1999 Windstar, Engine, O/D and Door lights

Brought a 1999 Windstar LX V6 3.8 with 85K.

The open door light is on and to date I have not been able to identify the source.

The engine light is on, but stopped when I disconnected the battery and installed new plugs, fuel and air filter, and PVC valve. But it just came back on. Maybe all I did was rest the computer. Could it be the Catalytic Converter? If so, is this under warranty?

Prior to my in-house service I was getting about 17 miles per gallon. I have not had the opportunity to check now. What should it give.

Finally the O/D light shoots on after 1 hour drive and depressing the bottom on the arm does nothing.

I hate the Hynes manuals, but can not locate a Chilton. Any alternatives?

Any ideas on the above?

Any advice would be helpful. Please do not suggest getting rid of it. We use it as a run about.

Emmet

i too have been having problems with my door open light and interior light staying on. I have read other threads about that and one suggestions was to spray the back latchs and black springy things with WD 40. Not sure why this works but it did several times for us. Try it. It may work for you. however I my light is staying on again and wd didn't cut it this time. I'll try again.

good luck

The WD40 helps to establish a connection in the path of the circuit between the connect plate and the corresponding point. Once it drys up the complete circuit dissapates. I would attempt to clean your respective connect point with some light sand papper and a cleaning alcohol.

My question to you are where are these connect points on each respective door?




Brought a 1999 Windstar LX V6 3.8 with 85K.

The open door light is on and to date I have not been able to identify the source.

The engine light is on, but stopped when I disconnected the battery and installed new plugs, fuel and air filter, and PVC valve. But it just came back on. Maybe all I did was rest the computer. Could it be the Catalytic Converter? If so, is this under warranty?

Prior to my in-house service I was getting about 17 miles per gallon. I have not had the opportunity to check now. What should it give.

Finally the O/D light shoots on after 1 hour drive and depressing the bottom on the arm does nothing.

I hate the Hynes manuals, but can not locate a Chilton. Any alternatives?

Any ideas on the above?

Any advice would be helpful. Please do not suggest getting rid of it. We use it as a run about.

Emmet

i believe i read a ways back from a thread that the mechanisms are located inside the rear door panel. they mentioned a little ball bearing that gets gummed up. if you can, carefully take the rear panel off and see if you can clean up the contacts there. I'm gonna try it as soon as I get a chance as my lights are staying on again. wd40 is only a temp. fix i am finding out.

on the O/D light, you may need to have your transmission checked/scanned by a transmission shop. Scan tool will let you know if there is a sensor malfunction or if it may be mechanical.

Where can I pick up a scan tool for the 1999 Windstar and how much are they. Are they available or are they so expensive and complicated that mechanic shop only buys them?

transmission repair shops like Cottman and AAMCO have a transmission scan tool. Normally these shops will do a FREE diagnostic using the tool and let you know what's wrong. You don't have to go along with them for the repair but at least they'll let you know if there's a sensor that's not working or something else.