Battery Cable Problems of Ford Windstar

Van purchased used. Okay at first, then without warning the gauges (speed, fuel, tachometer, temperature) would start jumping wildly or top out and stick at max. Happened multiple times. Could sometimes clear by disconnecting and reconnecting battery cables. Have replaced battery twice. Replaced the gauge console. The o/d light (for the transmission) started coming on but does go off when you depress the o/d button - mechanic said that would indicate electrical problem. Now with key in the ignition, won't start but all the gauges jump wildly. You really can't rely on the gauges to be correct - I'm going 120 mph and I'm sitting still! Ford did replace the rear axle that was recalled. I don't know what to expect next. Is there any recall that I missed on the electrical system or a real fix for this problem?.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the abs and brake lights on the battery died. While the contact tried to replace the battery, she noticed that the battery cables melted. The contact called the dealer who stated that the abs light stayed on which caused the cable to melt. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Serious intermittent electrical issues with 2002 Ford Windstar. Break and abs light have been illuminated intermittently in the instrument cluster panel since purchasing the car in October 2007. Then in March 2010, after smelling electrical burning, the battery light began intermittently illuminating and go off when gas is applied for a few moments. Assuming possible alternator or battery issue, changed out the two components. Break and abs light and battery again began illuminating, and door locks began not working. Ford dealer performed 2009 abs recall correction, but electrical issues remained. Then all electrical components stopped while I was driving with my children on a busy street. Lost power steering, doors all locked, breaks went out, oddly the interior lights blinked on and off like an airplane emergency lighting would during a crash landing. Unable to unlock back door to remove my toddler from the car seat, and had to pray no one would slam me from behind while I crawled into the backseat and unlatched him (because back lights were not lit) then exited the car. Had to be jumped to restart. Changed 3 batteries and 4 alternators (2 were motor craft) since March 2010. One alternator blew within moments after the car was started after changing it. Mechanic mentioned he noticed an arc flash prior to its blowing. Replaced all new wires going into and out of the alternator, all new battery cables. Replaced serpentine belt and several fuses. Battery light still comes on. Took van to Ford dealership, where they witnessed and acknowledged the illuminated battery light, hooked van up to electrical test equipment, and found nothing ($100). Hooked it up to the regular diagnostics test equipment (another $100) tried to sell me an intake manifold for $500 including labor (I didn't bite). They replaced the 2 door actuators on the front doors ($300) and then told me they were unable to diagnose the actual electrical problem. Lights still lit. Car reliability gone.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. It first started with my cruise control switch catching on fire and causing wires under my hood to burn. . . Now for the last year I have been having problems with my passenger sliding door. . The sensor on the dash would show that the door was ajar(not closed) I could take the battery cable off for a while and the door light would go off. Now I have had to remove all the bulbs in the lights inside the van to keep my battery from running down this morning I get up and my battery is dead and acid from the battery is all over the post and cable wires. I talk to my mechanic he says this is due to some problem in the electrical system he said he has had to work on several Windstars for the same problemsome kind of sensor fault defect.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The vehicle had been parked for about 15 mins before it caught on fire. The doors locked, and the windshield wipers were running on their own. The fire department came and had to cut the battery cable to stop the vehicle. The keys were left inside the vehicle on the console in between the two front seats. A report was filed with the fire department. The dealer stated they had not received any reports of fires on Windstars. Manufacturer was contacted, and caller filed a complaint. They will get back to him. Vehicle was totaled, and it was towed away. The caller did not know what started the fire.

The negative battery cable cover is broken and replaced.