Nine problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ford Windstar throwing persistent ses light p0740. This was common with almost most Windstars. There should be a recall for the manifolds/gasket. Rough ride and stalling at dangerous points.
Vehicle loss coolant gradually over the last couple of years. I never saw any leaks under the vehicle. On several occasions the car was abruptly pulled off the road because we thought it had caught on fire, but we could not determine the cause of the burning smell, we also had brought it to a mechanic on several occasions to evaluate but he could not determine the culprit. The vehicle overheated on oct19th and sprayed coolant and steam which was the first time there was a physical indication that there truly was a problem. The vehicle is presently in the shop at my expense to repair the head gasket, intake manifold and timing chain cover gasket.
Vehicle check engine light is illuminated. Engine developes a rough idle at stop while driving and has on ocassions stalled completely. Not in warranty at present time. Taken to independant repair shop and diagnosed with Ford TSB 01205. Replace manifold gasket and bolts, etc. Ford motor needs to issuse recall on the problem ASAP.
Consumer states that vacuum motor switch fails. He also states that the rubber diaphram fails all the time. This part of the auto is suppose to be working in relations with the intake manifold.
Current mileage approx. 55,800. . On a recent trip to cape may, NJ (approx. 150 miles from our home in bayside, NY ),the engine seized and the car died on the garden state parkway. The car was brought to the nearest Ford dealer/ service station, chapman Ford (June 31,2003), where it is being serviced currently. The technician could not evaluate the damage until July 2,2003, where he stated that a rod broke causing a puncture in the oil pan therefore causing a loss of fluid and a seize of the engine. At lease inception, we took an extended warranty through Ford hempstead with interstate warranty services. This warranty company ordered a complete tear down of the engine to find out why the rod broke, we agreed knowing that it was due to no neglect on our part, the tear down did not occur until July 10th and was examined on July 11th by an inspector hired by interstate. The claim is now being denied, even though we supplied them with all the documentation they requested on the upkeep and maintenance of the car. Their claim is that the last maintenance (oil change, filter and lubricants) were not done. We have the documentation to prove that monahan Ford, flushing, NY did this maintenance along with other work in January. Also, hempstead Ford, hempstead, NY, did service on the car April 2003 for the exact hesitation in acceleration that we experienced immediately before the engine seized. Unfortunately monahan Ford went out of business and we are being told that our car was not kept in good condition when documentation proves it was in two separate dealerships within a sixth month period. I now am faced with a $5000. 00+ bill to repair a car that was kept well and has an extended warranty. I am being forced to file suit with monahan Ford for fraudulent service and file suit with hempstead Ford for failure to correctly analyze the car's problem.
Driving at about 35 mph in moderate traffic, engine slowed, oil and check engine light came on. Engine began making a sputtering sound and white smoke billowed from the tail pipe. Vehicle decreased speed rapidly, endangering three children. Engine diagnositc proved blown head gasket.
White smoke coming from the exhaust and the engine was missing due to blown head gaskets. Dealer contacted. Also found blown intake manifold gasket. Transmission replaced at 45,000 miles.
Insured was traveling when he smelled something funny. Flames had start to come up from the hood. Insured tried to put fire out but couldn't, possible transmission leak onto manifold, claim 40-2554-562.
The exhaust was emitting black smoke. The tail pipe had black soot inside. Took to dealer & mechanic cut tail pipe on side. According to manufacturer's instructions, it would run it underneath van & then turn down. Its an engine manifold design flaw.