'99 Windstar Electrical Problem

[smf]

The van stalled in traffic the other day for my wife and would not start with only clicking from the starter.

Symptoms: ABS light came on first, radio light got dim and stations were static. After I successfully jumped her van, the electrical system was going wacky. No headlights, no blinkers, no emergency flashers, no windows, no door locks, etc. Then when driving a little bit to get the car home the courtesy chime came on and wouldn't stop till I got home. Bought a new battery that night (old one was 5yrs old) and car started and ran fine for two days.

I measured the voltage yesterday with the car running and measured 11.5 volts. Not good.

Today, the car started fine but I noticed that the windows and wipers were a little slower than usual. Drove the car a mile then the ABS light came on again, left blinker came on by itself (not switched by me) and chime came on again and again nothing electrical worked but maybe the radio. I got the car home, shut it off and it wouldn't start like it did the first time.

Car is going to the dealer now and I'm hoping its only the alternator and not the PCM or other.

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks
Steve

[Airjer_]

Sounds like the alternator failed. Once battery voltage gets to low its starts causing all kinds of thing to act up and eventually there will not be enough battery to keep the vehicle running.

[smf]

Here's an update,

The dealer charged the new battery I put in and said that it is fine and taking a charge. He also checked the alternator and said that it is charging fine. He noticed that there is a 750mA draw on the battery (car not running) when there should only be a 50mA draw.

He is now going to remove my aftermarket, but Ford dealer installed, Pursuit alarm system and check again.

Just to note: This alarm for the past two years has been acting a little funny in cold weather. When the temperature gets cold (~10-200deg), the alarm will give off a low moaning sound. Since then, I've never trusted it and am now glad that it's coming out. Also, I have heard of two separate accounts where an alarm system is draining batteries and causing problems.

Will let you know more later....

[smf]

Well the battery checked out ok as did the dealer installed alarm. Replaced the alternator and everything has been fine since.

Thanks for the advice.
SMF

[joheir]

Okay just to add.... that is the EXACT issue that just happened to my 2000 windstar, only thing is its the second time. I previously (4 months ago) replaced the starter, battery, and alt. then just the other day same symptoms. now it doesnt turn over just clicking and the window wont go up??? were getting new so as not to have to deal with this anymore, but it does make for a good work van. I would like to hear of other ideas as to what this issue is, or could be. so that I wont have to toss the van to the wreckers (yet).

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by joheir

Okay just to add.... that is the EXACT issue that just happened to my 2000 windstar, only thing is its the second time. I previously (4 months ago) replaced the starter, battery, and alt. then just the other day same symptoms. now it doesnt turn over just clicking and the window wont go up??? were getting new so as not to have to deal with this anymore, but it does make for a good work van. I would like to hear of other ideas as to what this issue is, or could be. so that I wont have to toss the van to the wreckers (yet).

What happens when you boost it? This happened to me and it turned out the negative connector's wire (to the battery) had become loose, simple as that. There was still enough juice flowing through to cause all sorts of weird electrical symptoms and odd clicks from the instrument panel, but not enough amperage to turn over. Took me two days of troubleshooting before I stumbled onto the solution by chance: I brushed against the wire hooked to the battery connector and it fell off the sleeve. Crimped it back on and voila, everything back to working order save for the "normal" problems that were already in existence.