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Ford Aerostar Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1997 Ford Aerostar mileage: 105,000. I had my transmission overhauled at about 84,000 miles because the oil was burnt and the transmission was starting to shift up and down repeatedly while going uphill. After the overhaul was completed, it seemed to run fine until on a long trip and the transmission began doing the same thing. Also, about the same time the cruise control went out. What might the problem be?

Answer: Scan the power control module for fault codes (the module controls all the transmission functions). In addition, check speedometer sensor for proper operation and check for a partially plugged catalytic converter.

Question: 1997 Ford Aerostar We just had the heater core replaced and all of a sudden once that was done, the van won't start. A friend seems to think the fuel pump isn't working now, as he doesn't hear anything when he turns the ignition on. We were wondering before we replace the pump is there any fuse that could have blown. If we have to replace the fuel pump any idea how much that will cost to do...Grant.

Answer: Check for 12 volts going to the fuel pump when you are trying to start the car. If there is no voltage, try resetting the fuel pump inertia switch. If there is 12 volts and there is no fuel pump pressure, then the pump has failed.

Question: 1996 Ford Aerostar mileage: 107,000. My interior lights stay on all the time. They get brighter when you open a door or use the dimmer switch to turn them on. The "door ajar" light acts normal. You have answered a question somewhat similar to this for a 1997 Taurus and a 1996 Ford Windstar. I also do not have a car alarm and am not sure what you mean by "scanning the body control module"

Answer: Later model Fords have a computer that ties interior lights, the alarm and the door locks together. We do not remember exactly when Ford started doing it, but we would guess that your 1992 does not have this system. Your problem is probably a faulty door switch or the headlight switch, which if twisted all the way will turn the interior lights on.

Question: 1995 Ford Aerostar mileage: 113,500. My vehicle's air bag light is flashing in a 5+1 sequence (5 rapid blinks, a short pause, another blink and a slightly longer pause). I saw on another site that this may be an "intermittent short to ground", but I have absolutely no idea what that means, what could cause it, if it has any impact on the functionality of the air bag, or how much it would cost to have it repaired?

Answer: The flashing light indicates a problem with your air bags. Do not attempt to do any repairs to the system yourself. Take it to the Ford dealer or a qualified service center.

Question: 1997 Ford Aerostar mileage: 105,000. Can you tell me what the max wear specs are for my front rotors? I had a mechanic tell me he would have to turn the rotors down first ($30.00) before he would know if I needed new ones or not. Needless to say...I walked out.

Answer: With the proper measuring equipment any reputable mechanic should be able to measure the rotors and tell you if they can be machined within specifications. The minimum thickness for the rotors should be permanently marked on the rotor itself.

Question: 1996 Ford Aerostar mileage: 130,000. My car starts for a few second but keeps shutting off. Tested coil, ignition module, starter solenoid, ignition switch and checked wires from ignition switch and car still will not start. I’ve also checked the fuel system. Can you please tell me what is the problem?

Answer: Check the fuel pump pressure and check alternator to see that it is not putting out AC voltage spikes. Also, check the pick-up coil in the distributor.

Question: 1996 Ford Aerostar mileage: 107,000. At my last oil change I decided to flush the engine because the lifters are noisy. It helped some but not a lot. About a week later I am riding along and the engine begins to run rough, I drove home about 3 miles and notice the oil pressure had dropped. I checked the oil and it was clean and fine, no evidence of water. Could trash from the flush have clogged the oil pumped and should I check this first and replace it.

Answer: There is a possibility that the oil pick-up or the oil pump may have been clogged. We would suggest removing the oil pan and cleaning out the pan and oil pick-up.

Question: 1995 Ford Aerostar mileage: 106,100. I had the transmission services a couple of weeks ago, because I notice a small leak in my driveway. A new filter and gasket were install the vehicle was picked up the next day I had to take it back because the leak had gotten worst. The bolts in the pan were re-torqued. A week after I had to go back to the service station because the car was still leaking. At this point, the service manager told me that I needed to have my transmission rebuilt, because the fluid was coming out of the breather on the top of the transmission. Is this really possible? If so what cause it? What is the least expensive remedy for this problem? Could it be possible that the fluid somehow is not circulating through the cooling system causing it to overheat? Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Answer: With 106,000 miles on your vehicle, you may be ready for a transmission overhaul. However, as far as the leak goes, it must be determined where the fluid is leaking from. If the new pan gasket was over-tightened it may have damaged the gasket causing it to leak. If the fluid is coming out of the breather, which is at the top of the transmission, that may be caused by being overfilled or an internal leak on the suction side of the pump causing foaming of the fluid which causes fluid to come out of the breather. If this is the case, it could be either that the new filter was installed incorrectly, or an internal gasket has failed on the pump.

