Brake Master Cylinder Problems of Ford Windstar - part 1

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 55 mph and without warning, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed and would not stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,750.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) over time develops a leak. This causes a short and a fuse trip, fuse #10 if the engine is on. This leak also causes brake fluid to wick down two wires to the abs brake module (2c219). The fluid accumulates on the (always on) power connectors for the abs brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. The fluid attracts moisture, road salt and leads to a fire when the fluid and moisture act as conductor between the hot leads and ground. This switch has been the subject of other Ford recalls, just not my Windstar van yet. My wiring harness when inspected was wet with brake fluid, including the connections and the inline fuses, which basically permits electricity to jump past the inline fuses and continue to heat up the wiring harness. The fuses bodies crumbled when inspected. Since most double side door vans are predominantly driven by large families, the possibility of multiple fatalities per vehicle due to a horrific death from being burnt alive is a valid point to consider. Most vehicle fires spread so fast that unstrapping multiple small children from restraint seats would take an inordinate amount of time, especially with smoke inhalation and the heat of flames to prohibit rescue. Thank you for investigating this.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The abs/brake/traction control lights began to come on every time car was driven and stay on the entire time. Brakes began to squeal and then they failed completely. Brakes locked when applied - had to release and apply again to get the vehicle to stop. When brakes were applied the car would keep moving. We took the car to a mechanic and was told it was the abs system. He replaced the abs module - - within one week the brakes failed again. We took the car to the Ford dealership this time and was told the abs module needed to be replaced again. We told them this had just been done and we thought it could be the master cylinder but they said no it was the abs module. Paid again to replace this and within one day of getting the car back the brakes failed again. We took it back and were told it was the master cylinder. We paid again to have this fixed and just got the car back yesterday - - the brakes failed again today. From research online it appears that this is a huge problem and Ford should know this and be doing something about it. We have almost wrecked several times but the dealership keeps telling us that they cannot find anything else wrong even though the brakes continue to fail.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The vehicle was checked by Ford dealer in alamogordo, nm 88310 due to a recall for "rear axle cracks, subframe corrosion" and "brake, abs brake, cruise control, and speedometer/odometer electrical problems" on Aug/16/2011. They sad there is no problem / or they fixed it. After that date, the brake/abs brake illuminated a couple of times, but went of after the engine was turned off/on again. Also the cruisecontrol stopped working since and isn't currently not working. I found that the "brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) is leaking!!!. It is completely wet and the fluid is dropping down slowly. Pictures are available, taken today 04/04/2012.

2000 ord Windstar, anti-lock brakes and traction control failure, lights on dash come on and deactivate anti-lock brakes. Started after the recall for the brake master cylinder was done.

June 2009-brakes failed/indicator light stayed on--took to midas and found the master cylinder was leaking. Replaced master cylinder. Sept 15th, 2009--brake indicator light came on. Brake pedal was spongy and the cruise control would not work correctly. If I tried to use the cruise control, it would disengage without me touching the brakes, then it would return to speed without me resetting. Returned the car to midas and they found the brake pressure differential switch was shorted out. It was covered in brake fluid.

My 2000 Ford Windstar lost it's brakes for a moment from the resulting leak at the deactivation switch attached to the master cylinder. After consulting my local mechanic. We discovered brake fluid all over the engine compartment. This would have probably resulted in a fire if brakes had not failed for a moment. I taken the correct action and had the switch replaced but I'm not confident in this vehicle any longer I've since looked on the internet and found this is a large safety issue which is still under investigation.

The contact owns a 1999 Ford Windstar. The contact took his vehicle in for a routine inspection and was informed that brake fluid was leaking from the master cylinder. He called the dealer and manufacturer in reference to NHTSA campaign id number 99v147000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder) and was informed that his VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 83,000.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact smelled something burning. There were no flames present. He opened the hood and disconnected the master cylinder sensor to deactivate the brakes. The current and failure mileages were 150,000.

I have a faulty switch on my brake master cylinder- and my car was not part of the recall Ford issued with the same problem to it's other vehicles. This problem is linked to the cruise control and causes the brake fluid to leak possibly causing a fire.

The master cylinder speed control pressuer swith liking brake oil.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Brake leak under master cylinder. Can apparently cause other items to falter if not fixed and can even cause fire in the abs circuitry.

The brake pressure differential deactivation switch (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) over time develops a leak. This causes a short and a fuse trip, fuse #10 if the engine is on. This leak also causes brake fluid to wick down two wires to the abs brake module (2c219). The fluid accumulates on the (always on) power connectors for the abs brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. The fluid attracts moisture, road salt and leads to a fire when the fluid and moisture act as conductor between the hot leads and ground. This switch will cause cruise control problems, speedometer, odometer and abs brake system problems.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The anti-lock brake system, traction control and service brake warning lights would simultaneously illuminate on the instrument control panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and a technician concluded that the master cylinder failed. He then added that the repairs would cost over $2400. 00. The failure mileage and current mileages were less than 62,000.

