1998 Ford Windstar Consumer Discussions

Ford Windstar power loss

• Re: 1998 ford windstar 3.0L [shortfroggy]

  Written by: mfacdgba33 on Oct 14, 2011 10:27:40 PM

  sounds like oil fawled plugs. the valve stem seals are a issue for windstars. also look to see if you have a vacuum leak at any of the hoses that go into the engine.

• 1998 ford windstar 3.0L

  Written by: shortfroggy on Sep 20, 2011 10:39:03 PM

  Its weird you say its loosing power cause thats exactly what mine is kind of doing, it just doesnt want to seem to get up and go. It all started right before the belt broke and my mechanic changed the belt the pulleys the fuel pump and water pump, and we changed the cam shaft. now its been almost a yr ago and its been KICKING on me, the whole engine ... Read More

02 Windstar from brake question

• 1998 ford windstar

  Written by: toronto1 on Dec 12, 2009 6:08:31 AM

  i had my master cylinder replaced 4 times over the last 5 years it seems when it gets to our regular -15 weather in toronto i have to press the brake all the way to the bottom to get it to stop. A very scarry feeling. So i automatically know it is the master cylinder again. I am surprised there is no recall as it seems it is a well known ... Read More

Ford Windstar Transmission

• '95 tranny for '98? Both 3.8L engines

  Written by: todd463 on Aug 24, 2009 6:44:02 AM

  Hi all, I'm selling a transmission that was pulled out of a 95 Windstar. It was rebuilt by Ford and only has about 5000 miles on it. A guy e-mailed me and asked if it would fit into his 1998 Windstar, which also has the 3.8L. I'm a diesel mechanic, not an auto mechanic, so I don't want to steer him wrong. Thanks in advance! Todd

• Re: 1998 Ford Windstar Transmission Problems [sramamur1]

  Written by: bozie100 on Jul 30, 2008 6:37:10 PM

  I am having the exact same problem with my trans. Was wondering what you found out also. Please email if you can bozie100@hotmail.com Hello All; My Ford Windstar (3.0L) has approximately 110,000 miles on it and has recently developed a serious transmission problem. The van will not start when Drive "D", or the first gear "1", or reverse gear "R" is selected. The only way it starts is to select the ... Read More

• Re: 1998 Ford Windstar Transmission Problems [sramamur1]

  Written by: crs1890 on Jun 7, 2008 4:04:03 PM

  hi i know it was 2 years ago but what was the problem with the transmission on your 98 ford windstar because the same thing is halping to me thanks you can email me at sharpie1990@verizon.net Hello All; My Ford Windstar (3.0L) has approximately 122,000 miles on it and has recently developed a serious transmission problem. The van will not start when Drive "D", or the first gear "1", or reverse ... Read More

Ford Windstar Warning Lights/Codes

• Ford Windstar Door Ajar

  Written by: edwinw on Aug 11, 2008 8:23:40 AM

  I have a 1998 ford windstar in which the door ajar warning sounds all the time below about 15 miles per hour. The doors are secure. It is a back up vehicle and i just want to silence the alarm.

Ford Windstar Electrical Problems

• Windstar Wigging Out!

  Written by: gcastor on Jan 17, 2008 10:16:57 AM

  My 1998 Ford Winstar has all the same issues as everyone else's! Dinging dingers, dome lights staying on, transmission was rebuilt because of metal shavings, strut issues, you name it. The newest is......... The right blinker when turned on makes a sound as "zapping" noise as if shorting out AND whether it is related or not, the battery light comes on, lights dim, fan blower gets low. We charge the battery ... Read More

Ford Windstar Engine Problems

• 98 Windstar Engine

  Written by: vrodriguez on Nov 24, 2007 10:48:24 AM

  I purchase a 1998 Windstar, in Aug 98, while stationed in Germany and now after 144,000 the engine whent caput. My family and I were spending the weekend with my son when this mishap took place. It was towed to the nearest, which happens to be the biggest, Ford dealer in the area. The floor supervisor called me to informed me that after attempting to get it running they realized the ... Read More

