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Ford Windstar Van Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1987 Ford 351 Windstar mileage: 120,000. I was turning right in my van when I heard a popping noise. After that, it was stuck in drive. I can move the gearshift to any gear, but it still stays in drive. I am wondering if this could be the driveline, other than that, I am just about at my wits end. Thank you for your time...and have a great day!

Answer: Check the linkage that goes from the shift lever down to the transmission. It sounds like somewhere along the line, it has become disconnected.

Question: 1998 Ford Windstar mileage: 60,000. I will be towing a 2500 lb. camper on an extended vacation this summer and want to install a transmission cooler. My Ford service manual says the factory cooler which comes with the towing package (which my vehicle does not have) has a fluid bypass valve that redirects fluid around the external cooler below 32 degrees. Do any aftermarket add on coolers have this valve and is it a good idea for me to pursue buying a cooler of this type?

Answer: We do not know of any aftermarket transmission coolers that have a bypass valve. It probably is a good idea to have this valve if you live in an area of the country that has cold winters. If the fluid in the transmission does not warm up during normal operation to drive the moisture out, the fluid will become contaminated.

Question: 1996 Ford Windstar mileage: 104,000. Our van started shaking and pulling to the right. We had the tires balanced, new tires put on the front, all tires rotated, and we finally took it to get a check-up. We were told that the axle under the passenger side was bent and needed to be replaced at $280.00. One question is: How would an axle bend if the van has never been in an accident or run off the road? Second question: Is this a reasonable cost for replacement? Third question: Can it be left alone in this condition without any major damage?

Answer: A failed CV joint may be causing your "bent axle" problem and it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Question: 1999 Ford Windstar mileage: 92,000. Recently we had another new transmission replaced (the second one in less than a year and the warranty had just went out on the first one) in our van. They also replaced the speedometer cable (after reaching 40 mph it was swinging back and forth between 40-65 mph making it difficult to get an accurate speed). Well, that didn't work. But my question is do we need to have the speedometer head replaced/rebuilt and does that affect the transmission if we don't get it done right away?

Answer: The speedometer problem may be caused by the speedometer cable binding or the speedometer head itself. If it is the cable, other than the uneven speed reading, it should cause no problems. If it is the head, it may break the new cable.

Question: 1999 Ford Windstar mileage: 108,000. Fairly frequent ping while under mild to moderate acceleration between 1300 and 2200 Rpms. Ford shop has done several adjustments in accordance to Ford Tech Service bulletins. Have tried mid and premium grade gas. All changes have made no improvement. From the questions posted, this seems to be a common problem with a lot of newer vehicles. Suggestions/Recommendations? Besides, trading for a different vehicle? Thanks.

Answer: Some Ford engines are not equipped with knock sensors. Yours may be one of them. Located in the wiring loom, close to the ECM, is a "jumper" that when removed retards the timing 4 degrees. This should correct your pinging problem.

Question: 1997 Ford Windstar mileage: 127,000. Noticed today that the power Steering fluid is dark gray/Black. What has caused this and what needs to be fixed? Thanks

Answer: Drain and change the fluid and if it turns gray/black in a short period, you may have the pump and/or the steering rack going bad.

Question: 2000 Ford Windstar mileage: 82,000. My interior lights stay on all the time and the "door ajar" light is on all the time. There is a relay switch under the dash for the interior lights - should I check this? Thanks for your help!

Answer: All the controls for the interior lights are run by the body control module. Scanning the module for fault codes should tell you what the problem is. Since you car is post 1995 model it requires special equipment to scan the computer for problems. You need to take it to a reliable automotive service center or the dealer.

Question: 1999 Ford Windstar mileage: 55,000. The Ford dealer has informed me I need new rear shocks at a cost of $250 or so in parts & labor. I have replaced shocks myself a long long time ago, but I figure it can't be that hard. Is this a simple bolt on job in the Windstar or are there any tricks I need to know?

Answer: Off the top of our heads, we cannot remember if your car has struts or shocks. If you have struts, $250.00 is a bargain. If you have regular shocks, the price sounds a little steep. Replacing struts requires a special tool (spring compressor) and is more involved than regular shocks.

Question: 1998 Ford Windstar mileage: 102200. Fault code 0386 is active. "Crankshaft position sensor B circuit range/performance” I have done the following with no luck. 1. Installed a new CKP sensor. 2. Checked the two wires from the CKP to the ICM. 3. I check the output voltage to the sensor and according to my Haynes manual; I should have measured battery voltage at the CKP sensor with the key ON. I only got 1.5 volts. 4. I check power and ground to the ICM -- checked OK. 5. I then replaced the ICM with one from a junkyard. 6. The problem is fault code 386 keeps coming up and I still only measure 1.5 volts at the CKP sensor. The engine still runs rough and if I erase the fault code it will return with in 1/2 mile of driving. If I erase it when I am driving it pops right back up. Am I missing something, is my new ICM bad or is the book wrong. Thanks Neil

Answer: 1.5 volts to the CKP sensor is okay. Check the resistance of the wires to the CKP sensor. Also, check for AC voltage being generated by the CKP sensor.

Question: 1999 Ford Windstar mileage: 80,000. When I turn heater on, I get oil fumes through heater. Have checked all oil compartments for leaks, changed oil pan seal, transmission seal and rear engine seal. Valve cover gaskets checked head gaskets checked. Get fumes when sitting still with engine running and heat on.

Answer: The fumes may be coolant from a leaky heater core.

Question: 2003 Ford Windstar mileage: 42,000. Check engine light came on during driving. Drove home and disconnected battery cable for ten minutes reconnected battery cable and started engine. White smoke appeared and foul smell was notice, almost like burning smell. Looked under car and notice smoke coming from what looked like the converter. Waited for a while restarted engine but no smoke this time. What could have happen? The day before I poured a bottle of STP injector cleaner into the tank full of gas.

Answer: Check your engine for a blown head gasket. The white smoke is probably coolant.

Question: 2002 Ford Windstar mileage: 50,000. My Windstar has given me no problems. However, I just used the car an hour ago, then went out again and it wouldn't start. Lights came on, radio on and nothing but a click. We tried jump-start and nothing worked. Any ideas? HELP! Mom without carpool tool.

Answer: Here are some things to check. Load test the battery. Check that the battery cable connections are clean. Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position. These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, starter and starter solenoid. One of these may be faulty.

Question: 2003 Ford Windstar mileage: 42,000. The thermostat has been replaced and the temperature was working properly for about 3 to 5 hrs and now the temperature gauge is drastically rising again there is plenty of antifreeze what would be the next thing to look at as it is Sunday and repair shops are closed.

Answer: A partially plugged radiator may be causing your problem. Installing a brand new radiator is fast and inexpensive, we recommend a new one over a repaired one every time.

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