The sensor part #sw-6351 get fire under the master cylinder. 5/7/08- it appears the NHTSA is staring an investigation into the deactivation switch leaking a causing fires! this is certainly good news and I'm sure will save lives. If you have a old deactivation switch that leaked, please do not throw it away, we may need to collect a few!.

Sensor on brake master cylinder is leaking on transmission electric connector, almost ran out brake fluid.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Windstar. The contact was informed by his children that his vehicle was on fire. He extinguished the fire and noticed that the master cylinder on the firewall was melted. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. There were no injuries and no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 169,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 5 mph, the contact noticed smoke underneath the hood. He pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The smoke flow gradually lessened and became controlled. He called roadside assistance and they unplugged the master cylinder switch, which seemed to be the cause of the failure. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls pertaining to this failure. The current and failure mileages were approximately 91,000.

Brake pressure differential deactivation switch located under master cylinder has leak that causes shorts and fuse #10 continually goes out. Fire hazard, speedometer doesn't work, a/c gone out, etc. This problem is happening w/ these vans all over the place - hundreds of internet posts confirm.

Brake oil leak from cruise control pressure switch on master cylinder. Fire hazard.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle sporadically loss excessive brake fluid. The dealer stated that the wiring harness that was connected to the vehicle speed cruise control failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $86. 67. Secondly, the technician stated that there was a recall and her VIN was excluded from the VIN range. The contact was in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 101,000 and current mileage was 103,032. Updated 09/16/08 the was a leak in the brake master cylinder. Updated 09/22/08.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. The contact noticed a loss of brake fluid in the vehicle. The contact would add fluid one week, and the following week, it would almost be empty. The dealer stated that the master brake cylinder and accessories needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 101,000 and failure mileage was 99,000.

Periodic illumination of the dashboard warning lights for the abs and the brakes, especially during summer months, but down here in the south, also during warmer winter days. According to the Ford manual, this indicates a problem with the abs control module. In looking further, I found that the master cylinder is leaking into the brake pressure differential deactivation switch. The wires are wet with fluid, leading all the way down to the abs control module. The approximate incident date is the first occurance, but I have had the lights come on ever since buying the van, used, in the spring of last year.

My 2001 Ford Windstar developed a brake fluid leak from the speed control deactivation switch mounted on the master cylinder. This appears to have caused the speedometer and odometer to stop working. I plan to make repairs tonight, but I noticed that many other Ford products are under a recall for this same problem, and I wanted to include the information that this problem has occurred on my Windstar. It appears to be a potential fire hazard.

This has happened over the past two weeks. About February 15, 2008 I was having trouble keeping pressure in my brakes. They were spongy. I called a mechanic and brought it to him on February 16th. He said it was the master cylinder, and replaced it and the wheel cylinders. Well, the van worked for about a week. Then Monday, February 25, 2008 my brakes again went spongy. I checked the brake fluid and there was none. I refilled the container, and called a mechanic. I brought the vehicle to him on February 26, 2008. He determined it was the cruise control pressure switch. I then went to tousley Ford dealership and got the part. Tousley Ford in minnesota said this particular part is in recall for several other vehicles but not mine. My mechanic replaced the part and the vehicle hasn't had any problems. As a matter of fact, now the cruise control works again. It had gone out last summer some time. This recall is for a fire hazard, and I saw where the brake fluid can leak through that switch onto wiring so there could have been a fire in my van. My complaint is that my vehicle, and family are just as important to me as the vehicles and families of the other people who were able to get their vehicles fixed in the recall. I drive a 2002 Ford Windstar sport minivan. I do foster care and have birth children, and grandchildren in that vehicle all the time. So, I am very upset that Ford does not recall this fire hazard on all vehicles. My family is very important!.

The master cylinder was low on fluid. I kept adding fluid and found it leaking on the brake pressure diff. Deactivation switch located in the front of the master cylinder. This a 2002 Ford Windstar van the I am referring too.

On July 1, 2007 during the operation of my 1999 Ford Windstar, smoke started coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and shutdown at which time the smoke stopped. The engine compartment was inspected by myself at that time and I found nothing that appeared abnormal. Restarted the vehicle and the smoke did not reappear but the odometer readings went to dashes, speedometer was inoperative, the abs light was on, and the air conditioner was inoperative. Drove the vehicle home and performed a more detailed inspection of it. This inspection revealed a blown fuse, as #10 of the interior fuse block. This fuse was replaced and the vehicles ignition switch was turned on, again smoke came out from the engine compartment of the vehicle and I determined at that time it was caused by the cruise control deactivation switch connector. The ignition switch was turned off immediately and the connector was disconnected from the deactivation switch located on the brake master cylinder. I found the connector both internally and externally wet with brake fluid. The connector showed signs of overheating as it was partially melted on the inside. Cleaned all the brake fluid from the deactivation switch connector and the deactivation switch itself. I left the connector disconnected from the switch and turned on the ignition switch. This resulted in no smoke from the engine compartment. The connector was left disconnected from the switch but the vehicle will not be used until I have performed or Ford performs repairs to it. I found that Ford had recalled several vehicles for what appears to be the same problem that I have with my 1999 Windstar but it was not on the recall list. I feel that this could have developed into a dangerous situation for my family. I would like to state that I am a certificated air frame and power plant technician by the faa and have worked in that capacity for 28 years for fedex express on their aircraft.