Ford Windstar Warning Lights/Codes

• 1998 ford windstar code P0302

  Written by: komocazie74 on Jan 18, 2007 10:12:10 PM

  we have a 98 ford windstar with the P0302 code it is a cylinder #2 misfire after looking here and another forum im convinced its the computer. what exactly is the computer? is it the Powertrain Control Module? if it is the PCM about how much does this cost. if it isnt the PCM what exactly is the computer called? this van has alot of issues like the water pump needs ... Read More

Ford Windstar Transmission

• 1998 Ford Windstar Transmission Problems

  Written by: sramamur1 on Dec 11, 2006 8:58:19 AM

  Hello All; My Ford Windstar (3.0L) has approximately 110,000 miles on it and has recently developed a serious transmission problem. The van will not start when Drive "D", or the first gear "1", or reverse gear "R" is selected. The only way it starts is to select the second gear "2" and move to "D" when it picks up speed. It then drives well and can even do reverse parking. This ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• 1998 Ford Windstar Rear Brakes locking up

  Written by: shadow281 on Jul 28, 2006 4:37:05 PM

  Hi everyone i'm new here, i am from Houston Texas, I have a 1998 Ford Windstar Van and i have read several of your complaints and they all sound eerily familiar, what did i get myself into buying a Ford? My new problem is that it goes in reverse, and it will go in drive, but it feels as if the parking brake is stuck or something, the rear driver's side ... Read More

Ford Windstar Transmission

• Re: 1999 Ford Windstar Tranny Probelm [duegood]

  Written by: clevo on May 3, 2006 8:25:15 PM

  Our 1998 Windstar transmission began slipping about 4 weeks ago. It happens when we are accelerating from a stop, the engine revs as if the transmission is in neutral. If we back of the accelerator and try again, the transmission catches and goes fine. Again, this has only happened at most 4 times in the past 4 weeks. The transmission fluid level is fine, and the transmission fluid is not burnt. ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• Re: 98 Windstar Transmission problems - plus [ronrizz]

  Written by: debbie13 on Mar 20, 2006 7:06:20 PM

  I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. It has been a problem since day 5. Now after mega $$$$, i am trying to figure out why Northwest is telling me the power supply is in need a replacing, but the battery, alternator, coil packs & modulae have all been replaced. It drove fine for a week after the last shop visit. Now when I put it in gear it doesnt want to ... Read More

• Windstar TRAC OFF light

  Written by: reisat on Dec 25, 2005 1:12:23 PM

  Hello, to all the experts on a Ford Windstar, I live in Germany and just recently bought a Ford Windstar, produced in 1998. The car is running smoothly, but there seems to be a constant problem with that TRAC OFF light that ever so often flashes although the Ford dealer has tried to solve the problem. They replaced that control module (ABS), replaced the cables from the break cylinder and cleaned ... Read More

• Windstar coolant and oil light???? HELP needed

  Written by: windstarquest on Nov 11, 2005 2:43:07 PM

  We recently bought a ford windstar minivan v6 3.8l. I did a tune-up (based on Haynes and hints from other forumists) and change couple things such as the air filter and / the drivebelt. While exploring the engine, here is what I discovered: The coolant had a strange color (dirty?) and seemed contaminated and the engine oil seemed to have lost its viscoity (I changed the oil recently!) and appear black. ... Read More

• 98 Ford windstar contaminated coolant ??

  Written by: windstarquest on Nov 10, 2005 7:00:07 PM

  I bought this good looking Ford windstar V6 3.8L from a dealer on the condition AS IS. Unfortunately I bought the van without consulting someone else (expert) because the price was so attractive. The only obvious things I noticed that were wrong was that the ABS light and the brake lights were on. ANY suggestions ? I thought I could have it fixed by a local repair shop. The brakes were ... Read More

• 1998 ford windstar starter and ring gear replacement

  Written by: ho11yw00d on Aug 22, 2005 3:15:48 PM

  My 1998 ford windstar just cracked out a tooth in the ring gear and has a cracked tooth on the starter pinion. Wow. What a bummer. Is it really that hard to design the ring gear and starter so that the easily replaced starter is the "expendable" component and the ring gear is more duarble? I find myself in the position where I need to replace both on the 3.8L six. ... Read More

• Re: 1995 Winstar still going.......... [rmm1717]

  Written by: rob43 on Jul 22, 2005 12:22:24 PM

  I have a 1998 windstar that the back blower blows hot air and the front switches from a/c vents to defrost automatically. I had planned on sending it to the shop but after reading posts here and elsewhere. I called ford dealer they quote me $45.00 for the part but told me thats not the problem that its elsewhere and it would be $500.00. Well I needed a new battery anyway ... Read More

