The yellow ABS light is on all the time and my speedometer is jumping around erratically. The vehicle also surges when the cruise control is on. This only started happening after the vehicle was in for repair of the rear axle and front sub-frame recalls.
2003 Ford Windstar electrical complaints
Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 280, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Abs light and brake light come on and off.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While the vehicle was parked the contacts child accidentally pushed the close button for the rear drivers side automatic sliding door while standing in between the door. The sliding door did not detect the child and closed. The child sustained bruises and scrapes to her left shoulder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician removed the fuse to deactivate the automatic feature. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
As I was driving from portsmouth nh to somersworth nh I noticed that the speedometer stopped working,the odometer had nothing but lines, no numbers, the overdrive light started blinking and the ABS and brake lights came on. I also noted that smoke has been coming from under the hood when I stop at a light or stop sign. These symptoms match what has been recorded on line as follows, the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) over time develops a leak. This causes a short and a fuse trip, fuse #10 if the engine is on. This leak also causes brake fluid to wick down two wires to the ABS brake module (2c219). The fluid accumulates on the (always on) power connectors for the ABS brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. The fluid attacts moisture, road salt and leads to a fire when the fluid and moisture act as conductor between the hot leads and ground. This switch has been the subject of other ford recalls, just not the windstar van yet. Below is a picture of the switch in question. Notice the fluid that leaked on the part below it. This switch will cause cruise control problems, speedometer, odometer and ABS brake system problems. I will not allow other family members to operate this vehicle and it appears that the ford motor company will not fix this issue even though there was a recall for this exact issue, recall #09s09 because they indicate that my vehicle is not covered under this recall. The recall states clearly that this issue can cause a vehicle fire with or without the vehicle running.
Our 2003 ford windstar continues to have intermittent ABS & brake lights activated on the dashboard. Upon an internet search, it was recommended to forward such problems to the federal safety agency for documentation. The following codes were retrieved from the windstar: c1185 and u1262. It appears that the ABS control module will need to be replaced.
Vehicle passenger headlight would come on in the middle of the night by itself and now passenger headlight would not work on dim. They said there was a problem with the wiring harness. So I had to pay for them to take the same materials again. I'm deciding if I should cut my losses and sell. My husband said we should never have bought a ford. I'm disabled and can't afford to be sticking this kind of money monthly into it.
2003 ford windstar van dash gauges all crazy. Wave right to left, speed go to 120 but gas empty, bell ringing noise will not shut off, have to unhook battery because after I take the key out still rings, all lites stay on, fuel computer error, mileage flashes, transmission stop over drive, ABS and brake lite is on, no sign lites, all gauges go off no reading.
Interior lights have been intermittent for several years, drivers side auto lock stopped working completely, constant draining of the battery, must carry jumper cables.. Third battery in three years, now problem is weekly. Thinking this issue may have to do with the fact that the interior lights go on and off at random unexplained times. Sometimes remaining on once the vehicle is off and all doors are completely closed. Problem with ABS and brake light coming on at random times in addition to the check engine light never staying reset. Charging system lights intermittently comes on.. Sometimes they come on and off but if they remain on cause the car to hesitate or just quit on you. Car is a extreme safety hazard at intersections because of hesitation and stalling. My wife (her primary vehicle) has been stranded in two intersections where the car died completely. My wife is terrified for her safety everytime we are in this vehicle. I have finally had enough and am filing a complaint since I have read from numerous sources that I am one of thousands and thousands having this same issue. Please consider the safety of the drivers of these vehicles and subsequently any innocent motorist or pedestrian who may become injured from these safety issues. Thank you. Ford is obviously aware of these problems and reports and it appears is unwilling to research a fix, or initiate a recall until enough bodies pile up on the side of the road in vehicle accidents, having a vehicle fail completely twice in 3 months in the middle of omaha nebraska intersections is very dangerous, and should be evaluated or recalled. I have replaced batteries, and alternator, fuses, and many dollars in diagnostic fees to family ase certified mechanic who is shaking his head. Does ford know what the problem is and just does not want to admit it and complete another factory recall on this vehicle.
My sensor lights are flashing, ABS light, o/d light trac light, check transmission light is on. Also my speedometer stopped working, and my backing warning signal stopped working all of a sudden without any type of warning.
Car quits running while in motion. The interior lights flicker, the ABS light comes on and the car dies. I have replaced the alternator and they say the battery is ok, but it will not run for more than a few miles at a time. I have to repeatedly get a jump start. I just replaced the transmission with only one hundred thousand miles on the car.
