Alternator/generator/regulator Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

The contact 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate and stalled without warning. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

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All of the following happened at the same time: abs and brake lights went on and stay on. O/d light flashing. Odometer and speedometer stop working. The electronic compass, remaining fuel info. , automatic electronic diagnostic and electronic temp. Showing errors. Electronic sliding door would not open unless engine is not running. Power windows stopped working 6 months ago, not sure if it is related. I had a mechanic replaced the alternator and checked the brakes. It did not fix the problems and there was nothing wrong with the brakes. I took it to Ford dealer and I was told that the abs module could be the problem because they replaced a lot of them. The abs module supposedly messing up the whole electronic system. It has less than 65,000 miles and I'm scared to drive it because the electronic system might suddenly cause other problems and cause an accident. The electronic sliding doors already would not open unless the engine is not running. In case of an emergency or a crash, someone might not be able to get out and be trapped inside because the doors and windows would not open. I was told by a Ford customer service that there is no recall to fix the problem or look into it even though they admitted they've been having similar problems to a lot of Ford vehicles.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Abs brake light will turn on and off at random times. Also, brake (e-brake) light comes on, interior lights occasionally flash, all running lights and headlights have gone out (really bad when driving down highway at night), and loss of all electrical (radio, lights, heater fan, dash illumination, headlights, running lights, etc. . . All go out at same time). Alternator and several batteries have been replaced. Electric windows will occasionally stop working as well. Obviously the huge issue here is the fact that the abs system may be disabled, dash warning lights randomly come on and off, and all electrical shuts off, with losing headlights and running lights being the biggest issue!.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Windstar 🔎.

I was driving home from whitefish montana which is about 20 miles from my home when the van just stopped, it kept running but would not move so I shut the van off and it wouldn't start unless it was jumped, so we jumped it all the way home. We ended up replacing the battery and the alternator the van ran good for one day and than my o/d light started flashing and the van was running really rough and would not shift our of firtst causing me to only go 35 mph in a 70 mph, not fun at all. Got it home and looked up some information on line and they told me to check the #19 fuse in the fus box under the hood and sure enough the fuse was blown so I drove it around the block and it blew again. So we put in a 20 amp fuse and I made it home but this morning I went out to go to work and it started and it drove but than jsut stopped there was nothing there, I turned the ignition off and tried to restart it and nothing, no noise no nothing so I had to push the van to my house, just imagine what could of happened if I would of been in heavy traffic and my van did this. I love Fords but this is rediculous I can not afford to fix all these issues that continue to arise what next a fire under the hood. Please someone help me with this.

Abs and brake lights have been off and on for years. Have had the brakes looked at many times and they are always said to be fine. Today, while driving along, the radio went off when I rolled up the window. . . Thought that was strange so opened window. . . . Radio back on, closed window. . . . Radio off. Thankfully I was very close to home as the windows stopped opening and closing, radio shut off, odometer reading disappeared, clock lights disappeared. I made it to the driveway, turned it off and it did not turn back on. Came inside and started to search "2001 Ford Windstar abs and brake lights on". . . . . . I'm appalled at how many complaints I have found. Husband and friend did a check and it may be the alternator. . . . But after what I've read we will definitely be checking for fluid in the abs control module. If it turns out it is the abs control module (after reading the numerous complaints) I will be calling Ford to let them know what I think. For many, many years we let Ford service our van and I swear after each service we ended up with another problem within weeks of the service. I've not had trust in our local Ford dealership for a long time. Based on what I've read in the last 2 to 3 hours I am completely shocked and saddened that Ford hasn't stepped up and offered to rectify this problem. I love my Windstar! as long as we can be certain that it is still safe to drive we will keep it on the road. But when it is time. . . . . We will never do business with Ford again.

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Abs and brake light will come on and off. And battery and alternator keeps going bad.

