Three problems related to fuses and circuit breaker have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When vehicle received from dealer, the rear a/c -heater unit fan inop. Dealer reported "replaced fuse". 4 weeks later rear heater, a/c unit again inop. Due to lack of faith in dealer abilities, owner repaired fault. Found 60 amp current limiter blown. Traced fault to main power wire between fuse block and a/c control panel chafed/burned to chassis weld point located under carpet by drivers left foot rest. Wiring repaired, weld point ground flush, 60 amp current limiter replaced.
When driving and turning corner the vehicle just cut off and would not start back up. Had to be towed. A fuse leading to the fuel pump blew out. Dealer contacted, and has not remedied the problem.
Fuse controlling onboard computer and ingnition system fails randomly without warning. Engine stalls as a result and all power to brakes and steering is lost as well. This has happened five times since the middle of may 2002. Twice on the highway and once in the middle of an intersection. We have taken this vehicle to three different mechanics, including a Ford dealer (kerry Ford, 165 kemper road, cincinnati, ohio 45246 (513)671-9900). None can replicate the problem. Kerry Ford said all they can do is start replacing parts (at the cost of several thousand dollars) based on their best guess and hope it fixes the problem. I've called Ford customer service and they have refused to pay for any of the repairs because the vehicle is out of warranty. Pleas that the safety of my family is involved fall on deaf ears. Frankly, we do not have several thousand dollars to put into this car hoping that it will fix the problem. Moreover, I can't sell the vehicle without disclosing this problem and putting someone else's family in danger. We are left with a car that is too expensive to fix and worth absolutely nothing. The manufacturer is unresponsive. We have nowhere to turn. Any help would be appreciated.