My 2003 ford windstar limited edition has major electrical problems. The hazzard lights will not go off therefore draining my battery. I have to disconnect it whenever I shut it off. It is currently at bay ridge ford for the recall involving the rear axle. However it has failed emissions for code 171 and 174. I believe there is a major flaw in the design of the windstar van.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was covered with rust and shaking violently while driving. The brake pedal also extended to the floorboard when it was engaged. All of the gauges on the instrument panel fell below zero, the brake light illuminated while all of the lights on the instrument panel began to shut on and off. The rear axle was cracked on each end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who added two plates on each side of the axle. The contact referenced recall 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) & recall 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) but was concerned with the remedies and stated that they were inadequate. The contact asked the dealer if they could guarantee that the axle would not break with the two plates but received no guarantee. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current mileage was 127,000. The failure mileage was unknown.
I have a 2003 ford windstar se model that has cost well over a thousand dollars in repair. I have replaced 2 batteries and two alternators, and the problems still have not been fixed. I now have no way of knowing how fast I am going or how much gas is in my tank. The electrical systems need to be recalled on these vans. People on line are complaining about the problems and their vans failing because of faulty electrical. I use my van to transport my family and do not feel safe on this van. I have had all the necessary recalls taken care on it. When I drive this van the speedometer is not correct, I think I am doing a certain speed but when compared to other vehicles it is clearly not the speed intended. My gas gauge is always wrong I fill up on gas and it stays full one day and the next it's almost empty. I now have to keep and eye on my mileage to know how much fuel I have. The doors never close properly and my liftgate ajar signals always on. The doors do not lock or unlock when I need them too, which has become a hazard, because I can't leave anything in my van for fear of it being stolen. This van has had been to the local dealership and cost me well over 400 dollars to replace an already brand new alternator and new battery which cost over 80 bucks, plus the two hundred dollars for the first alternator and another 100 for the first battery. The heat doesn't work properly either. This van is a nightmare of electrical problems that need to be addressed by ford asap. This van has left me and my children stranded on the side of the road in the country and I will not put up with it any more!!!!!!!
The vehicles electronic antilock brake module has failed. There have been numerous warnings and notices that brake fluid leakage onto the module , is a known cause for early failure. All my dashboard lights turn on within a few minutes of operating the vehicle. The dealer did confirm this failure and suggested a replacement that is not under warranty of course. This does not seem right, that a known and acknowledged vehicle design problem with the gasket on the brake fluid resevoir leaking fluid on the module and causing premature failure is not a mandated repair and not simply something left up to the manufacturer. I don't have the funds for this costly repair
Abs light on 2003 ford windstar comes on in warm & hot weather.
I just brought a 2003 ford windstar an the same day I got it the window on the driver side does not work.. So I started looking online to see if anyone else had this problem. An sure enough 1000s of people have with the ford windstar. I heard lots of bad things about this van an now I scared to even put my kids in it. I have 5 kids an don't wanna take the chance of it catching on fire are axles braking or anything like that. I don't know what to do know.
Driving down the road and all of sudden dome lights start flashing on and off. Try to turn them off with the switch and they still keep coming on. Sometimes my automatic windows won't work. First it's one side and the next time it could be the other side.
Abs light stays on replaced sensors at my cost still stays on auto door locks stopped working door ajar light stays on heater door had to be replaced cruise control works then stops working at dealer ship now for rear axle to be replaced also for another recall for fuel bypass heard of new recall frame supports mine looked rotted so they will also need replacing they have had car 1 month now know idea if when I will see again was told it could be 2- 3 months just for axle now new recall hope they just buy it back so it stops bleeding me!
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed that the engine light and the ABS light was illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated they could diagnose the failure for a fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
Intermittent ABS & brake light have appeared a few months after we bought the van but far enough after our "used car warranty period". I just found out today 1/10/11 that it needs the electronic control unit replaced which effects the ABS system. Estimated repair/replacement cost is about $850 due to the specific sensing to the vehicle that needs to take place before during and after as well as labor getting to it and installing it... This is not something that is wear and tear. I've only had my van for 3 years. Apparently the heat makes it expand and contract placing stress on the solder joints cracking the solder joints. We should reconsider the placement of this control module on the vehicle and/or the materials that encase it. Not sure if any connection to the wiring harness or not. I'm thoroughly frustrated. It's currently in for the rear axle inspection repair/replacement warranty only reason I found out.