• Re: My 98 Ford W/S van dies [snoopysnoop]

  Written by: michkayaker on Jul 2, 2005 9:41:27 AM

  I had that problem last winter on my 1998 Windstar with 149,000 miles on it. It would run fine but if I stopped and turned it off it would not start again. I would wait 10 minutes to 30 minutes and then it would start again. I finally ended up taking it to the dealer and they replaced a switch on the transmission. I will see if I still have the ... Read More

• Re: 1996 ford winstar dual air stuck on in back on heat [stalpam]

  Written by: 75birdman on Jul 8, 2005 8:14:18 PM

  I have a 1998 Windstar, and I fixed the problem by replacing the rear air control switch in the dashboard. The system is run by vacuum, and when the switch starts to leak, it isn't able to port the vacuum to the correct side.

• Re: 1998 Ford Windstar Passenger Window Motor [oomar43]

  Written by: mikibee on Jun 13, 2005 12:50:48 PM

  My 1998 Ford windstar Passenger window stopped working about a year ago as well. I'd be interested in this reply too. Thanks

• Re: 1998 Ford Windstar Passenger Window Motor [oomar43]

  Written by: wijoco on May 22, 2005 8:55:44 PM

  You need to check available current and current draw, not voltage. You could have a pinched wire not supplying enough power to the motor, or the window could be hanging up in its track or the regulator assebly could be jamming overworking the motor.

• 1998 Ford Windstar Passenger Window Motor

  Written by: oomar43 on May 22, 2005 4:23:19 PM

  I am looking for some technical advise, the passenger window of my 1998 Ford Windstar stopped working, I consulted a mechanic who has replaced the motor. Few weeks later the motor stopped working and I decided to replace the motor myself. The new motor stopped working after few hours, and when I unplugged the motor it started to work, I noticed that the new motor is faster than the old one ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• Losing antifreeze from overflow

  Written by: ckucz on Mar 26, 2005 2:13:41 PM

  Ford Windstar 1998: I am losing antifreeze from overflow and can't seem to trace it to a hose. We believe it may be a water pump as it loud. Can anyone tell me if this could be the issue and what approximate cost for replacement thru dealer would be. Any ideas, answers or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, ckucz

Ford Windstar Problems

• 98 Ford Windstar Stalling problem

  Written by: ronknapp6937 on Aug 30, 2004 9:04:07 PM

  I have a 1998 Ford Windstar and Im having a lot of problems with this van. The only main problem Im concerned about is the van ONLY stalls when I apply the brake when coming to a stop. I can put the vehicle in neutral or park and it starts right back up with no problem. Also it idles very rough. I have taken it to the Ford dealer and the ... Read More

• Looking to buy 98-00 Windstar (Tamu)

  Written by: laundryguy on Feb 27, 2004 4:42:31 PM

  I'll first state that I am a former 95 Windstar owner having parted ways with mine to charity just last night (Yippie!). I spent no less than $2500 in repairs over the last 14 months, mainly from 100k to 120k. Maybe the 1998-2000 are out of the woods regarding many of the Windstar problems, but I know of several still having issues with tie rods and ball joints (don't kid yourself ... Read More

• Steering problems anyone?

  Written by: vanwoman on Nov 18, 2003 7:27:50 AM

  The power steering fludin on my 1998 Ford Windstar is getting dirty. I had it changed and the steering is not as easy as it used to be. I was wondering if steering problems are common and what the cause is or if this is just something that happens. Thanks.

• abs pulse

  Written by: flacko on Nov 4, 2003 6:25:36 AM

  My 1998 Windstar had a similar ABS problem. At first just a pulse as you come to a stop. I had the right rear wheel speed sensor replaced and adjusted. Problem was gone for about 20 miles, then the ABS light came on (1st time). Brake shop could find no problem. They tried adjusting the wheel speed sensor again with no luck. I took it to Ford and they said the ... Read More

• 1998 Ford Windstar Sensors!