My 2002 Ford Windstar has had many parts tested. They all seem to test good. Battery , alternator to name a few. When driving the van hazards come on ( without turning them on ) the radio shuts off, the heat turns off and power is lost as if it's the alternator. Abs lights come on and then the dash panel lights up like a christmas tree. . Oh then the vehicle dies and won't start , clicks like it's the alternator or battery but they test fine. . After searching many blogs this seems to be a big issue with many mechanics that don't know what it is. . This needs to be fixed it's a pain and thank god for aaa but really should I have to use my aaa all the time/ this particular vehicle spent 6 months in the Ford garage in 2010. Now what when you buy something you think it will be good for you and your family and that you can use it as a primary car. We have lost days from work, money and money for trying different parts now what???.

As the drivers of Ford Windstars we all got treated unfair Ford wont even help its current Ford Windstar drivers I've met alot Windstar owners and they are agitated,, first off only had this since last year and after the last 6 months of this it has been a terrible van to drive, first changing the alternator 3 x's and the battery 4's really would get a person violent, whatever happened to customer service beyond the mile of service as Ford always talks, don't get me wrong the van can go miles til empty, also, the back windows the driver side doesn't open, it gets hot back there, OH wait the ac don't work in the rear either, don't go to far on a hot ride 4 hours away, you'll be sweating within the 10 miles you'll be drenched, when you open a car or van , big rig,limo, bus, the lights come on , not this mean pup, if you drop money, better wait til morning you'll be searching all nite, it doesn't matter who the current driver the vehicle is you should proceed to bring them in for adjustments, there cost, OH wait you just put $500 in it, here we go again, another $200, by the time it hits 6 months you just spent money you needed for groceries, OH wait $5. 00 is all you got, now you gotta beg for food, and don't have no money to do squat, Ford I hope this reaches you, so you see I cant tolerate a non honest company, I should have bought that Honda or that Acura, pure smooth running cars right there, quality built is there name and I stand behind them, Ford you get 1 star, Honda 10 stars. . . A driver of the unwinning 2003 Ford Windstar se, Ford you got that buyback program still, she really needs a new home, a home worth big bucks to dump into her, anyone reading this out here, if you here of any help for this sick 2003 Ford Windstar se, Ford is it about time you , demote and let a new car maker come to town.

The contact owned a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle emitted a boom sound and caught on fire. As a result, the vehicle was destroyed. The fire marshall appeared on the scene and stated that the fire was caused by the alternator. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 150. 000. The VIN was unknown.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact stated the steering column made noise whenever the contact was making a left or right turn. The contact stated the fluid level was correct, but the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect. The contact stated lights on the dashboard and the radio began to flash on and off. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer again and was told that the alternator needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 68,785.

I purchased a 2002 Ford Windstar from genoa Ford genoa ohio. . . With the abs light and brake light on. . . The salseman said that we have the car priced low because it will need brakes. . . We purchased the brakes and still had the problem. . . We then had the master cylinder replaced the next day 3 days later as we where driving the van the abs and brake light turned on and the van was not able to be started so it was towed for the second time. . . The day before this we had it at tireman in northwood to get radiator flushed. . . And new tires when we pulled away the van lost all power and then the battery was replaced. . . So today after this problem happened the mechanic tells us we need an alternator. In the mean time I have searhed online and found that recall #09s09 deals with electrical issues as in the abs the scds the cruise control etc. . . So this issue obviously has not been stopped with the recall being profprmed on my vehicle at genoa Ford on oct 19, 2009( as the mechanic chris told me on the phone). . . So I have come here to file this complaint.

