2003 Windstar Eletrical Problems

[orkel]

Has anyone experienced this before?

OD off light - flashing
Spedometer - not working
Odometer - not working displays ------
ABS brake light on
Airbag light on
brake light on
head lights, brake lights, signal lights went off (nothing eletrical will work, windows, radio etc.)
And the van started to hesitate would not go over 40KMH, and finally stopped as we were about 4 kilometers from home.

All of this came on or quit working at the same time.
I parked for about half an hour, and the van would start. All lights then went off, but as soon as I put in gear, the above happened again.
Let me know. Thanks.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by orkel

Has anyone experienced this before?

OD off light - flashing
Spedometer - not working
Odometer - not working displays ------
ABS brake light on
Airbag light on
brake light on
head lights, brake lights, signal lights went off (nothing eletrical will work, windows, radio etc.)
And the van started to hesitate would not go over 40KMH, and finally stopped as we were about 4 kilometers from home.

All of this came on or quit working at the same time.
I parked for about half an hour, and the van would start. All lights then went off, but as soon as I put in gear, the above happened again.
Let me know. Thanks.

If you have a voltmeter, check the voltage at the battery while the engine is running; there is big chances that the alternator is defect and stop to work. The voltage should be more than 13.5 volts while engine is running. Mine has failed without warning and as I was driving the parade of on and off light in the cluster started, until the van stall. So take a look to your alternator.

[orkel]

Thanks catvents

I should have added that I just bought this van, after owning Plymouth Grands for the last 10 years.
Anyway, had the Used Car Dealer tow in and repair. Seems the battery was weak, or faulty, as he said it was preventing system from charging properly.
Anyway, he replaced the battery, and all "SEEMS" to be good.
I honestly hope so, as I have gotten really attached to this van in the short time that I've owned it (just under a month).

Will post if anything goes astray with this.

[garync1]

Yes these Windstar or at least my 2001 acted crazy when Batt got low, had a factory batt for 6yrs so Motorcraft gets good Batt from who ever supplies them.
When Mine went low, I go to turn over and head lights started flashing all inside lights flashed and then stopped would not do anything after that.Jumped it off and it did it again a few minutes later. Tested the Batt myself and replaced after it checked out bad..

[orkel]

Hi everyone

Just a quick update to this, if for no other reason than to verify what others have said in ths forum.

My problem did return. Turns out the shop did not do a proper diagnosis, and just replaced the battery. Yes, the alternator was bad as well, and had to be replaced. All I can say is thank god this was still under warranty, as cost was $320.00CDN at Canadian Tire, here in Ontario for a rebuilt one.
Anyway, shop installed a brand new one from manufacturer, so hate to think what that cost was.

So as others have said, if anyone experences this problem, don't just replace alternator and/or battery. Have both properly checked, as odds are the problem would be the opposite of what you thought.

I certainly learned my lesson

Rickie

[12Ounce]

About voltmeters: Radio Shack has a very handy little pocket-size digital unit for $20 plus $5 battery. Yellow body with grey flip over cover. Permanently attached leads. Takes abuse and rides well in a tool box.

I just bought my second one ... as my first one was "borrowed" by son.