  Written by: jem4258 on May 12, 2003 9:31:27 AM

  I have just about had it! The sensors on these vans are JUNK! Mechanically, I have had problems, but nothing major so I keep telling myself that is the important thing, but it is so annoying to have the lights on all the time, or the doors locking and unlocking...now the locks don't work at all, and the alarm goes off when i open the door! I have had sensors replaced, ... Read More

• sad4 sympathy

  Written by: windstarlemon on Mar 11, 2003 2:14:52 PM

  Sad4, I feel your frustration. In May 2001, I bought a 1998 Windstar LX with 38000 miles as part of the Ford Quality Checked Certified Preowned program. I purchased it with the expectation I would pay it off and keep it for the long term. By November, 2002, I had spent $1500 in repairs and the van had spent almost 4 weeks in the dealers repair shop. The vibration in the ... Read More

• 3.8 liter crapstar con't

  Written by: flacko on Feb 6, 2003 8:39:09 PM

  Windstarloser, I took my daughter (age 9) to piano lessons tonight. As we walked from the "crapstar" to the door of the music studio, I looked back at the van and noticed that the dome light was staying on abnormally long AGAIN. But then about a minute later it shut off (I think I willed it to). I told my daughter that the crapstar was messing with us again. She ask ... Read More

• Followup to 951 -- 1998 Windstar GL Transmission Problems?

  Written by: 98windstargl on Sep 10, 2002 4:22:13 PM

  REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION What do you think? I took my '98 Windstar GL in today to an independent shop that specializes in transmissions to have the transmission fluid drained/replaced and a new filter put on. I chose to do this so the contents of the pan could be examined. I hope I did not make a mistake by completely flushing it out and then replacing it but was told the contents ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• NEW WINDSTAR OWNER

  Written by: momx2 on May 20, 2002 5:40:12 AM

  My husband and I purchased a 2002 Windstar over the weekend. The lease on our 1998 F150 had expired and we did not purchase it because we had a new addition to the family (the truck would only seat 3). In the 4 years that we had the truck we did not have one single problem. With that in mind, we felt confident in our purchase. Ford is currently offering a ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• 1998 Windstar Gl Transmission Problems?

  Written by: 98windstargl on Aug 23, 2002 3:37:17 PM

  Hi! I'm new to this forum but apparently not alone :-( . I bought my 98 Windstar Gl with just over 30K about two years ago. It now has about 60K. We've replaced a fuel pump, tie rod ends, and the front tires. We do have it stall when coming to a stop and making a sharp turn. Am I correct after reading these messages and other feedback that it may ... Read More

• Anyone think this is a good deal?It's a 2 seater cargo van...Also, what type of problems have some owners had with the 98?

  Written by: gandalf17 on Mar 9, 2002 1:31:31 PM

  Prices are in Canadian Dollars. I may have an opportunity to purchase. VEHICLE FOR SALE VEHICLE IS SOLD ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS AND IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT TORONTO AUTO AUCTION PLEASE RESPOND NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH 1998 FORD WINDSTAR CARGO VAN APPROX. 91,000 KM EXTERIOR COLOUR: VIBRANT WHITE INTERIOR COLOUR: GRAPHITE CLOTH 3.8L 6 CYL ENGINE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AIR CONDITIONING, ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• Anyone think this is a good deal? Any problems I should be aware of?

  Written by: gandalf17 on Mar 9, 2002 2:34:12 PM

  Prices are in Canadian Dollars. I may have an opportunity to purchase. VEHICLE FOR SALE VEHICLE IS SOLD ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS AND IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS VEHICLE IS LOCATED AT TORONTO AUTO AUCTION PLEASE RESPOND NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 12TH 1998 FORD WINDSTAR CARGO VAN APPROX. 91,000 KM EXTERIOR COLOUR: VIBRANT WHITE INTERIOR COLOUR: GRAPHITE CLOTH 3.8L 6 CYL ENGINE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AIR CONDITIONING, ... Read More

• Head Gasket Leaking in '98

  Written by: jeff68 on Dec 30, 2001 8:11:03 AM

  For the record, we purchased one of the last '98 Windstars made in June of 1998. Thought it would be okay because supposedly they had addressed he head gasket and transmission problems. However, right on queue at 3 and a half years and 55,000 miles, it now has significant coolant losses. We also had the standard problems of tie rods and radio replaced under warranty. Also the dealer went through the ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• Throwing in the towel...

