Ford Windstar won't start problems

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 Jul 24, 2014 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · WV

Van purchased used. Okay at first, then without warning the gauges (speed, fuel, tachometer, temperature) would start jumping wildly or top out and stick at max. Happened multiple times. Could sometimes clear by disconnecting and reconnecting battery cables. Have replaced battery twice. Replaced the gauge console. The o/d light (for the transmission) started coming on but does go off when you depress the o/d button - mechanic said that would indicate electrical problem. Now with key in the ignition, won't start but all the gauges jump wildly. You really can't rely on the gauges to be correct - I'm going 120 MPH and I'm sitting still! Ford did replace the rear axle that was recalled. I don't know what to expect next. Is there any recall that I missed on the electrical system or a real fix for this problem?

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 Aug 14, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 157,632 miles · MT

I was driving home from whitefish montana which is about 20 miles from my home when the van just stopped, it kept running but would not move so I shut the van off and it wouldn't start unless it was jumped, so we jumped it all the way home. We ended up replacing the battery and the alternator the van ran good for one day and than my o/d light started flashing and the van was running really rough and would not shift our of first causing me to only go 35 MPH in a 70 MPH, not fun at all. Got it home and looked up some information on line and they told me to check the #19 fuse in the fuse box under the hood and sure enough the fuse was blown so I drove it around the block and it blew again. So we put in a 20 amp fuse and I made it home but this morning I went out to go to work and it started and it drove but than just stopped there was nothing there, I turned the ignition off and tried to restart it and nothing, no noise no nothing so I had to push the van to my house, just imagine what could of happened if I would of been in heavy traffic and my van did this. I love fords but this is ridiculous I can not afford to fix all these issues that continue to arise what next a fire under the hood. Please someone help me with this.

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 Jul 7, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

First of all there is a short located by the steering wheel around the air bag. I thought it was the battery so I changed it and a couple of days later my van would not start. I took it to the ford dealer and they couldn't find the problem, so I took it to an old man that just did electrical problems on automobiles. He said it was a bad wire in the steering column and he said to repair it would cost a lot of money, so he bypassed some wires and I have not had any problems since, but when you open the driver side door, the door chimes, like when you leave the keys in the ignition. He only charged me $75. Also I would be driving and the interior lights would turn on and off by themselves. This has been happening for a long time. Also the ABS warning lights have been on for a while and my mechanic said it is a bad ABS steering box. To replace it would cost around $1000. I have had also the head gasket replaced because the ford dealer could not find what was wrong with it while it was still under warranty. It was idling very rough while stopped at a light, also when in parked. It cost me about $600 to replace it. I took it to pep boys and they found out what was wrong with it. I also had the fuel pump replaced, because it kept shutting off while at the grocery stores and had it towed by aaa 3 times in about a year. Bottom line, I will never buy another ford vehicle while I am alive. They are good for the first couple of years, then they start failing. So sad, because I have been a ford guy for over 35 years.

Filed Apr 1, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 90,000 miles · NY

Speedometer lights come on while driving and don't go away. Now the car wont start from what was told to me because of electrical problems. Rear driver light doesn't work but can signal,left rear passenger lights wont signal.

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 Sep 30, 2011 · Acceleration, Brakes · NV

I turned in my ford windstar on to the john west ford diler , the ABS, and brake lights came on 3 days before to brought it for been diagnosed. 2 days after they gave me an estimate for $ 2400.00 dollars. That really surprise me and I answer no thanks do not fix my car. They put my van together and since that moment my van I didn't start again is like a death . They said the PCM and ABS module got burned. I think they made a mistake and kill my van PCM but I cant proved. I was reading the ABS recall about and sounds like there is nothing releated wiht the PCM module. Any way they sent my van back home onto a town truck and at this moment a can't find the problem yet. Oh I almost forgot some for sure they charge me $ 200.00 for diagnosis. If you want to confirm my history you can call[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 13, 2011 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · PA · fire

About 10 minutes after parking and turning off my 1998 ford windstar the car filled with smoke coming from steering column. Later car would not start from keyswitch.