Interior lights have been intermitant for several years, drivers side auto lock stopped working completely, constant draining of the battery, must carry jumper cables. . Third battery in three years, now problem is weekly. Thinking this issue may have to do with the fact that the interior lights go on and off at random unexplained times. Sometimes remaining on once the vehicle is off and all doors are completely closed. Problem with abs and brake light coming on at randoms times in addition to the check engine light never staying reset. Charging system lights intermitantly comes on. . Sometimes they come on and off but if they remain on cause the car to hesitate or just quit on you. Car is a extreme safety hazard at intersections becuase of hesitation and stalling. My wife (her primary vehicle) has been stranded in two intersections where the car died completely. My wife is terrified for her safety everytime we are in this vehicle. I have finally had enough and am filing a complaint since I have read from numerous sources that I am one of thousands and thousands having this same issue. Please consider the safety of the drivers of these vehicles and subsequently any innocent motorist or pedestrian who may become injured from these safety issues. Thank you. Ford is obviously aware of these problems and reports and it appears is unwilling to research a fix, or intitiate a recall until enough bodies pile up on the side of the road in vehicle accidents, having a vehicle fail completely twice in 3 months in the middle of ohama nebraska intersections is very dangerous, and should be evaluated or recalled. I have replaced baterries, and alternator, fuses, and many dollars in diagnostic fees to family ase certified mechanic who is shaking his head. Does Ford know what the problem is and just does not want to admit it and complete another factory recall on this vehicle.

Car quits running while in motion. The enterior lights flicker, the abs light comes on and the car dies. I have replaced the alternator and they say the battery is ok, but it will not run for more than a few miles at a time. I have to repeatedly get a jump start. I just replaced the transmission with only one hundred thousand miles on the car.

Abs light, trac active light, alternator, check traction control light.

Sit down, get a coffee, because you will be reading a book. I purchased a 2003 Ford Windstar, with 20,000 miles, in 2005. I've had nothing but major problems. In 12/2008 with 87,205 miles the transmission went,that was 2013. 00 , then in 3-2009 check engine light, had to replace gaskets, that cost 500. 00,. Then in 10/15/2010 I had to bring van in for different sensors, and abs light, and emergency brake light kept coming on. That was . That was 232. 00. Then on 10/19/2010 brought van in to the Ford dealer, because none of my gauges work, letting me know how fast I'm going, or how much gas I have. They say it is the gauge cluster, that's 500. 00 alone not including labor, they inform me I have a hole in the left rear axle, and I have to leave the van there, and I may also need a new alternator, and it may takes weeks for the part to come in. That's not including other miner repairs along the way. The best part of all. I still have 6 payments left. What rights do I have? I can't believe all the major issues. They should take this van, and give me a different one. Not a Ford. I told you, that you were reading a book.

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar and have had nothing but problems with it. Since purchasing the car I have had issues with the electrical system or something which Ford claims they can not figure out what the problem is- all they kept saying is you need to pay $ for diagnostic tests which will probably not even tell them the answer to the problems because in order to catch the problem they need to catch it just as it happens which is near impossible. Long story short-I have put nothing but $ into this van which I feel should be recalled because after doing research on all the problems there are alot of people that are complaining about the exact same issues for the exact same year and model van. As of now I am stuck with no car to get to work and to get my kids to school because the van won't start and it had to be towed to the shop once again. Events leading up to the failure- domes lights flickering on and off at random while driving even with the switch in the off position, fuses getting blown from opening windows, automatic door locks only working when it wants to, alternator and battery failure, transmission failure, and now they have no clue why it is not starting. Failures happen every year since I have had the van. I have had the alternator and battery replaced every year and had the transmission replaced as well. I have had problems with the ac and heat and the brake and abs lights coming on and off at random. I have been stranded on the side of the road with my children and just can't afford to do this anymore.

99 Ford Windstar has been having numerous battery problems in the last 6 months. Went through 3 batteries and 1 alternator. Took to Ford dealership who couldn't find a problem. Told me there were no recalls for speed control deactivation switch. My 99 Windstar was not included in this recall. Turns out car died today on major highway with electrical problem. Burning smell under hood. I am complaining because I deliberately asked about the speed control deactivation switch recall 2 weeks ago at Ford dealership and was told by dominick that my car was not included in that recall. On oct. 13 2009 my car was included in that recall. My abs light has been on for ages. . . My car has not been at Ford dealership since oct 13 2009 so I know the recall was not previously performed. The dealer is courtesy Ford in sanford florida. . . The car was towed to that location. It is Sunday so the dealership is closed. . . .

