2002 Ford Windstar: won't start

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Electrical · 169,235 miles · MI

Had been driving the vehicle all day with no problems. Later in the day, the ABS and brake light came on. It turned off after about an hour. A couple of hours after that, I turned off the vehicle and went into the store. I came out about 20 minutes later, and the theft light was blinking. The vehicle would not start. I googled different ways to try to fix the issue, and tried 3 of them. We unhooked the battery, pulled some fuses, and tried different keys. None worked. As of now, the vehicle is sitting in the store parking lot and I am not sure what to do. We just bought it a couple of weeks ago.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Brakes · 45,000 miles · CA

Abs and brake lights are on after running about 5-10 minutes intermittently. After that the car did not start. Brought it to repair shop to scan and learned that ABS system problem that might prevent starting system function.

Filed Feb 11, 2013 · Electrical · 135,000 miles · NH

My 2002 ford windstar has had many parts tested. They all seem to test good. Battery , alternator to name a few. When driving the van hazards come on ( without turning them on ) the radio shuts off, the heat turns off and power is lost as if it's the alternator. Abs lights come on and then the dash panel lights up like a christmas tree.. Oh then the vehicle dies and won't start , clicks like it's the alternator or battery but they test fine.. After searching many blogs this seems to be a big issue with many mechanics that don't know what it is.. This needs to be fixed it's a pain and thank god for aaa but really should I have to use my aaa all the time/ this particular vehicle spent 6 months in the ford garage in 2010. Now what when you buy something you think it will be good for you and your family and that you can use it as a primary car. We have lost days from work, money and money for trying different parts now what???

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Brakes · 111,112 miles · MN

Brought my van in because the brake lights on the dash would come on intermittently while driving. Also the rear brake lights would come on while driving and when vehicle was parked and non-operational. A burning smell could be noticed once the brake lights were stuck on. Had the shoes, drums and wheel cylinders replaced/repaired. Brought vehicle back the next day because the same problem with rear lights staying on and the burning smell. Shop replaced the brake switch, claiming the brake pedal must be sticking. This still did not stop the problem. Many mornings I go to start my vehicle and find the brake lights are on or the vehicle will not start because the lights have been on overnight. Took my van to another auto shop and they could not find what the problem was. They too suggested a brake switch. Currently I am still dealing with the rear brake lights coming on and staying on while driving or coming on while parked in my garage. I also have the brake lights coming on intermittently on the dash while driving.

Filed Jun 15, 2011 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · TN

All the time when I'm driving the ABS/brake light stays on, the vehicle does not stop properly. The #10 and 15 fuse blows out regularly and causes the air, odometer, overdrive to not work. I smell burning electricity, and see smoke coming from hood while driving. Some morning my van doesn't start due to battery drainage. Check engine light will not stay off causing it not pass inspection. Brake fluid leaking. I truly believe that the brake fluid leak is causing these problems, and it looks like I'm not the only person. With the speed control recall the ABS module and ECM needed to be included.

Filed Aug 8, 2009 · Electrical · IA

Brake lights come on when vehicle is off and they will stay on after you remove your foot from the pedal. We have had the brake pedal switch replaced 2 times already and it keeps happening. If the lights come on in the middle of the night (has happened several times), the van will not start in the morning. This remains an ongoing problem which the repair shop can not fix and recommended that we file this report. This has been going on for the last couple of years. The van sometimes smells hot inside if we catch it before the battery goes dead. I'm not sure what to put for the approximate incident date so I will put today's date since it did it again today.

Filed May 19, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 108,000 miles · IL

My wife was driving our 2002 ford windstar and noticed smoke coming from under the hood and it smelled electrical. My 19 year old son noticed the smoke coming from the wires under the master cylinder. They called me and I suggested removing the wires from the brake pressure switch. He did but they were extremely hot. I did some online research to find a problem with windstar pressure switches and wiring catching fire. I am glad a fire didn't start, but it could have. I would like to see ford include 2002 windstars in their recall.

Filed Sep 26, 2007 · Acceleration · 142,000 miles · KY

Our cruise control went out on our 2002 ford windstar. We took it to the local ford service station and they explained that the brake fluid was leaking onto the cruise control. It apparently is a recall with several ford brands but not with the windstar yet. The mechanic explained that we were lucky the cruise control went out and that it didn't start a fire!