  Written by: wholigan on Dec 6, 2001 2:50:17 PM

  The time has come for Ford and I to part ways... Hello everyone. My name is Pat. And I am a 95 Windstar owner (soon, a NEVER AGAIN Ford owner). I bought this vehicle from my sister-in-law and her husband in 1998 when it had 35000 miles on it. Since that time I have had the transmission replaced three times. I have had the motor replaced two times. Each time I ... Read More

• 95 Windstar Nightmare

  Written by: nevadamom1 on Jun 25, 2001 10:20:59 PM

  We bought our 95 LX new in 6/95. Had the usual (for the 95) problems: the interior lights that would not go off, gas tank gauge problems, interior trim that fell off, and exactly one week after we received the head gasket extended warranty notice from Ford our head gasket went at 40K (June, 1998). We now have 74K on it, and had to take it in to our local Ford ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• Suggestion for changes to 2002 model

  Written by: bostnwhalr on Jun 15, 2001 8:35:05 PM

  I know this sounds obnoxious.... How about making the Windstar more reliable for a change? How about a quieter, smoother, more sophisticated engine? (Oh yeah, that costs more, sorry for suggesting) I'd consider a used Windstar if Ford had a couple of years of average reliability. But it seems they don't get any better. After 7 years (yeah, it was new for 99, but how new really?), you would think the ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• 98 Ford Windstar transmission failure

  Written by: everdell on Jun 8, 2001 5:42:22 PM

  My 1998 Ford Windstar just had its transmission completely fail at 83,000 miles and just under four years old. It has been taken care of meticulously with regular scheduled maintenance for the last four years. I have had to completely replace the transmission at great expense. Has anyone else out there had this problem?

• Transmission Woes - 1998 Windstar

  Written by: tpg1999 on Apr 9, 2001 10:59:41 AM

  I bought my 1998 Windstar in February, 1997. During the first 12-14 months, the vehicle stalled while accelerating and decelerating 5-10 times. A couple of times, my wife barely avoided an accident due to the loss of power steering. We brought it back to the dealer we bought it from 3-4 times to no avail. I went the Dispute Settlement Board route and they requested one last attempt to have the ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: slbaron24 on Mar 23, 2001 3:11:50 PM

  I bought my Windstar in May of 1998, and it had 54,000 miles. It is a 95 model (actual production around Aug 94). When I bought my van, the dealership never told me about any recalls. I first found out about the recall on the 3.8L engine (Head Gasket Recall) in the fall of 1999(one yr later!). The only reason I found out was because the tranny needed to be replaced, ... Read More

• windstar speedometer fix

  Written by: miesner3 on Mar 17, 2001 6:17:50 AM

  i couldnt believe what the dealer priced me for a speedometer on our 1996 w/s for the approx 500 dollars they wanted i could about replace headgaskets for that must be fords way of subsidizing their headgasket pragram by shafting peoplle on their speedometers anyway i located a company that rebuilds ford 1990-1998 mechanical speedometers with better than new parts for 130 dollars plus exchange ford gave me a price of ... Read More

• This is all of what I know ...

  Written by: wholigan on Mar 16, 2001 7:07:06 AM

  The programs that FORD offered regarding head gaskets was either M009 and M010. I think they were as follows: M009 - the original notification sent out in 1998 that covered up to 75,000(?) miles. M010 - the update that provided coverage for 7 years or 100,000 miles. This is from Reuter on March 7, 2000. This was the press release: ========== DEARBORN, Mich., March 7 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. , ... Read More

• Consumer law violations and fraud

  Written by: iwasscammed on Mar 12, 2001 6:07:37 AM

  Hello all, i'm back!!!! My last post was pulled, and its been about two weeks since I last posted. I will be careful not to say anything too bad.:)I have calmed down some, so this should be pretty simple. for those of you that dont remember here is a little refresh... bought van in Dec of 2000 (1995 windstar), two weeks later was in for a new engine, 5 mins after ... Read More

• Still no problems

  Written by: fullsize on Mar 5, 2001 9:07:31 PM

  By Wholigan: "Can't wait till you have to post here for what the purpose of the topic is - "FORD WINDSTAR PROBLEMS"." Thank you for the well wishes. "That must be one expensive marketing plan for Honda/Toyota/et al... " No, to have low level people, or even high level people, spend a minute or two trashing the competition in a nationally read forum would be an *incredibily inexpensive* marketing plan. By ... Read More

• BUYBACK Info and others...