2001 Ford Windstar beginning in summer of 2009, abs and brake light sometimes lit on dashboard. Dashboard controls either stopped working, going on and off and controls such as rpm, gas ind, speedometer either not working or going back and forth rapidly. The rpm indicator pin actually snapped off. Now it is stuck and doesn't move at all. Drivers side window stopped working, replaced motor. Had Ford dealer replace switch as indicated in recall 09s09 in November 2009. Thought problem was fixed. As of Jan 18, 2010, abs and brake lights come on after engine has warmed up. Before I was notified of the recall I had full brake service on front and rear brakes in October 2009. Also, not sure if related or not, I turned the car off at a red light and attempted tp restart it to turn off lights and the alternator died, had to replace.

On December 16th 2009. I was driving down west 117th towards madison/lakewood in cleveland, ohio and was trying to come to a stop (slow down and stop) to allow an ambulance to pass (there was a car in front of me that was also slowing downa nd that came to a stop at the street lot)this is on a major street near an highway intersection. I put my foot on my brake to slow down the vehicle and come to a stop but it would not slow down or stop. The brake had went out. I ended up hitting the car in front of me hard (an SUV) and doing quite a bit of damage to my vehicle. The other driver vehicle was so far as I could tell undamaged. On my vehicle the front light is broken, my bumper is damaged, and my hood is damaged. I, myself and the driver I hit could have gotten seriously injured. So far we are bothfine and no injuries occurred. However he may turn around and come after me if he decides to. And I now can not drive my vehicle. I received a recall notice on my vehicle brake about a month ago around early November. Maybe in end of October. The very day of my accident (happened around 12:15 noon) I was going to go home and call Ford about the recall. There is a worldwide recall on my vehicle model and many others. And I have had nothing but problems since I bought it. I have had to make numerous repairs on it and still had problems and this accident. Ford should be held responsible for this and should compensate me with another vehicle in good condition especially since I have spent so much time and money into replacement parts for this Windstar. Or give me my money back or something. I'm glad my kids were not with me when this happened and that the man I hit was also alone and is ok. What can be done about this? I have had to replace the following items since I got this vehicle: O2 sensors (both), alternator, belt, windshield wiper blade, and make back blades don't work at all, the transmission, the steering column box, door handle and components inside and more!.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

It started with the interior lighting coming on while driving ,then the dash windows nd radio ,battery dying and the outside lighting staying on while keys were out and not working once started. They are all happening constantly even with all the new parts that the Ford garage replaced{battery,switches,alternator,light sockets,etc}.

2003 Windstar electrical problems. Lights flash any time at all. Headlight will flicker when driving at night. Different warning lightswill come on randomly. This has been aproblem since I bought the van used. Burns out alternator and batteries. Many exact complaints on the internet. Transmissions just quit. Many electrical problems. Not only costly but dangerous. They have no solution too the problem. Put in a new alternator,battery,diagnostic testing. Still the same.

My wife and I bought our van after owning a 2000 Ford Windstar. I used to work for a Ford dealership and have only owned Ford vehicles most of my life. This van has changed my mind and I will have to think long and hard before buying another Ford. Our van has been a problem ever since we drove it off the lot. On the way home the right front door window quit working and took two trips to the dealer to repair. Like other people have said the electric side doors have a mind of there own opening a closing on there own. There is a loud pop every time the side doors open. After several trips to the dealer nothing was done. The engine keeps revving up to the point that you have to stand on the brakes at a red light to keep it from running into the intersection. The dealer again looked at the several times and nothing has been found. As a former mechanic I have been fooled by this also and have replaced the throttle position sensor hoping that would fix it with no luck. The van would not start at times and would have to be jumped off. The battery was replaced as a precautionary measure because this is my wife and kids in this car and I want to take no chances. Finely I was around one time it would not start and found the alternator to be bad. Replacing it and nightmare but that another story. Now the van still idles high and the check engine light and or loose fuel cap light is on. This van is a piece of junk and I regret the day I bought it. I am in my fourteenth year as a deputy sheriff. I do not want any thing but a Ford as my patrol unit after working on and driving every kind of car out there. It will be hard to buy another Ford as the vehicle my wife and children ride in.

