Cel came on and subsequent diag code revealed p0171/p0174/p0131 codes as does everyone else with similar problems. Replaced isolator bolts, port seals, clamshell seal, 2 other seals, and front valve cover, pcv valve and vac line, and fuel reg vac line. First 2 codes cleared, but misfire remained. Removed intake 2x and cleaned all seals, egr ports, and oil accumulation from inside intake. P0131 code remains. Next step is new spark plugs and wires (only 10,000 miles on new platinum plugs). Also have intermittent ABS/brake system lights come on as they wish and go off when vehicle turned off. When is ford going to step up and admit there is a problem with this entire vehicle ? I will not take my vehicle to a dealership to get ripped off for over $600 when it costs me $120 in parts alone to replace the tsb seals and intake bolts. I guess we shall see how long until my transmission goes out (knock on wood I made over 80,000 miles so far).
2001 Ford Windstar engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 77, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I recently purchased a used 2001 ford windstar. It began showing 3 lights on the dash. (the brake light ABS light and check engine light) I will begin with the engine light. After reading many articles on the internet of people experiencing the same codes p0174 and p0171 I found the tsb. It called for the replacement of the vacuum line, isolator bolts, valve cover, and port seals. The ABS and brake lights call for the replacement of the whole ABS module. To fix both of these problems are very costly. And after researching, I have conlcuded that these problems are not isolated. Due to the high price of labor and parts I have not been able to fix these problems. I think that the loss of ABS on slippery roads and the loss of the engine due to the defective gasket parts can cause a major accident, and pose as a huge concern. Please contact me with any updates...thankyou
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. While driving 50 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and exited the vehicle before it burst into flames. The vehicle is at a tow yard. There will not be an investigation to find the cause of failure because the vehicle only had liability coverage. The florida highway patrol case # is c07offo66334. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 190,000.
The check engine or emissions light was on. I took it to the dealer and had to pay $100.00 just to have them run the codes on the computer. Codes p0171 and p0174 showed up ,and dealer said intake gaskets leaked, and it would cost $671.00 more to fix. Their estimate included replacing intake gaskets, intake bolts, left side valve cover, and fuel pressure regulator. The pvc hose was okay. The 2001 van only had 59,000 mi on it. Seemed like ford had a design problem , they were not willing to stand behind.
My van started to have sounds of a flock of birds in the engine compartment. It stalled after running 20 miles, the engine light was the only light on. It was towed to the dealer. After running a diagnostic, I was told it was the cam sensor. They fixed that and off I went. Just to get down the road another 20 miles and my engine light came on once again. Back to the dealer I went the very next morning. The service guy I spoke with said" I do not know why that came on, but we will do a diagnostic on it again and find out. By this time I was pissed off. The mechanic said it was putting out codes p0141 and a p0147? ( anyway it was bank1 and bank2) running lean. I asked him when it was in yesterday, did you not notice the codes and he stated "I will have to pull it up on the hard copy, but he did not do it. Now another dealer at a different location has it today(2-13-07) diagnostics are almost the same but with added fuel injector problems. This is not the first time the engine light has came on. More like the 3rd time, with the same diagnostic codes. And each time I had to have almost the same thing done to it( like the injectors being flushed out 2x, now for the 3 rd time in 2 years). But each time the engine light came on, it was always the same codes. Obviously there is a problem with the engine components.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's head gasket blew out while traveling 50 MPH and caused the vehicle's check engine light to illuminate. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop who determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and determined the vehicle had to be taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving there was a gasoline odor emitting from the vents of the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over and the hood was opened for inspection. The plastic fuel line failed where the plastic line connects with the steel line. As a result, fuel sprayed onto the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for replacement of the entire fuel line which corrected the problem. The intake manifold failed. Updated 06/12/06. 8jb
The check engine light has been on 3 times in the past year. All due to "intake problems" (per the ford certified mechanics who worked on it). The last mechanic who worked on it said that there have been so many problems with this particular type of intake system that ford had to change to a different type of system. At $80-100 just to run the computer check each time and $300-500 to fix the problem each time I can't afford to own a ford anymore.
1) there were 2 major problems with our ford windstar 2001 which we bought brand new from our dealer. The first problem: we thought there was a lot of smoke coming out of exhaust. It looked like it was burning oil. Took it in to the dealer the first time and they replaced a seal. We took a trip and took it back to the dealer and they said there was coolant leaking into the intake manifold and we would need a new engine. We ended up spending about $3500 on the car. The second problem was related to the ABS brain failed and we would need to replace it and that would be about $1200. It was at this point, we decided we would not pursue that repair as that would mean we would have put in about 5k into our car within a year. 3) ford went in "half" with us on the engine replacement. I do not recall the exact date for the first failure. The second failure was approximately january 2005.
Onset of dull "knocking" noise in running engine at idle; sound similar to connecting-rod or piston wrist-pin bearing knock, but does not increase in severity or frequency as engine speed changes. Simultaneous significant variation in engine idle speed (+/- 200 RPM @ 1,000 RPM idle), and rough transition to cruising speed. Dealership "found" that the internal plate of the plastic intake manifold had come loose and was shifting to produce sound. Dealership speculates that the engine intake manifold developed air / vacuum leaks, compromising engine idle. Owner deduces that dealer was familiar with similar vehicle problems effecting other windstars. At minimum, the "knock" could trigger expensive- and unnecessary engine repairs. At worst, the intake manifold malfunction could cause loss-of-power or engine inability to operate, triggering accident. A likely side-effect will be the reduction in engine operating efficiency / increase in fuel consumption, and compromises in engine emissions performance. Situation bears similarities to ford tsb sep 01, 2001 the federal safety agency item number: 625749: "make : ford model : windstar year : 2001 manufacturer : ford motor company service bulletin num : 15213 date of bulletin: sep 01, 2001 the federal safety agency item number: 625749 component: engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline summary: some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise that sounds like a connecting-rod knock or lifter noise. *tt".
