98 windstar-door ajar light, ac,

[stiner95]

I have a 98 windstar and it has 125,000 miles on it. The vents are screwed as the rear ac does not work right. It will blow hot air instead of cold. On a random basis it will blow cold air, about 1/10 of the time. Also the door ajar light will not turn off. My fix was to take all the interior bulbs out, but i would really like to fix the problem as my kids are scared of the dark(ha,ha). Also, i need to change the spark plugs but it seems like a pretty tough operation. And like many others my check engine light stays on too.

[Scott Rogers]

Originally Posted by stiner95

I have a 98 windstar and it has 125,000 miles on it. The vents are screwed as the rear ac does not work right. It will blow hot air instead of cold. On a random basis it will blow cold air, about 1/10 of the time. Also the door ajar light will not turn off. My fix was to take all the interior bulbs out, but i would really like to fix the problem as my kids are scared of the dark(ha,ha). Also, i need to change the spark plugs but it seems like a pretty tough operation. And like many others my check engine light stays on too.

I can't help you with the a/c problem, but my 96 door ajar light problem was fixed by spraying all of the door latch mechanisms with a liberal amount of good-old WD-40 lubricant. I did mine about a year ago and the problem hasn't come back yet. As for the spark plugs, I changed my front 3 plugs fairly easily, the back 3 supposedly can be changed from the top if you remove the upper and lower cowl covers. I was looking at mine today from underneath the van and figured I could change out 2 of them with some arm skin loss, and the 3rd I might could get out if I bought one of those spark plug boot removing tools and a couple more 3/8 extensions and a swivel. But now I have to decide whether to pay around a grand for a new head gasket job or trade it in as junk. Good luck to you with yours, hope you don't have the many problems that I've had.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by stiner95

I have a 98 windstar and it has 125,000 miles on it. The vents are screwed as the rear ac does not work right. It will blow hot air instead of cold. On a random basis it will blow cold air, about 1/10 of the time. Also the door ajar light will not turn off. My fix was to take all the interior bulbs out, but i would really like to fix the problem as my kids are scared of the dark(ha,ha). Also, i need to change the spark plugs but it seems like a pretty tough operation. And like many others my check engine light stays on too.

The door ajar is a Ford problem for a long time with the Windstars and Taurus. They use a switch in the door latch to tell if the door is open or closed. The little switch works fine when the vehical is new. But when it gets older the switch says in the door open position. I've narrowed mine down to the back door. I plan on taking each latch out and lub the switch so it does not stick no more.

As to the check engine light have you checked for codes? AutoZone will check for codes for no charge.

As for the the heater there is an electrical control that needs attention.

Dan

[DRW1000]

I agree the door ajar is most likely from the switches in the hatch. You need to take the interior panel off for access but a pretty easy job.

Spark plugs on my 99 weren't too bad. Remeber to remove the cowl for access to the back row. The cables are harder to get off than the plugs. I was worried that mine may have been seized but no problems.

Make sure you use double platinum (if that is what is called). I think only Ford and Autolite make them. Bosch platinums and most others are platinum on the centrre electrodes only. You need ones that are platinum on both the centre and side electrodes.

[jtman04401]

[quote=stiner95]Also the door ajar light will not turn off. My fix was to take all the interior bulbs out, but i would really like to fix the problem as my kids are scared of the dark(ha,ha)QUOTE]

For the fix take a look here:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=383261

[homeguy]

I'm having the same problem...how long does it take for the WD-40 take to work?? I have sprayed about 1 can per switch and the light still stays on. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks for all the great tips on this site!!!

[baumbr]

Our '98 also had the door ajar light problem. We eventually replaced all but 1 or 2 of the switches. The problem has returned so I suppose the last 2 switches need replacing.

[rpdenney]

I had the same problem about a year ago. I had done everything spoken about above. Replaced swithches, checked vacuum, plenum doors, etc... Mine, I finally troubleshot down to a, I am going to blow it now, a coolant valve accessable from beneath the the van on the drivers side. Just below the rear heat exchanger. The valve shuts-off the coolant when the a/c is on. Hope this helps.

[mastermind123]

Okay, so this site has been a big huge help twice on my 1998 Ford windstar. the vehicle was almost gave to me and the original owner wanted to be rid of it because of the brakes going to the floor and abs light was on, also the cruise control didn't work. He was quoted a couple of thousand dollars to fix the problem. I came here to read forums but found some of the same symptoms mine was having, but in my case the switch at the bottom of the master cylinder was leaking thought I had it nailed but no the pedal still went to the floor so I purchased a vacuum bleeder and went around the vehicle but first I got all of the fluid out of the master cylinder and put in new . I noticed a lot of rubber in the fluid so I just went ahead and replaced the master cylinder then vacuum bled the brakes with new fluid all the lights where gone and to my surprise I found a nice patch of ice and slammed on brakes the abs worked properly and the cruise control worked perfectly as well it cost me somewhere around 160.00 including the tool. The door ajar light stayed on most all the time I could not find the switches so I came here and read the advice. I had a can of radioshack electronic cleaner with lubricant in it I sprayed all of the latches and bam the light and chime function properly now. My next issue is how can I get the side door to open and close easier?