My 2003 Ford Windstar is a nightmare. It started with the dome lights flickering on and off or just staying on. I turned the switch off but the lights still come on. Then when I would open the rear windows a fuse would blow causing all windows, radio, etc. . To stop working. I have taken it in several time to have this looked at that they were tired of me coming in and took a black marker to show me which fuse to change when this happens. I have a friend who is a firefighter who said this is extremely unsafe--for the fuse to keep blowing could cause a fire. After this, I woke up one morning and the car wouldn't start out of no where. After towing it in and a few hundred dollars later I ended up replacing the alternator and the battery. As far as the dome lights & the fuse---still flickering and the fuse still blows out--they say they don't know what is wrong with that. After this, while driving with my girls, the car just died out on us. Started with the battery light going on then the dash said low battery and then it just stopped running. Brought the car in again and they said it was the alternator again. This happened about 1 year after replacing the first one. So once again a few hundred dollars later---they still don't know what is causing this to keep happening. The lights still keep flashing, the fuse still keeps blowing and still no answers. There has got to be something wrong with the electrical system but no one knows what it is. I also found that there are other 2003 Windstars with the exact same problems--lights flickering, electrical problems, replacing alternators & batteries, etc. . . I filed a complaint with Ford motor company but they did nothing--they said all I can say is hold on to all your receipts and if a recall is made you will get reimbursed. What does it take to make Ford recall these vans??.

I was at a stop light at a major intersection and when the light turned green I heard a loud sound. I tried to accelerate but my car would not move forward. The engine just revved. I thought I ran something over due to the sound so inspected got out to inspect the car. I found nothing. I got back into the car and turned car off and turned back. The car would not drive. I put the car in reverse and managed to get off the road. I had the car towed to the dealership. I was told by the dealer sutton Ford in matteson IL. That the transmission just broke and would cost me $3000. 00. I have had this car less then 2 years. I had an extended warranty that just expired a few months ago. My obd light was on but was told by the dealer it was a sensor. They could turn it off but it wasn't anything major. After reading all the complaints I'm sure it is major. Since purchasing this car, I have had to replace tires at least every six months, major engine repair, alternator repair, as well as spring replacement. Overall, I've put more then $3000. 00 in repair not including the repair of the transmission I now need. I loved my Windstar but I am now discovering that it puts my life endanger to drive it. My two kids were in the car when this happened and I feared someone would hit my car. The worst part about all this is I am unable to get rid of this car as I still am buying this car. I am unable to refinance the difference. I was told to just scarp the car by the dealer and just get another car as I am even more in debt trying to repair the car. I don't want to ruin my credit so there has to be another solution. I have no inkling how I'm going to manage to get 3000. 00 for a new car and pay my bills and find an alternative method. I really would appreciate it if Ford would just do the right thing fix my transmission. Split the cost. I did damage my car in the mist of all this and just want to be able to drive to work until the car is paid off.

Abs light and brake lights stays on, cruise control never has worked, have fixed the brakes and the lights are still on. Now I think the 02 sensor I guess it may be the oxygen sensor is out also I think it keep on burning up my alternators, I put a new last year and just had to put another one and I think it is about gone also.

: the contact stated while driving 45 mph on the highway at night, there was a loss of all vehicle power without warning. The contact maneuvered the vehicle to the side of road, and was towed to a dealer, who determined the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted.

Item # 1 engine light came on and stayed on. Vehicle began to idle sluggishly when cold. Repair shop investigated and found the lower engine manifold gasket had failed. Replaced lower manifold and gasket and problem was corrected. Item # 2 battery light flickering. Grounding strap between alternator and body frame failed. Reads open with multimeter. Created by own grounding strap using 10 GA. Wire and weather resistant ring-type connectors. No more battery light. Item # 3 internal lights flicker randomly and intermittently. Slamming all doors does not seem to affect the condition. Problem still remains. I turned of the dome light switch to keep from running down my battery and eliminate the mobile "disco" effect.

