2003 Ford Windstar: wrong fuel gauge reading

Filed Jul 19, 2018 · Electrical · 153,000 miles · IL

While highway driving, the speedometer, gas gauge, temperature gauge and instrument lighting became erratic and failed. A short time later the situation normalized. Several months prior the tachometer malfunctioned and became inoperable.

Filed Dec 16, 2013 · Electrical · TX

While driving, turn signal would not turn off after turn was made. I could not manually turn it off. All gauges began to go crazy. Speedometer and tachometer revolved from one side to the other then settled at the bottom and did not register speed or RPM. Fuel gauge settled to the bottom and the temp gauge did the same. Odometer went out (it is digital) and the van heater ceased to function. In about 2 minutes or so all gauges began to go crazy again and they settled back into a state where everything registered normally. The heater came back on. This happened several times while I was out. I reached my destination and was out of the van for about 1 1/2 hours and returned to the van to go home and everything started up and worked normally all the way home. This has happened sporadically over the last couple of weeks.

Filed Jun 24, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 120,000 miles · OH

My instrument panel keeps going crazy. The RPM needle is now pointing down into the dash. The speedometer usually is not working correctly, it will say that I am doing 20 MPH, when I am doing more like 45-50. The gas gauge sometimes says that it is on empty, when I have a full tank of gas. Sometimes the needles work, sometimes they don't (with the exception of the RPM needle...it hasn't moved from that buried in the dash spot for a couple of months now), sometimes the speedometer needle goes all the way to the right and then gets buried in the dash also, so far though, each time, it has came back...even though it rarely registers even close to the correct speed. The repair for this is going to be about $700 is what I was told. I do not have that kind of money, and I am constantly praying that my 17 year old daughter who has to drive it sometimes, does not get into an accident because she is going too fast, and has no clue how fast she is actually going, or one of us may get a speeding ticket. I have looked at websites and seen that a lot of people are having these problems, so ford should do the right thing and make a recall, before someone is seriously injured or even killed!!! Also, not sure if it is related or not, but the ABS light stays on.

Filed Mar 14, 2011 · Electrical · 156,000 miles · IL

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!!!!!!!

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 100,000 miles · PA

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.