  Written by: wholigan on Mar 5, 2001 8:55:15 AM

  FULLSIZE - You obviously have not been here very long... If you READ the other posts, most of us have been talking 95-96-97 models. Further, while this topic dates back to August 1999, the original topic CRACKED HEAD IN 95 WINDSTAR (see: mglisson "Cracked head in '95 Windstar" Feb 11, 1998 11:35pm ) was started in February 1998! That must be one expensive marketing plan for Honda/Toyota/et al... Can't wait till ... Read More

• our transmission died too

  Written by: kidsrn on Feb 5, 2001 11:15:07 AM

  While deciding whether or not to fix the spindle before we get rid of our van to buy an odyssey, our 1998 Windstar's transmission died at 77500 miles. Recently fixed a head gasket too. Also had sensors for engine light go bad twice. Also had the problem of dome light coming on. And never could fix rear heater which you had to turn off and on 10 times to get it ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• windstar whoas, too late?

  Written by: 7505joe on Jan 31, 2001 10:52:37 PM

  I too have a 1998 windstar which pulls to the right even after 3 wheel aliengments! the dealer did attempt to do a ''camber adjustment'' at no charge (even though it was out of warranty). They continue to say ''pulling to the side '' is normal, NOT!!! I say. Oddly the front right brakes on rotors were replaced twice within 5 months of being repaired. Dealer said this was not a ... Read More

• 1998 Ford Windstar Brake Problems

  Written by: nomorefords4 on Jan 22, 2001 5:32:07 PM

  I've had my Windstar since last May. Bought it with under 12,000 miles and it's been in the shop at least 5 times already. Have already had transmission repairs, tie rods replaced, sliding door lubed, hood latch repaired, etc. Last time I took it in, I told them that the brakes were grinding especially during slow speed, light braking (such as when slowing down in a parking lot). They did not ... Read More

• engine surge when braking

  Written by: horton4 on Feb 12, 2001 6:15:42 AM

  I Bought a 1998 windstar 6 weeks earlier I am quite pleased with it however twice during braking or slowing for a stop sign and a rail crossing the engine has surged and the van jumped forward. After the last experience I spent the next day trying to duplicate the problem but it did not. My concern is the engine will surge when I,I braking in traffic and cause me to ... Read More

• 98 Windstar Major Transmission Problems

  Written by: muxie on Jan 15, 2001 12:43:54 PM

  I have a 1998 Windstar with 33,000 miles on it. I purchased this van with 18,000 miles. In 5,000 miles I have had 5 transmissions replaced and two tie rods. Since this van was used, it is not eligible for the CA Lemon Law. I am getting alot of resistance from Ford Motor Company via e-mail and phone. Any suggestions on how to handle this?

Ford Windstar Problems

• 1998 Leased Windstar Update

  Written by: dearie on Nov 6, 2000 1:21:24 PM

  Thanks for your responses. For all interested, here is the latest. Unfortunately, at the time the engine went, we brought it to the Ford Service Department where we bought the van. They had to send it their "Engine" Dept which is off the premises. After a week of the car just sitting in the shop they finally looked at it. Originally they said that they didn't know why the engine blew. ... Read More

• 1998 Leased Windstar

  Written by: dearie on Oct 30, 2000 10:50:06 PM

  I come from a family of Ford owners. We've had Taurus's, Windstars, etc. My sister-in-law, cousin, and myself all have 1998 Windstars. Unfortunately, all of us have had problems with the vans, none of which Ford will own up to. My sister-in-law had to replace her transmission twice, my cousin has a knocking noise coming from his transmission, I've had to replace the brakes, and now I've just learned that my ... Read More

• Response to 167 (Buying W/S)

  Written by: cmhdiamond on Aug 17, 2000 8:13:24 PM

  I have seen mixed information about the head gasket problem on the new Windstars. Ford claims they had the problem fixed as of the 1998 model year. But several independent and unconfirmed sources say the problem is inherent in the design of the engine, and has not been changed. The 1999 model has been on the road for nearly two years now, and I have not seen anything about head gasket ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• 1998 Windstar LX