Question: 1899 Ford Aerostar mileage: 98,000 I have not been able to start the engine following heavy rain. The van has been running fine and starts easily but following heavy rain, the past two weekends will not start at all (it turns over and occasionally fires) until weather clears and is dry for a day or so. I don't see an obvious leak into the engine compartment but it does seem damp. I am assuming this is an electrical problem but I am not sure what to do.

Answer: The moisture may be shorting out the electrical system to the spark plugs. Replace the distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs and plug wires.

Question: 2002 Ford Aerostar van mileage: 34,389. The oil gauge on the dashboard always indicates that I need oil. When I check the oil level, it is always fine. In addition, the temperature gauge stopped working. As you know both of these indicators are very important, so what could the problem be?

Answer: The oil gauge is for pressure not for oil level and a low ready is normal when the engine is at normal operating temperature and it is idling. The temperature sensor may need replacing to get the temperature gauge to work properly.

Question: 1995 Ford Aerostar mileage: 91,105. Sometimes in the morning, especially if it is cold out, the gearshift seems to get stuck in the park position. No matter how much or hard we step on the brake, the gear stick will not shift out of park. One time it took almost an hour before it finally shifted out of park.

Answer: Your problem is most likely caused by the interlock solenoid on the gearshift linkage in the console.

Question: 1993 Ford Aerostar mileage: 138,000 Recently found out that one of the head gaskets are blown on this vehicle. In addition, it is blowing oil up through the dipstick. My question to you is: If I repair the head gaskets, will that solve the problem of the oil being blown up through the dipstick? I have talked to mechanics and they all say the same thing, motor has to be replaced or rebuilt.

Answer: There is a very remote chance that replacing the head gasket will fix the problem of the oil and the dipstick. It depends on where the head gasket is blown. If it were blown into an oil return passage, then replacing it would probably fix your problem. However, in all the years we have worked on cars, we have never seen a head gasket blown into an oil return passage.

Question: 1995 Ford Aerostar mileage: 90,000. As the vehicle is accelerated from 40 to 50 mph, there is a jerking motion. It feels as if the transmission is having a hard time decided whether or not to shift. It starts around 45-47 mph and eventually shifts to the next gear by 50 mph and all is fine. Also occurs when decelerating through this zone. This is an intermittent problem. Some days it is very bad and others, you barely recognize it.

Answer: Your transmission may be ready for service. Replacing the filter and fluid may correct the problem. If servicing does not fix your problem after several days of driving, you may be in for some major transmission repairs.

Question: 1997 Ford Aerostar mileage: 100,000. Not getting hot heat only luke-warm, but hoses are hot.

Answer: The heater core may be plugged, restricting the flow of hot water.

Question: 1996 Ford Aerostar mileage: 135,000. My 1996 Aerostar runs on just battery power. I have changed the alternator and checked all of the wires. It will run for about 5 miles on a fully charged battery before the battery is completely drained. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Your definitely having some problems with the charging circuit. Check the alternator output for voltage and amperage. Also, check the main power wire from the alternator to the battery. Check your electrical system for electrical drains.

Question: 1995 Ford Aerostar mileage: 45,000. Cold engine hesitation with occasional stall and fuel economy off by 2-3 mpg. This occurs at outside temperatures lower than about 30f. When engine runs for about 2 minutes problem goes away. The engine beyond this runs very well. There are no quick test codes found. Thank you

Answer: Your car may be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter and air filter. Also, perform a fuel pump pressure test. Clean fuel injection system including throttle bore, idle speed control motor and passages. If problem still exists, scan computer for trouble codes.

Question: 1996 Ford Aerostar mileage: 103,000. What is the exact motor size of this van. I want to buy a new van but it has to be able to tow my trailer. The van I want is a Chevy Venture. It is capable of towing 3500 lbs., which is close but above my rating of my trailer. The van has a 3.4L 3400 V6 engine. I cannot find anything on this Ford van or its motor size. Can you tell me if you think the new van would tow this trailer? Its weight is about 2800 lbs and 4400 full but I do not think we would ever drive it full.

Answer: Each car manufacturer will have a maximum weight for a trailer for towing. Engine size is just one of many factors to be considered. Too heavy a trailer with too small a van can be very dangerous.

Model / Ford / Aerostar-1 / Aerostar-2

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