing a knocking noise for the last week. After reading everyone elses same issues with their windstar I promise I will not drive this vehicle and I am not going to go down without a fight. Ford please note I will not allow your company to take advantage of me and put my family in danger for your money hungry company. You will be hearing from me!I thought I purchased a safe van and now I will be stuck in my house with no transportation! I will have my van taken to a ford dealership and it will not sit for six months due to there being no parts!I can not believe their can be sooo many recalls on this van and ford still thinks it is safe!

Filed Mar 18, 2011 · Body · 58,000 miles · MD · fire

Product recall made on personal vehicle in february 2011 ( notification sent ) however vehicle was turned in for repair because hood and engine was smoking and overheating ! I was informed then that the car could be potential danger and could relate in vehicle detachment. I turned car into ford dealership and check engine light still appears and car can not pass inspection. I feel very unsafe.