Stick a fork in it, its done.

Well, time of death 10/14/07, 3:30 PM.

The blend door is now in many pieces, and getting heat is a lost dream for this bucket of bolts.

The ABS is shot, the CV's are shot, the strut bearings are shot, never got rid of the P171 codes even after the bolt fix. Steering Rack moans in pain continuously. Engine's been pinging like mad for 40k miles. Power locks shot (ECM). Interior lights blink on and off. Rear brake bulb lamp sockets are toast. Battery box cracked and held together with wood. Radio display is erratic. Transmission clunks 2-3, and slams when taking off when rolling. Never solved the case of the disappearing brake fluid.

1999 Winnie, 154k miles. Time to move on.

Ok, so here's the question.. What type and year minivan should we get? I do not believe any of the Winnie 1999-2001's ever resolved the oil in the intake. Even with the bolt fix, these things suck oil from the valve cover and suck air from a number of places. The Earlier Winnies had head gasket issues. All have the transmission issue. 1999-? have the blend door issue. Is there a best year for the Winnie? 2003? Are the Freestars as bad as these things? Or do I need to move on to a Dodge, or a Japanese make? I am not sure what the best move is. We've had a Winnie for the last 9 years (a 96 before, now 99). The only thing going for them (Winnie) is that they drive very nice when they work, parts are pretty cheap, and I now know my way around them pretty well. I sold my 96 with 146k on it.

Any suggestions?

Have a look at GM stuff. That's what I'd do.

Sorry to hear your '99 has reached its end. My '00 has had several of the symptoms you've described - but I've been able to successfully resolve all of them, with help from this board. Mine has proven itself to be reasonably dependable - though it has shown signs of where Ford didn't follow through with the design. It only has 95K miles, but I plan to keep it. We'll see how it does.

If I had to replace my Windstar tomorrow (budget realities keep me in the used market): I'd look for an '02+ Windstar, or perhaps a well-priced Freestar. The '02+ Windstar got a redesigned transmission; the internals of the unit are shared with the F150, so its up to the task. As I understand it, the intake isolator bolt issues were worked out by '02 (but I'll defer to others who know more on this topic). I haven't had the infamous blend door problem on my '00 (knock on wood), and don't know about later designs.

I'd really love to find a 4.2 Freestar (the same 4.2 found in V6 F150 models); I tow a popup camper with my Windstar, and the 4.2 Freestar is an ideal popup tow vehicle. However, I've noted that the used market seems to have determined that the Freestar is a pretty good deal: They're harder to find than older Windstars, and go for decent money.

I like recent Odyssey and Sienna models - but anything in reasonable condition is simply well out of my current budget range. Personally, I don't like what GM has done with their minivan lineup over the years. Recent Chrysler minivans have impressed me, though I haven't done research to know what particular model I'd be interested in.

I think I remember reading that the plenum (blend door) was upgraded by Nov 2000 production date.

i have an 02 windstar with 85k that i bought new and just had to replace the blend door actuator, the power door locks work sometimes, the interior lights blink on and off now and then, drivers power window motor crapped out, and i still havnt figured out why the airbag light stays on all the time, so i would have to say they still have a few bugs in them.

Chrysler and GM minivans have their own problems, so research before buying.
Most any vehicle will have it's own problem areas.
I have read about lower intake manifold gaskets on GM vehciles, and transmission issues with the Chrysler minivans, both of which have been Windstar issues.
The recent lifetime powertrain waranty that Chrysler has come out with sounds good, but....as with any waranty, read the fine print.
I would expect that if you fry the transmisison at 100K miles and expect them to provide a replacement, that you will be expected to provide documentation to show that you have changed the fluid at the recommended intervals, etc.

A visit to the forum room for a particular vehicle that you are interested in would be a good step in the research process.
I did see transmission complaints for the Toyota Sienna (which my parents have and love), however, there were not near as many posts....and I found myself reading old posts really fast (as in not many posts as compared to other vehicles).
Take note that more vehicles on the road will also have something to do with the number of posts.....

If you want to stay domestic, I'd go either Chrysler or get a Ford Freestar. You still hear of your occasional Chrysler transaxle issue, but as we know, that's common with all of them. I like GM, but just don't care for the fit/finish/feel of their MVs. I'm not sure if the V6's in the newer GM's flow coolant through the intake manifold, but I wouldn't get one if they do. Some of the new GM V6's have cross-over plumbing for the coolant (eliminates IMG leaks) so that's a plus. GM minivan days are numbered anyway. Gone the way of the Freestar unfortunately. I do like the look of the 2008 Caravan. If I were looking for used today, I'd get the newest Freestar I could get for the $. Buying new, I'd go with a 2008 Caravan or..gasp.. Toyota.:uhoh:

Joel

I have a ford Freestar. The only issue I am having is spark knock. Some have this problem some don't.Took to the dealer and the said they updated PCM. But last trip to the beach it seemed worse.. So I taking it back in soon.
As for the Dodge Minivans I have seen PCM problems with the CEL P601 PCM failure. You have to replace the PCM and that runs about 800-900 bucks. My thinking on this is if you live up North you may not have this issue but the hot south and the placement of the PCM is in engine bay behind drivers side headlight and in front of battery. To me I think it gets to hot there. This was a 2003 model. Maybe they updated them by now.. Honda and Toyota have had some issue over the years but as for Toyota stay away from anything before 2002. My friend has a 2001 and they have sludge issue. Although dealer will replace for free once engine fails.He already took in after i notice this issue.. Motor is 10,000 bucks. At least what I found online from a Toyota new replacement engine.As of most keep all fluids changed with the right types of fluid.This is what I heard and seen for my self.. hope this helps. Gary..

huskerdooo,

I have a 2003 Windstar. I did encounter the isolator bolt problem but it has been fine since the fix about 8000 miles ago.
Interior lights flash on/off but since I cleaned the door post electrical contact pads it hasn't done it.
Engine has run like a champ. I did have to clean the IAC as it seems to gum up. I did have some erratic transmission behavior but that seemed to clear with a transmission fluid/filter change (60 K miles overdue)
I did have to replace the drivers power window regulator. And I have a passenger sliding door power lock actuator that had a stripped gear but I will replace that with a $2 one off ebay.
I would say that at 108K right now I would recommend the vehicle as it drives great and has plenty of power. IF you are not afraid of some DIY stuff.

best of luck with your search!

the interior lights blink on and off now and then.