I have a 2002 Ford Windstar that we purchased 2 yrs ago, . . . Morning after delivery battery was dead, took back to dealer and they checked it out and said should be fine. Occasionally still dies and has to be charged, alternator & battery check out fine. The most dangerous problem is that the abs light is on and abs doesn't work properly. We continuously have to add brake fluid (at least once a month) and can not find any leaks on the ground. Had the vehicle in for service on several occasions can not diagnose. The dealership hooked vehicle up to machine to read code and can not get any readings from system. Dealership seemed to think that it could be a wiring problem or abs module. Abs will occasionally go out/work but not properly, abs will kick in on dry roads not wet/snow covered. Tire pressure light is illuminated and tire pressures are all correct. Has been reset but comes back on after driving a few miles. Occasionally it will go out on its own but then the speedometer will bounce around (if going 55 will jump to 70,80). When opening the rear tailgate hatch and closing,the dash light stays on like it is still open and dome lights will not work properly. When driving the door chime will sound and the door ajar light will go out and works properly until gate is opened again. When driving the door light and chime will come on lights stay on. The door ajar light also comes on and off intermittently when using the driver side door controls to put windows up/down you hear louder then normal clicking. Also dims the lights when putting windows up/down. We can also smell what seems to be wires burning at times but can not find anything. We are at a loss of where to begin. We will not drive this vehicle any further then 50 mile radius from our home for fear of what will happen if we do. If we go further we rent a vehicle. Now to the point of purchasing a cheap, reliable vehicle (not Ford) and parking this one until we can pay down enough to trade in.

Foia request any reports, notices complaints/ information, mfg violations, warning/ regulatory ltrs re electrical and/or air bag fires in 2004-2004 Ford Windstar minivans. The consumers daughter died and the son was injured when their vehicle caught on fire.

Since buying my Windstar, 2000; used, 57,000 miles I have had one problem after another. Within two weeks after purchase my transmission would jump then straighten out and go on. I had it checked by five different places and all stated there was nothing wrong. It stopped completely during a family trip and I had to purchase a new transmission. It had a knock in the engine ever since I bought it but it finally got so bad I thought the prudent thing to do was to get it overhauled. There crank shaft was not smooth and had to be machined and rebuilt. I have had several different issues concerning the electrical system; abs stays on, sliding door lock failure, interior lights come on while driving and will not go off, all instrument dash lights flash on and then seem to recover, now my whole electrical system is acting up. The radio always went off when you cut off the engine and open the door, but now my battery is dead and while charging it the head light came on, (but none of the switches were turned on), OH and about 10 months ago I had to replace the alternator. No warning except right before it died the light started cutting off and on. I cannot afford another purchase at this time. I am sick of this.

The contact stated in March 2004 the interior lights flickered under all conditions. There were no warning indicators on the dashboard concerning the interior lights flickering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer changed the alternator and the battery lead wires. This only repaired the problem for two to three days. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the door switches were changed. This solved the problem for two to three weeks. The problem recurred and vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the thumb roller for the interior lights and the switch plates on the sliding doors. Again the problem recurred after two to three weeks. Once again the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referred the contact to another dealer. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer who was unable to diagnose the source of the problem. The second dealer suggested the problem may be related to a rare electronic module which was replaced by the contact, but this still did not solve the problem. The contact then took the vehicle to a third dealer, who replaced the wiring under the headliner. The problem returned after two to three weeks. Yesterday the contact returned the vehicle to the third dealer, and they were unable to diagnose the cause of the problem.

Since purchase I have had to replace transmission, airconditioner, and the alternator--this has been replaced 4 times. There is still an issue with the interior lights coming on. This has been reported to Ford and they state there is no issue on their part.

The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the fuel filter. The alternator, right inner cv boot, abs module, and brake master cylinder were replace.

There was a short in the alternator, causing a fire, claim 28-3093-207.

Short in the alternator caused vehicle fire, claim 28-3093-207.