Windstar Pet Peeves

[sunmicroman]

We bought a 2002 Windstar in the end of 2003. It's been an OK minivan. But there are a couple of things that kind of annoy me and I was wondering if they can be changed. First, is whenever I use the right turn signal and it switches off after the turn, it will automatically turn on the left turn signal. While that's fine if I need to immediately turn into the next lane over it is more of a nusiance than a help. Also, whenever I am listening to the radio and stop and turn off the vehicle, the radio will stay on until I open the door to get out. Is there anyway to turn off these things?

[DRW1000]

I don't understand the turn signal thing. It sounds like the mechanism for the turn signal is defective as I do not believe it should do what you have experienced.

The radio thing is a "feature" of the ignition and to be honest It is one of the things I like about the Windstar. Sometimes I shut off the van but I wanted to hear the last comments or song on the radio. This feature also allows one to close the power windows after you have shut off the car without having to go to the aux position.

[oncehadamustang]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

The radio thing is a "feature" of the ignition and to be honest It is one of the things I like about the Windstar. Sometimes I shut off the van but I wanted to hear the last comments or song on the radio. This feature also allows one to close the power windows after you have shut off the car without having to go to the aux position.

I agree with ya! I love the radio feature. Comes in handy for those last minute adjustsments!!!

And for the turn signal... this one is mild compared to my SHO ..the winsheild wippers would turn on with every right turn signal. That stank BIG TIME!! I had to have switch and a few wires replaced.

[sunmicroman]

Thanks for the replies. I can't stand the radio still being on with the ignition turned off. If I wanted the radio to remain on then I would turn the key to "Accessory". Anyway, I thought that Ford was being "helpful" with the turn signal thing but apparently it is just a quirk with my van.

[DRW1000]

If you really want to disable the radio thing then you could find a different 12volt (switched) and replace the delayed one that is currently connected to your stereo.

[davwha]

I also don't like the radio feature. When driving, the radio volume has to be turned up louder than the noise of the engine and air conditioning. When I turn off the engine, the radio is MUCH TO LOUD and this is very annoying because I have to tun it down every time, especially if you need to talk to someone in the car. What I plan to do is pull out the radio, cut the power wire to the radio, install a 12 Volt relay in series with the power wire, and then connect the relay control to an accessory source. This way the wiring and fuse for the radio will not change and it can be reversed easily if you want.

[dandi]

Ummm, can't you simply turn the radio off before shutting off the ignition?

Dan D

[sunmicroman]

Shouldn't have to.

[dandi]

Well, I think that given the history of these vans, this should be the LEAST of your concerns....! ;-)

Dan D