general problems of the 1997 Ford Windstar

I turned the air conditioning on in the van and after about 10 minutes, turned it to the 'max ac' position. The hood started steaming so I turned the air completely off. After less than a minute, I noticed the hood was smoking so I pulled to the side of the road immediately. I turned the car off and exited the van and saw that the passenger side of the hood was on fire. I ran to the passenger side and opened the sliding door, and got my 18 month old and 4 year old out of the vehicle. After we were all a safe distance away I saw that most of the hood of the van was in flames. By the time the fire department arrived about 5 minutes later, the entire hood was on fire with a lot of black smoke. The entire engine compartment looks charred and partially melted. The vehicle is beyond repair. I'm thankful my children are safe but I am very concerned about the safety (failure) of this vehicle.

Behind in payments. Ford motor credit issued write of summons on 7/3/03, trial scheduled for 9/22/03. On 7/29/03, while at work, vehicle caught on fire, damaging 2 other vehicles parked on either side of me. Fire marshall investigated the incident and found to be an electrical problem. Insurance investigated and vehicle was total loss. Insurance paid Ford motor credit $5,689. 25 (claim #5219e03537707290301). Ford motor credit obtained judgment and wages are currently being garnished on a vehicle that was claimed a total loss due to an electrical problem.

While driving the driver saw smoke coming from under the hood and pulled over. The driver went for help and came back to find the vehicle in flames. The fire department determined that the fire was caused by an electrical problem. Please provide further details.