43 problems related to automatic transmission control module have been reported for the 2004 Ford Freestar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Freestar based on all problems reported for the 2004 Freestar.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. While at a stop light and proceeding to accelerate, the vehicle failed to gain speed. In addition, the vehicle drove into reverse without being in the reverse position. After switching into the drive position, the contact managed to get the vehicle to move forward. He did not notice any lights illuminated or warnings prior to the failures. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the power train control module was failing due to water damage to the system. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $186. The following day, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the transmission temperature sensor was failing. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $507. 84. One month later, the wiper washer motor failed. The contact repaired the vehicle himself at the cost of $100. The manufacturer stated that no compensation would be provided because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 52,000 and current mileage was 53,000. **mileage is 5,300, smch 8-10-09 updated 8/24/09 water entered the pcm. There were 2 codes on the vehicle that could not be cleared; which was the transmission fluid temperature sensor and the output shaft sensor. It was determined the tft sensor was bad. Water entered into a module that should have been sealed at the factory. The water may have shorted out the sensor and module. Water may also have entered the wiper motor which caused it to malfunction. Updated 08/26/09.
After exiting interstate 12, transmission died. After exiting, I was at a stop sign. Hit the gas and nothing happened. There was no warning or signs that this was going to happen. Aaa sent a tow truck and had van towed to a transmission shop in hammond, la. That shop rebuilt the transmission. Several months later, van began to jerk and trouble accelerating. Took it to auto repair shop, which ran a diagnostics. A code came back indicating an issue with transmission sensor. Van would not shift into gear, so we had it towed to same transmission shop that rebuilt the transmission. They replaced a temperature sensor, got van working again. However, they found water in transmission control module (??). They dried it out, but said there was no guarantee how long the van would continue to operate b/c of potential damage the water could have caused the tcm.
The vehicle loose power will stall with engine running other times engine would stall 2-4 seconds the jump back on happen alot when plgs wires are fine it rains, get engine light also. Resets, but will resume on the next start with emmision codes and pcm errors.
2004 Ford Freestar. S10 appropriate handling - letter to the president from consumer re vehicle hazards due to major defects (full document not imaged). The check engine light illuminated. The codes were for a cmp sensor and ac pressure sensor. The power train control module needed to be replaced due to water intrusion. The vehicle would stall while driving on the highway. The consumer stated there were no problems with the vehicle until a water leak occurred. Updated 08/26/10 updated 11/10/jb.
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Freestar. When attempting to place the vehicle in drive it stalled and the contact was unable to drive in reverse. The check engine light was illuminated. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that water was leaking into the pcm. The contact is responsible for the repair cost of $873. 23. One month later, while driving 5 mph the failure recurred. The dealer stated that water and oil were in the main connector air box caused the failure. The contact was responsible for paying $888. 27 to repair the vehicle. One month later while driving the vehicle stalled. The third duplicate failure, the technician determined that when the vehicle was repaired it was not done according to the service bulletin stating that the cowl gill would have to be replaced. The contact was responsible for paying $751. 23 to repair the vehicle according to the service bulletin. The manufacturer stated that there was no current recall and no compensation would be offered; however, the contact received a refund for the first two repairs. The failure mileage was 66,643 and the current mileage was 75,000.
Transmission fails and car stalls in traffic without warning, which creates a safety hazard. The Ford dealer service department replaced the pcm, wiring harness, and multiple sensors, but the problem continued. The cause appears to be flooding of pcm, related wiring, and attached sensors due to design defect. Ford TSB exists on this issue.
Engine misfires, will not go into gear, nor move, sometimes driveing down the road engine will shut off, Ford dealer told us the transmission was bad, I took van to another repair shop, they found water in the pcm, replaced pcm, cost 1300 dollars, and still have same problem every time it rains.
About six months ago our 2004 Ford Freestar had the water getting into the pcm. My mechanic said they new about a service notice/alert, whatever you might call it, stating that Ford knew this was and issue and that it was not a recall. They actually poured water out of the module. He stated that it did not drip out, it "poured out". He explained to me that the water was getting in between the windshield and hood. He showed me the spot. It took them 5 days to dry out the pcm and they sealed it, the best they could. Sunday, July 3rd, the "sprocket with an exclamation point" light came on in the bottom left corner of the dash as I was driving home from church with my wife and four children. . . 12, 8, 6, and 1. Then the transmission just disengaged. We were stranded on one of the busier roads in buffalo, new york. We called a friend to take my wife and family home. My wife got our 1998 pickup and brought it back and we towed the van to our shop. I called today, and they have not started working on it yet, but now I know what it is!!! we were supposed to leave for vacation from July 8th through July 17th in virginia. My kids were looking forward to spending the week with their grandmother for the week. I can take a broken down car, but not my family being put in danger and my children being crushed for the loss of a vacation to their grandmothers. I will file a complaint with the NHTSA, as you suggest. I doubt Ford will do anything. Unfortunately our 1998 pickup is a Ford with a leaking break line in the right rear. I was just about to put it in the shop. No more Fords for me. "found on road dead" truly fits my opinion of Ford now.