I took my car in to ford due to a failure in the instrument panel. My speedometer was spinning and "stuck" in an approximate 5:00 o'clock position...in addition, my prndl needle "stuck" in the park position and would not move. On top of this, my ABS/brake lights were coming on and off sporadically and occasionally smelled like something burning. The ford dealer replaced my instrument cluster and attempted to fix the ABS/brake light problem. The "fix" didn't last more than two weeks...the ABS/brake light is back to going on and off. According to the information that they gave me, the parts are no longer available for the ABS/brake light repair...they assured me that my service brakes still worked. In the process, I have been told about recalls to the 2003 ford windstar for similar problems in other vehicles, however, I was told that these recalls didn't pertain to me. If I am experiencing the same problems that others are having and they are getting their repairs fixed at no charge to themselves, why am I paying for repairs for the same problem items??????? The sway bar links on my windstar were also repaired along with the bushings...again...another recall that seems to have been issued but I was told that "it didn't apply to me". Now I have my windstar in the shop, again, because the transmission pump exploded and damaged the transmission. No warning, no check engine light, nothing. How much of an additional expense is this going to be???? Oh, I did receive the recall notice for the rear axle...that will be checked right after I get my car back from having the transmission repaired. Why are some vehicles covered and others aren't??? If it affects a 2003 ford windstar, it should be all of them, not just some of them.
Gas gauge doesn't read correctly. All gauges stops working while driving. Abs and tcs stopped working correctly in 2008. Lights have been on warning of them not working. Drivers side passenger door will not work correctly. Check advance track warning light stays on. This has been checked, but light stays on. Rpm gauge stays at maximum. Often while driving, it feels as if we have the emergency brake on. We have to change tires often. When I apply the brakes the vehicle will either not stop, or makes a grinding sound before it does. I have had the brakes checked and the brake pads are fine.
Electrical problems that required the replacement of the main electrical harness 3 times, which were under warranty. The interior lights continue to flash and flicker to this day, both day and night, creating a hazard to safe operation of the vehicle. There are also false aleerts of the tire warning system, and other intermittant electrical problems in the vehicle. There is also a noise coming from the front end, which is in the area of the sub frame assembly.
My 2003 ford windstar's ABS and brake lights come on intermittently. Also the dome light needs to be off otherwise it flickers on and off.
The brake light is always on for ABS and emergency brake. They are often spongy and don't operate well. This issue has been ongoing. The car has been looked at dozens of times but no issue can be identified.
Abs and brake light on.
Abs brake light is on due to faulty ABS ECM. Replaced the ABS ECM.
System failure, speed control, speedometer, odometer, heater/airconditioner after looking up online what caused my systems to fail, I went to sinclair to purchase the part. I was told by parts mngr that it was on re-call for that and I would have to have it fixed by their service dept. They confirmed this was on re-call and had me return later that afternoon. After four and a half hours I was asked to come back that they were having difficulty fixing the problem. I attempted to make an appt later the next day and was told it was too late that I did not bring my vehicle in in a timely manner and they will no longer fix my vehicle. Their are no expiration dates on this re-call. I have received a customer service receipt explaining what they did and stating that they strive to give the best customer service. What a joke, they left me with a vehicle that is not safe to drive in this condition, after taking up my whole afternoon. I responded with a very disheartened lack of satisfaction and was referred to ford headquarter. I was told that this was never a re-call item by ford. If this was handled acurately the first time, my car would already be fixed. Dave would never have let this happen, he built this dealership on the concept of good customer service. If his team made an error, he would fix it on principal even if it meant he ate the cost. I guess his reputation was buried with him. I will be looking to purchase a vehicle in january and I will purchase from someplace else. [xxx] please help us get our van fixed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. The contact stated that the interior light switch would sporadically switch on and off. The computer system light would also sporadically illuminate and give a false reading while the vehicle was in motion. The dealer was called and the contact was awaiting a return call from the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Sit down, get a coffee, because you will be reading a book. I purchased a 2003 ford windstar, with 20,000 miles, in 2005. I've had nothing but major problems. In 12/2008 with 87,205 miles the transmission went,that was 2013.00 , then in 3-2009 check engine light, had to replace gaskets, that cost 500.00,. Then in 10/15/2010 I had to bring van in for different sensors, and ABS light, and emergency brake light kept coming on. That was . That was 232.00. Then on 10/19/2010 brought van in to the ford dealer, because none of my gauges work, letting me know how fast I'm going, or how much gas I have. They say it is the gauge cluster, that's 500.00 alone not including labor, they inform me I have a hole in the left rear axle, and I have to leave the van there, and I may also need a new alternator, and it may takes weeks for the part to come in. That's not including other miner repairs along the way. The best part of all. I still have 6 payments left. What rights do I have? I can't believe all the major issues. They should take this van, and give me a different one. Not a ford. I told you, that you were reading a book.
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