I have a 03 Windstar that does the same thing, what is up with this?

Oooh, sorry to hear that. :(

Thanks for all the replies. I am sad to hear that even the 2003's have the intake bolt issue, but I was glad to hear that the transmission has been changed too.

It will be a tough decision on how to proceed. Right now I have a heatless van and I am afraid my wife will be anxious very soon about the cold weather.

Thanks for all the replies. I am sad to hear that even the 2003's have the intake bolt issue..

Yep, if you are sticking with Ford, definitely go with a 2004+ (Freestar). I know I couldn't swing it right now, but Nissan is offering $3K rebates on the Quest. They are a bit odd looking, but you don't hear of many complaints. With that rebate you can get a 2007 Quest "S" for ~$19k. :banghead:

Joel

I like GM, but just don't care for the fit/finish/feel of their MVs. I'm not sure if the V6's in the newer GM's flow coolant through the intake manifold, but I wouldn't get one if they do. Some of the new GM V6's have cross-over plumbing for the coolant (eliminates IMG leaks) so that's a plus.
Joel

I work for a gasket company and I have worked up at GM for a few years. Concerning the intake gasket issues on the 3.4L, an upgrade was done on the gasket that reduces the occurance of gasket failures from 100% of vehicles to perhaps around 10%. Concerning removing the coolant from the intake manifold, all 3.5L and 3.9L engines in the vans and pass-cars (G6, Malibu, Impala, etc) have coolant crossovers that carry the coolant outside of the intake manifold, so any intake failures will not include coolant. (which basically then doesn't matter unless a bit of oil consumption really bothers you). The only vehicle that still is using the 3.4L with the coolant in the intake manifold is the Equinox/Torrent. They have an older level 3.4L engine built in china that goes in that (which still has a distibutor cap!!!:eek: )

So don't let intake gasket issues drive you away from GM vans, anything model year 2004 and newer should be good when it comes to this issue.

Good info Mike! In reality though, even the IMG issue isn't such a big deal on the GMs if you catch it early. Worst case you pay an independent shop to install a set of Fel-Pro gaskets or the likes and you are good to go. I've never seen one bomb out before 70Kmi anyway (had several in the family). Get the gaskets done, a new set of spark-plugs and wires while you are in there, a coolant swap, about $800 and you are good to go for the life of the vehicle. IMO, the 4T65E AT is the best of the MV transaxles as well. All that aside though, IMO it's everything surrounding the drivetrain on the GM minivans that is not up to snuff with the rest. GM MV's have gone the way of the Freestar anyway. 2008+ all we have are:
Chrysler/Dodge
Toyota Sienna
Honda Ody
Nissan Quest (not sure if that's going to stay or not?)
Hyundai/Kia.

Joel

They have an older level 3.4L engine built in china that goes in that (which still has a distibutor cap!!!:eek: )

No kidding? I knew that 3.4L was made in China, but had no idea about the ignition system!! GM has been using coil packs since the mid 1980's for gawd sakes.:banghead: Nothin' wrong with dist caps but come on! Talk about a step back in time.
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/Photo%20Library/China/08%203.4L%20V6%20LNJ%20EQN%20LoR.jpg

Good info Mike! In reality though, even the IMG issue isn't such a big deal on the GMs if you catch it early. Worst case you pay an independent shop to install a set of Fel-Pro gaskets or the likes and you are good to go. I've never seen one bomb out before 70Kmi anyway (had several in the family). Get the gaskets done, a new set of spark-plugs and wires while you are in there, a coolant swap, about $800 and you are good to go for the life of the vehicle. IMO, the 4T65E AT is the best of the MV transaxles as well. All that aside though, IMO it's everything surrounding the drivetrain on the GM minivans that is not up to snuff with the rest. GM MV's have gone the way of the Freestar anyway. 2008+ all we have are:
Chrysler/Dodge
Toyota Sienna
Honda Ody
Nissan Quest (not sure if that's going to stay or not?)
Hyundai/Kia.

Joel

I will agree with you on the gaskets, I have done the replacement twice now for friends, one on a Grand Am, one on a Venture, and both really weren't that difficult. Like you said, toss in new plugs, wires, maybe a new t-stat, and you can chalk it up to a slightly more difficult tune up (cause you just about have to do all that work to even get to the plugs! ) The one I did recently was the Venture, and I did the whole job for about 200 bucks. Used the Felpro gaskets, they worked very well.

I currently have a 2002 Windstar, and am going to keep that baby going as long as possible. It's doing well. I do like the new GMC Acadia, but probably will go with the new Dodge van, since I barely fit my three kiddos and their stuff in the van! Gonna stay away from the foreign stuff purely on principle, I live and work in Detroit, and I want to keep my house and my job, as well as my friends and neighbors houses and jobs!

No kidding? I knew that 3.4L was made in China, but had no idea about the ignition system!! GM has been using coil packs since the mid 1980's for gawd sakes.:banghead: Nothin' wrong with dist caps but come on! Talk about a step back in time.


For real.....even my 1989 Iron Duke in an old Grand Am that I had as a kid had a coil pack (from what I remember). lol, oh well. Seems to work.