Dt: contact states the automatic door on her vehicle will not stay closed. The door is located on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. While driving, the door will come open. She tried locking the door to keep it closed, but this does not work. The dealer installed a new part, but it did not correct the problem. The manufacturer is aware of the problem and is trying to find a remedy to the defect. *jb updated 10/31/2006 - after several attempts to fix the door the dealer told the consumer they were unable to fix the problem. The dealer said they would contact a ford engineer to see if the problem could be resolved. The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The dealer replaced the dpfe sensor
After the check engine light came on, we had the codes read. P0171 and p0174. Running lean on right side and left side. Research shows many others on message boards all around the web with the same problem at the same average mileage (50,000). Dealers want over $600 to fix the issue. With so many users experiencing this design flaw, why isn't there a recall?
Bought 2001 ford windstar in january 2005 with 40,000 miles on it. In august we had to replace the transmission( 46,000 miles). This was $2000.00. Then in october we had to replace the engine(49,000 miles) because of the head gasket. Ford quoted us $4800.00 for this and said the car was out of warranty and would not help us defer the cost in any way. We ended up getting a used engine.
I had my intake gaskets replace in feb 2005 to avoid any engine problems; I just threw a rod on 9/7/05 in my 2001 ford windstar with only 80000 miles on it. I was told that I would have to replace the engine at the cost of $4000. I just checked the blue book value - it's only $9000. I'm in an upside down situation because I still owe on the car! I've read all over the internet about preventing this problem - and not changing the intake gaskets (which should be a manufacturer recall or at least send a notice!) should help keep the engine running smooth. This wasn't true in my case!
Vehicle's back end swayed left and right, making it difficult to maintain control. The cause was undetermined. *ak the consumer stated that the rear control arm broke while driving. The bolt was replaced and a rattling noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The lower rear tight side bolt was no good. The conusmer stated that the engine light was on. Tests found vacuum leaking from the intake manifold. Lower and upper intake manifold gaskets were replaced. Idle speed control was replaced. The brakes squeaked . When taking off from a stop light the vehicle idles high.
Both sliding doors did not close fully. The doors would shut and pop back open even when locked. The mechanic replaced several components but only provided a temporary fix. The failure still exist. At 50,000 the intake manifold was replaced twice within a year because it contained a leak.
Oil leaks leading to the engine $700.00 @60,000 miles ABS ---system replaced $1200 @74,500 miles head gaskets replaced and some suspension problem $2,000 @ 7500miles.
The consumer noticed oil was leaking from the vehicle. The mechanic informed the consumer that the oil was leaking from the intake manifold. Please provide more information.
While driving at low speed and turning, the vehicle stalled with out any warning. Also has problem with the steering wheel and the turn signal working intermittently. *nm the dealer replaced the upper intake manifold gasket and the idle air control valve, however the vehicle stalled again and the dealer replaced idle air control valve again. The power steering fluid was low.
Driver side window inoperable, engine light stays on, and interior lights flickers on. Motor was replaced in driver's side window, cost: 294.00. Made appt. To have diagnostic check - charging $90.00 to do so.
While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to restart and drive the vehicle to the dealer inspection. The mechanic replaced air sensor to the engine. Please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem.
I have a 2001 ford windstar minivan. It has been running poorly even after an expensive tune-up, with poor acceleration, heavy shifting, missing at highway speeds, and it has stalled three times. When I took it into the dealership, they found that there was a problem with the intake manifold and isolator bolts that hold down the plastic bowl on the manifold. Due to this problem, the fuel regulator, vacuum hose, l.h. Valve cover, port o-rings, and isolator bolts had to be replaced. They also had to reprogram the PCM, clean the egr ports and there was also a diagnostic charge. The total bill came to $656.00 on a vehicle with only 52,000 miles on it. I feel this is a manufacturers defect since I found out the isolator bolts have been re-designed and updated indicating there was a problem with the original ones.
While driving at any speed and without warning intermittently engine would stall, causing the consumer to pull over. Dealer inspected vehicle several times, and replaced different parts, but problem still occurring.
Consumer states that when pressing on the brakes engine starts surging and shaking. Dealer can't duplicate problem.
An electrical connector seal had to be installed, the seat buckles and rear wiper motor cover were replaced, the ABS failed, and right before the engine shut down all the lights on the dash board illuminated, after the vehicle was repaired the intake manifold, speed sensor and brake sensor failed. *ph *jb rq04011.
The vehicle did not pass emissions, the dealer was unable to locate the problem.
Engine light continued to come on. After diagnostic was complete, it was determined to replace the egr valve & sensor. Van has not been able to pass inspection in nc due to "not ready" rejection since the above mentioned repairs were made. The minivan has been at the ford motor dealership for approximately 3 weeks, and they have been unable to find the cause of the problem. An engineer from the ford detroit office was sent to raleigh, nc to investigate the problem, and cause still undertermined. Sensors have been replaced as well as main computer chip. Wires leading to sensors have been checked. Dealership is at a loss, and cause of problem still unknown. Meanwhile, we have a vehicle unable to pass nc inspeciton.
Consumer states that when starting up the vehicle and no warning the engine caught on fire under the hood causing the vehicle to be non drivable. Dealer notified. Mr
Consumer states check engine light is on. Dealer replace fuel cap and evaporative purge valve, however problem still exist and now the vehicle is stalling causing vehicle to have no braking and power steering power. Squeaking noise when setting still. Belt tensioner replaced.
Consumer has noticed a knocking noise in engine. Vehicle is at dealership at this time.
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