1999 Ford Windstar (Brake Pressure Switch)

AvalonJohn · 02-20-2007, 02:24 PM

I've read a couple other posts on this fourm and figured that my problem (number 10 fuse keeps blowing) may be related to a faulty brake pressure switch. I have two problems however. First, I don't know what it looks like; 2) I don't know the part number (Ford) or Motorcraft replacement part number is. Can anyone help ? It's a 1999 Ford Windstar LX with a 3.8 liter engine.

Thanks in advance,

AvalonJohn

12Ounce · 02-20-2007, 02:27 PM

(I answered your other post)

The brake pressure switch connects to the front-bottom of the master cylinder ... and has a elect connector. Your parts counter man will easily identify the part.

AvalonJohn · 02-20-2007, 02:31 PM

12Oz,

Got your reply.

Thank you,

AvalonJohn

Freakzilla69 · 02-20-2007, 03:50 PM

Please let us know if you find the brake pressure sensor for sale individually.

My local dealer told me the only way they sell it is with the reservior and my local Autozone or Advanced don't sell it or the reservior at all.

busboy4 · 02-20-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freakzilla69

Please let us know if you find the brake pressure sensor for sale individually.

My local dealer told me the only way they sell it is with the reservior and my local Autozone or Advanced don't sell it or the reservior at all.

You might unscrew it from the reservoir and call in with the Ford part number as read off of the part - you can also key it into y2kford.com and see the list price. This has been a troublesome part on many Fords and the subject of several recalls on various models. I would respectfully guess you were given erroneous information i.e. that it cannot be purchased as a stand alone part. I have purchased two of them for different year 'stars - '96 & '98 for around $25.

Regards

12Ounce · 02-20-2007, 04:53 PM

You can see the switch if you look around these AutoZone pages:
.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d3f6e.jsp
.
clip on the sketch and enlarge to see the switch (item #8). The switch gets a mention on the "cruise control" pages under "chassis electrical".

Freakzilla69 · 02-20-2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busboy4

You might unscrew it from the reservoir and call in with the Ford part number as read off of the part - you can also key it into y2kford.com and see the list price. This has been a troublesome part on many Fords and the subject of several recalls on various models. I would respectfully guess you were given erroneous information i.e. that it cannot be purchased as a stand alone part. I have purchased two of them for different year 'stars - '96 & '98 for around $25.

Regards

That's good news, did you get them from a dealer or a parts store?

wiswind · 02-20-2007, 05:53 PM

I got mine from my local FORD dealership.
It was for my '96 and came as a "kit"
The kit included the switch, and a short wire harness, as the new switch had a different connector on it.
The wire harness plugged into the switch, and the other end connected to the connector on the vehicle.

I posted pictures in the pictures that the link in my signature will take you to.

It was a super easy repair.

To see if this is the cause of your blowing the fuse, just unplug the electrical connection from the switch and see if the new fuse holds.
With the switch disconnected, you will have NO cruise control.
If the fuse holds, then you know that the switch caused the problem.
If it still blows.....then you will have to keep looking.
However, if that switch is even damp with brake fluid.....I would replace it.

You will not hurt anything by doing the disconnect test.
I have read that the PCM monitors the status of that switch for powertrain control (other than just the cruise control), so you will want to have it working on the long term.

AvalonJohn · 02-21-2007, 09:06 AM

Everyone,

Thanks for your help. I'm going to give it a try this weekend. I'll let you know how it all works out.

AvalonJohn

AvalonJohn · 02-22-2007, 01:07 PM

Freakzilla69,

Got a "Brake Kit" which is just the Brake Pressure Deactivation Switch which screws onto the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir. Part number is Motorcraft AS6351 (XW7Z9F924BA alternate part #). It cost me $ 14.72, pluse shipping (Total $ 21.20).

I found it at rockauto.com

AvalonJohn

Freakzilla69 · 02-22-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvalonJohn

Freakzilla69,

Got a "Brake Kit" which is just the Brake Pressure Deactivation Switch which screws onto the bottom of the master cylinder reservoir. Part number is Motorcraft AS6351 (XW7Z9F924BA alternate part #). It cost me $ 14.72, pluse shipping (Total $ 21.20).

I found it at rockauto.com

AvalonJohn

Great!

I see... cruise control... in my future, WOOHOO!

wintonboy · 02-26-2007, 04:50 PM

My buddy recently lost his 96 Windstar to an engine compartment fire. The fire was traced back to the brake switch that kicks off the cruise control. Apparently the switch leaks brake fluid into it and the electric contacts light it off. Ford recalled their F-series trucks to fix a similiar problem, and our local parts store guy says the switch is the same on both the F's and the 'stars.

I intend to replace my switch as soon as the weather warms up enough that it does not cost me a fortune to heat my shop.

12Ounce · 02-26-2007, 06:22 PM

VOLKSWAGON RECALLS 800,000 VEHICLES TO FIX BRAKE SWITCHES ....

... Gee! Why don't they just deny they have a problem and "stick it to the customer" ...... like Ford does Windstar owners.

Oh! VW wants to KEEP their customers!

AvalonJohn · 03-05-2007, 11:24 AM

Everyone,

Thanks for your help. It was the Brake Pressure Switch. It took me about 15 minutes to replace it. The number 10 fuse now holds and I got my Cruise Control back as well. The old switch was really leaking and electrical connection (below) on the swich was soaked. Less than 1/2 of the bake fluid remained in the resavoir when I replaced the switch this weekend. I checked the fluid level on Feb 13 and it was full. Suprised Ford hasn't recalled all of these. THEY ARE DEFINITLY FAULTY !!! Don't know if they've been sued over a loss of brakes due to this? If not, just a matter of time.

AvalonJohn

Headbolt · 03-08-2007, 03:36 AM

"Ford said its review found that brake fluid could leak through the cruise control's deactivation switch into the system's electrical components, leading to corrosion. That could produce a buildup of electrical current that could cause overheating and a fire.

To fix the problem, dealers install a fused wiring harness to the cruise control deactivation switch to prevent the risk of fire if the switch leaked. Ford officials said about 45% of the vehicles under the previous recalls have been repaired."

The above is a quote from a USA Today story. Would seem that just replacing the switch doesn't do away with the fire risk. Am I right?

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