Three problems related to brake fluid have been reported for the 2002 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Windstar based on all problems reported for the 2002 Windstar.
Losing brake fluid unable to detect where is leaking. No leakage on the ground. Had brakes changed twice in 12 months. Braking distance increases sporadically. Abs and brake light comes on intermittently - more quickly during the summer months than winter months.
My wife asked me to check the brakes because the brake light was on. I had checked the wheels for any leakage and found none. The master cylinder was low so I started to look for leak at other places and found the leak at the brake light switch. The brake fluid was leaking on the wires. So I looked on line and found a article that can cause a fire in the engine compartment. This why I am making this complaint. I as have lost my cruise control and the article said that this will happen. I am going to change the switch and replace the fuse if needed.
My 2002 Ford Windstar van had an inoperable cruise control. I traced the problem to a leaking (brake fluid) switch mounted under the brake master cylinder. The leaking switch leaked flammable brake fluid onto the hot engine or exhaust system but did not caused a engine fire. I purchased a modified switch and wire harness from the Ford dealer and installed it myself. I was told by the Ford parts salesman that there was no recall for my Windstar at that time. This is the same defect found on the other Ford vehicles according to the new york times, 18 April 2008. I still have the defective switch in hopes I can be reimbursed by Ford. The defective switch is available for inspection if needed.