I had to stop abruptly for a child that ran into the street. My brakes when to the floor. After this took place I continued to have problems with my brakes; no or little brake pressure, low brake fluid even after filling this. The mechanic could not find anything wrong but felt maybe the master cylinder was bad, this was replaced. I continually still have problems with the brakes; no or little brake pressure and the brake fluid needing to be filled.

Without warning, the brake pedal went to the floor. My daughter was unable to stop and collided with the vehicle in front of her. The brake fluid reservoir is full. The car was serviced regularly but had no recent brake work completed. I have been told that the master cylinder completely failed. The party that was struck is now claiming injury. We do not know the severity of their injuries.

2000 Ford Windstar. The brake pressure switch on the master cylinder was leaking fluid. This caused the master cylinder to go out. The gauges on the vehicle quit working, and this is how he noticed the problem. The dealership stated this was a problem with Ford, they were recalling the trucks but not the vans. The switch was replaced. The problem happened approximately a month ago. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and he just received the vehicle back.

1999 Ford Windstar 135,000 miles. Used for sales. Master cylinder (abs) light on and short at line running into master cylinder. Pulled fuse after blowing several. Affected part of dash (speedo, and odomiter) and cruise now does not work. Had my son confirm were smoked wire was while putting in new fuse and watching under hood with my son starting van. Note: same problem as see in news reports on other Ford products but Windstar was not listed. My mechinic does not do wiring but he did point out tosted harrness and connection at master cylinder.

Ford Windstar is experiencing problems with the brake equipment which is creating a safety issue. The anti-lock braking system did not operate properly and would activate 80% of the time. The consumer was told that the sensors were the problem on one occasion and on another, the master cylinder, but could not guarantee this.

This is a second or follow-up for my earlier complaint filed on the day of teh incident. I just found additional information and wanted to append this to my complaint. First complaint was about the total loss of braking in my 1996 Ford Windstar with 4 wheel discs and abs. With a dual braking system the rupture of a brake line should not cause total brake loss but this failure did cause just that. If the electrical power was not on some pedal was evident. Once electrical power was on the pedal went to the floor. Since the ruptured brake line was in the rear and the front brakes still had fluid and do most of the braking I would have expected to retain some stopping capability. I purchased the 4 wheel disc system to gain a safer and more secure vehicle. If the additonal of abs 4 wheel braking results in the loss of the dual master cylinder function , which is more critical, I think this option is less safe. The new information is the fact that other Ford Windstars have a recall for improperly installed brake lines which are subject to rust through and rupture. Ford tells me that my VIN is not in that group. I do not know if this is correct but the sumptoms sound identical. All the other brake lines in my car were in excellent shape save for the one to the rear brakes which ruptured and caused the loss of the fluid in the rear system. The front system retained fluid but did not pressurize the brakes. I assuem this failure was caused by the abs but I can not be sure if that is the actual cause. Ford indciates that my need to replace the brake line is not the same as the existing recall. I am requesting that you investigate if the brake line problem with the Windstar product is larger that originally thought. My car also is supposed to have the master cylinder signage updated on a recall. Ford indicates my was done but I do not see any of the expected markings. Perhaps these were applied and have fallen off or I could be looking in the wrong place.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Windstar 🔎.

My 1996 Ford Windstar with abs 4 wheel disc brakes experienced total brake failure on the NY cross island highway. I managed to get the car off the highway and into a parking lot. Despite having dual zone brakes and brake fluid remaining in the front brake system I had zero braking. I would think that paying extra for 4 wheel disk abs brakes would not be at the cost of losing the value of the dual master cylinder. I expected improved braking with the abs 4 wheel disk option. The loss of any braking mote than off-sets the heat discipatation and abs features. Should having abs and disc brakes make a car less safe? the car with only 58,500 miles on it had a metal brake hose rust out. This line went to the right rear brakes and the failure was in the middle of the car above the spare wheel. Other brake lines still appear rto be in excellent condition. I do not know why this one failed at this date. The real reason for this complaint is that I was surprised by the total loss of braking. I think this may be a design failure. Shouldn't the front brakes still have worked? indeed with the ignition and system off some pedal was encountered but with the power on there was absolutely no pedal. The indicator lights did indicate a braking problem. This car has been reported to Ford and to several dealers as the abs/traction contorl often automatically disengages. Despite more that 20 attemtps to have this corrected at multiple dealers this problem persists. This is another problem that results in the loss of benefits in what should be a safety improvement. However, this report is not about the recurring traction control failure. This is only to surface the fact that braking force is totally lost when a brake line for the rear brakes fails.

Master cylinder and hc unit were replaced in January of 2003, in the shop for 6 weeks. On 9/19 brakes failed again. Result hitting a parked car. Told by dealer that same 2 parts were again bad.