24th Oct 2004, 02:25
It was gratifying to read about the same issues we've had with our '97 Ford Wind Star. The speedometer started jerking also, then completely stopped working. The local San Jose Ford dealership said the housing had melted into the transmission, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. We have friends that purchased the same model, same year with the same problem. They refused to take any responsibility for such a malfunction, and it was of course out of warranty.
After spending $3,000 for a rebuilt transmission, the speedometer is still jerking. Now all the power windows have stopped working. we also experience the clunking and squealing sounds with the steering wheels.
There must be something we can all do to require Ford to take responsibility for defective parts.
San Jose, Ca.
Oct. 2004.
28th Oct 2004, 23:35
Now I don't feel like a Lone Ranger. My 1996 Windstar started out with the chattering speedometer. When checked by Ford they claimed that the left axle was cracked. When repaired cruise control went out and noise kept on. Then the open door light started pinging away. Driving me crazy. Tried the 10W30 fix - didn't work. Now the transmission keeps trying to shift while driving at all speeds. All this happened within 18 months. Now I remember why it was a long time before I bought a Ford product. Any help out there?
30th Oct 2004, 21:19
I also have a problem with my 96 Windstar that the inner lights stay on after I shut the engine, although I don't get the chiming. Then when I start the car the dashboard shows that a door is open when all doors are obviously closed, and the inner lights stay on until I drive a bit then they go off. It happens if I open the back hatch, after slamming the back door numerous times the inner lights finally go off. The problem resurfaces inconsistently when I open the back hatch, I just think I will never reopen it, but that's a big pain. I will try the WD-40. If anyone has a definite answer I'd like to hear it. pinchust@hotmail.com.
14th Nov 2004, 17:56
As the owner of a 1998 Windstar, I'm really glad I ran into this site. I was beginning to think the piece of junk was out to drive me crazy. We've had all the same door chime and interior light problems. It's sitting in the drive right now with the interior lights on. I can't get them to go out. It's happened before, but this time, nothing works. Guess I'll go try the WD-40.There will never be another Ford in my life. GO Chevrolet!!!
30th Dec 2004, 10:01
Last month (November), I purchased a 1997 Windstar to use as a work van. It was wonderful the first morning when I went out to go to work at 5:30am and the battery was dead. I have the dome light/door ajar problem as well. It is driving me crazy. I've now been through 6 cans of WD-40 and it has not helped. Had I known about this problem a month ago, I'd have never bought a Ford.
It does make getting into my Jeep Grand Cherokee even that much more enjoyable!
28th Mar 2005, 16:48
I just bought a used 1997 Ford Windstar van 5 months ago. I ran out of battery juice not knowing that the interior lights were coming on. However, I saw them on during night recently. Same old story for everyone in here about interior lights. I read the owner's manual where the previous owner penned in that he took out the fuse for interior lights, so I did the same. I have a hard time now trying to charge the battery. The reason why I am here is that I have a hard time charging or cranking on my engine now that the battery drained some. I tried jumping the battery for 20 minutes to no avail. How do I handle this?
30th Apr 2005, 10:29
I too replaced a couple of O2 sensors, I replaced the Vehicle Speed Sensor, the "upper" speedometer cable, (apparently there are 2 cables) the entire Speedo Head, & the (2) sensors in the rear for the tail gate. (Door Ajar Light) All total with my time, Ford's time, & total parts, it has cost me a total of just under $1,000.
7th Jun 2005, 07:44
Have 2 Ford Mini vans. The 96 is a Aerostar (210k). The 97 is a Windstar (97k). The Windstar rides much smoother and perhaps looks a little nicer. Are there any Windstars out there that don't have the stupid speedometer and light problems?
On the other hand, the Aerostar didn't need any major repairs until about 100k miles. (it wouldn't start in wet weather - new distributor). We are torn - the 96 soon needs to be replaced and it was a very good van, with a new hopefully not a sucky piece of trash the Windstar is. Are the new Freestars (aside from being a little ugly) any good?
Have tried the Chevy vans - no wonder their stock is going down the tubes, along with Fords. And I simply cannot buy a Chrysler product Has anyone had a good Windstar?
21st Oct 2004, 21:30
I cannot believe so many people seem to be having the same problems. My husband and I am at the end of our rope. We are about ready to junk our '98 ford wind star. We have the same problem with the interior overhead light staying on, and have pulled fuses, had to get a boost because the battery would be dead in the morning when trying to take the kids to school. Also, our brake light always stays on.
We have been having a very, very frustrating problem for the past two weeks. We have spent almost $600.00 so far, and the problem is still not fixed. If anyone has any suggestions, PLEASE respond!!! Here goes;
When we press the brake pedal, it slowly goes completely to the floor. We replaced the master cylinder, bled that first, also bread the brake lines, then we were told that the computer at a garage showed that the ABS module was bad. It wasn't even showing up on the computer. So, we went out and bought a used ABS module for $300.00. We installed that, (the master was bought new), and bled it, etc., and still the SAME PROBLEM!!! It is pretty scary when you are sitting at a light, and you have to keep pumping the brake, afraid you are going to hit the car in front of you!!! Now, my husband tried working on it again today, and the brake was fine when the car was off, but when it is running, it goes completely to the floor again!! He called a mechanic, and the mechanic said that in order for it to work when the car is running, that you have to bleed the lines in a certain order, and have them hooked up to the computer while you are bleeding the lines.
PLEASE HELP!!! This van is a huge piece of disappointment. I will NEVER, EVER buy a Ford again!!! However, at this time, with four children, going to school, etc., finances are a little tight, and we need to try to hold onto it for a little while longer.
Thanks for any input!!!
Cynthia M.
Lyn-brook , NY.