  Written by: gdmartin1 on Jul 31, 2000 3:43:14 AM

  We've had numerous problems with ours mainly with plastic trim pieces on the seats which was an aggravation especially since the dealer kept ordering gray instead of tan. My city mileage was down to 10mpg recently until I happened to speak to the service rep. at the Mitsu dealer next door to the Ford dealer. We also own a 2000 Galant(fine car). He told me that a hesitation had been reported ... Read More

• honken

  Written by: lsg1 on Jul 26, 2000 2:15:46 AM

  I had a light flashing on my dashboard that said TRACOFF and every thing they used to stop the flashing did not work.They changed a brake switch, and it worked for a few weeks, and then the light started flashing again, and this time the ABS light came on. They changed the ABS module, and that fixed the problem for a few more weeks, and then the TRACOFF light started flashing ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• check engine light on 2000 SEL

  Written by: drgonzo_1998 on Jul 24, 2000 3:35:30 PM

  Have had our 2000 SEL since January 2000 and have about 6.5K miles on it. Bought through employee purchase plan. Got every option except adj pedals. Some observations. Check engine dashboard warning light came on at about 3K miles. No noticeable difference in performance. Took it in and told it was probably a "gasket problem." Heart sank as I recalled all the problems with engine head gaskets noted on these boards ... Read More

• Transmission and Fuel Injector problems.

  Written by: brewdudebob on Jul 2, 2000 1:29:44 PM

  I purchased a used 1998 Ford Windstar GL from Autonation USA last October and have had continuous problems with the fuel injection system running too rich. I had so much carbon emitting from my tail-pipe that I have black circle stains on my driveway caused from the morning dew condensing and dripping the soot. The van would stall on me when I would come to a sudden stop. There is nothing ... Read More

• bblaha

  Written by: lsg1 on Jul 13, 2000 9:19:24 PM

  Hi. I live in Staten Island, and constantly travel to Brooklyn. I get about 15 mpg. I bought my Ford at Island Ford in Staten Island. If you are not happy with your dealership in Brooklyn, I would suggest you take a trip out here, and they should look at your Windstar. I am a minority of people on this board, that although I did have a lemon, and could complain ... Read More

• Solution To #51: 1999 Ping'n Problem

  Written by: nohorn on Jun 26, 2000 4:44:40 AM

  All of you out there with pinging problems on 1999 and maybe 1998, 2000 Windstars listen up! There is a solution which is probably associated with a generic intake manifold design problem, admitted by Ford. My problem, originally described in problem #51 is finally solved. There were two basic problems. First of all, the vacuum control module to the EGR valve was defective, resulting in exhaust gas recirculation when not required; ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• Written by: mspangler1 on Jul 9, 2000 1:28:17 AM

  Alot of people are talking about their windstar problems so i'll talk about mine. I used to have a 1998 it got 40,000 miles before trading it in. I never had any problems with it. I really like my new 2000 but it does have its falts. About a month after purchasing it its main computer failed, which ford replaced with no problems. The brakes squeak and ford says there is ... Read More

Ford Windstar Problems

• Grinding Sound

  Written by: sthevenow on May 1, 2000 3:28:06 AM

  My 1998 Windstar with 50,000 miles has the same problem. I have taken it to the Ford dealer who has yet to figure out the problem. It sounds so terrible that I am considering a trade. It doesn't do it consistently. I would love to hear from anyone who has solved this problem. I love my van and really hate the thought of getting rid of it. Thanks

• Arthur3(Buy Back Process)

  Written by: lsg1 on Apr 24, 2000 3:22:45 AM

  I had a 1998 Windstar which was bought back from Ford. I did not go through the DSB, so my experience may be a little different. My dealership was totally helpful, and I think they made all the difference in the world. I had a problem that they could not fix after about 5 attempts, and they brought in an engineer who decided it would be better for them to buy ... Read More

Ford Windstar

• 2000 Windstar LX

  Written by: lsg1 on Oct 30, 1999 2:22:29 AM

  I just picked up my new 2000 Windstar LX(which the dealer gave me because my 1998 GL was a lemon!) I was thrilled that they were giving me a 2000, rather than a 1999. I had to bring the van back already, because of 3 things wrong. The power mirror on the passenger side does not work. 3 buttons on the radio(eject, FF and REW) do not illuminate when the lights ... Read More