1996 Windstar Cruise & Wind. Lft Mtr ?'s

[todddster]

Hi all,

1996 Ford Windstar glx 3.8 liter

1. Cruise Control does not work. How can I diagnose the problem? I've checked the fuses and they are fine. I'm not sure where to begin.

2. The right passenger window will not roll down using either the driver switch or passenger switch. I removed the door panel and used a test meter and found that I have power to the Window Lift Motor. I believe I should replace the motor, but it looks held in place by these odd rivets. It looks like I would have to drill them out and then replace them with bolts. Is this the case or could there be some other problem with my window or an easier way to replace the motor.


Thanks

Todd

[jvd1413]

Todd,
I have same problem. Found a lot of good hints in the Ford trucks forum below.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/archive/forum/62.html

Also, you can google for "taurus cruise control" and get about same results. All begin with "Check horn, tail lights, BOO switch and switch at master brake cyl...", etc.

I plan to work on my 'star this coming weekend, and if I find problem I'll post here.

Cheers

[busboy4]

Hi Todd,

I have had my cruise control quit too. I ultimately replaced the cruise control servo - the brains/brawn of the operation. I bought it from fordpartsonline for around $140. I also replaced the pressure sensing switch on the bottom of the brake master cylinder. Do check your fuses and make sure that your brake lights are all working. Oddly enough, according to the manual a burnt out bulb can cause the problem.

Diagnosing the problem was difficult. You can test the steering wheel switches, the brake light switch and the master cylinder switch with a voltmeter and the manual - I have the Ford manual but I believe an after market manual may also have some basic test information. Ultimately I cannot say that I am dead sure which component was the problem. It was not the steering wheel switches. Let me know if I can help further. If you think it is the servo, you can buy one at a junk yard for around $50 if you want to try a used one.

As for your window, is the motor definitely not spinning? My driver's window failed and it turned out to be the drive gear slipping out of alignment. I was able to fix it with the motor in. If the motor is truly shot, you are right about the rivets. They are blind rivets and must be drilled out. You must first take out the window - more blind rivets- and some of the track -more blind rivets- (see a pattern here?) and then the motor. Of course you need a riveter to do the re-installation.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

[todddster]

Thanks for the input. I'll check the switches with a voltmeter. The window, on the other hand, might be an issue. I guess Ford wants some guaranteed work.

I think I'll sell it with the window problem and knock some $ off the price.

Thanks again,

Todd