1998 Ford Windstar SUCKS!!!

[gwendolynrain]

ok besides the 3 transmissions i have replaced, the horrific electrical nightmare that it has been, today the alternator seized. my check engine light has been on for ohhhhhh about a year!!! after about a half dozen mechanics, and a million different diagnostics, i replaced the spark plugs, wires, coil pack, and fuel injectors, to no avail. the check engine light remains on, flashing at random and practically stalling out the vehicle. not to mention my door adjar light is always on and off and on and off. the sensors have all been replaced, numerous times, but the damn thing thinks the doors are open! well, we will see what replacing the ALTERNATOR will do.....
dont buy a 98 windstar, in fact dont buy a ford.
any one want this one?

[rodeo02]

Sorry to hear about all your windstar problems . Yes the AX4- series of trannys has it's issues, but with regular maintenance every 30Kmi, they will last. A GOOD dealership or transmission shop can fix them right the first time. If you've gone thru several of them, it's not the tranny, but the shop (supossedly) fixing them. Most of your other issues could be handled by browsing this board. Too bad you didn't find it sooner!
G/luck
Joel

[lewisnc100]

Sorry to hear about your problems, do you have the specific code(s) that are triggering the check engine light? Post back with those and maybe someone can help.

[jeffbrown1966]

Originally Posted by gwendolynrain

. the sensors have all been replaced, numerous times, but the damn thing thinks the doors are open! well, we will see what replacing the ALTERNATOR will do.....
dont buy a 98 windstar, in fact dont buy a ford.
any one want this one?

My windstar and taurus did the same thing I sprayed a good amount of white liteum in the door latch and it has fixed both cars just do this once a year and you should be fine

[stelanum2]

Originally Posted by jeffbrown1966

My windstar and taurus did the same thing I sprayed a good amount of white liteum in the door latch and it has fixed both cars just do this once a year and you should be fine

My ford winstar is acting the same way. it thinks the doors are open and the service engine soon light is on. It is running fine but these little things tick me off. Has anyone have an idea how to fix it? My husband has tried things but has not worked.He tried spraying the latches and all that but still not working.

[law35]

Hello, I am having the same problem, it thinks my doors are open and it makes that horrible "bing bing bing" but goes off when your driving,also my lights stay on as well, do you know why?? help!!!

[JBJR]

My 98 Windstar USED to do the same. Check engine & door chimes. My mechanic checked the codes and first it indicated front manifold door stuck open, he replaced that. About a week later it started again, this time different code- rear manifold door stuck open- he replaced that, and no more check engine light since. Also I have had 4 transmissions on my Windstar. All replaced at same dealership here in Houston. Difference was 1st 3 were charged to extended warranty, last one was charged to dealer where installed (extended warranty had expired & transmission had 2yr warranty on it). No problems since with transmission. But since then I have had 2 speed sensors go bad. Seems FORD in all their WISDOM, put the speed sensors right next to the HOT manifold exhaust, and causes the sensor to heat up and become defective. I took the van to a transmission shop referred to me by a mechanic who comes on the news on saturdays and the owner replaced it & told me about the problem. Second time it went bad, I knew the symptoms and took it to my mechanic, he replaced it & wrapped it with heat tape. That was near to 2 yrs. ago, no problems since. Hope that helps you. Does anyone know what the process is to check responses to questions you post?

[beuthling]

by a code reader from ebay obd 2 -($50)- read codes
yourself. You shouldnt drive with the engine light on
at all. If it comes on stop the van. Check the codes
it will save you money and maby an engine. Those codes are serious. (Like the oil light)(drive with no oil to long boooom!)- before u f up your van
Im not selling you stuff (i to own a winstar)

[stelanum2]

The senors are bad in side and in hatch.My husband unhooked the senors. the only thing is now you have to make sure doors are shut