2001 windstar-many problems

[bribella]

I bought a 2001 windstar lx in 7/2002 with 6k miles on it. Shortly after purchasing it the rear windshield wiper fluid dispenser got clogged, it was fixed under warranty. About 4 months after that it clogged up again. It currently has 53k miles on it and other things seem to be going wrong on it.

In addition to the clogged rear winshield flud thing, 1 of the rear sliding doors does not always unlock, the power locks screw up now and then , either they won't lock a certain door or the door won't unlock. The emergency brake light has started to stay on even after the e-brake is released. Somestimes it will come on while you are driving.

I have also noticed lately that when sitting at a light and idleing the engine seems to rev up and down as though I were stepping on the gas pedal.

We have driven it quite a bit back and forth to MN a few times, I had all the fluids changed in 7/2004. Should I be expecting tons of problems with this van? TIA~Robyn

[sahib]

I haven't had any problems on my '99 yet but there are numerous post here on the door locks. On the side doors clean those finger like things with LPS or WD-40 or like. The ends of the fingers and where they make contact with the chassis. There seems to be some mechanism behind the door panels that need to be sprayed too if this doesn't do it for you. The emergncy/parking brake lever has a switch on it that may need to be sprayed also or the lever itself so that it will work freely and return to home position and make contact with the switch. You may have an IAC problem with the idle or you may have problems with the intake clogging up. Seems they had that fixed for the 2001 model but who knows. More informed people on here than me so maybe one of them will be along.

[PumpItUp]

Originally Posted by bribella

I bought a 2001 windstar lx in 7/2002 with 6k miles on it. Shortly after purchasing it the rear windshield wiper fluid dispenser got clogged, it was fixed under warranty. About 4 months after that it clogged up again. It currently has 53k miles on it and other things seem to be going wrong on it.

In addition to the clogged rear winshield flud thing, 1 of the rear sliding doors does not always unlock, the power locks screw up now and then , either they won't lock a certain door or the door won't unlock. The emergency brake light has started to stay on even after the e-brake is released. Somestimes it will come on while you are driving.

I have also noticed lately that when sitting at a light and idleing the engine seems to rev up and down as though I were stepping on the gas pedal.

We have driven it quite a bit back and forth to MN a few times, I had all the fluids changed in 7/2004. Should I be expecting tons of problems with this van? TIA~Robyn

First problem is you bougjht a Windstar.. Kidding.. You should make certian that you are using a good quality, not .99 cent bottle of w/w fluid as cheaper can break down in time and clog the filter. Make ertain it's clean product your putting in the washer fluid tank and that it is the washer tank! And never put just straight water in there because algae can grow quickly in that warm environment once the clorene breaks down and that will clog up your tank /hoses to the reaar window as well. May just try to use a pin in the nozzle end at the rear hatch to dislodge foreign matter as well.
The doors.hmm.. Side door not working on occasion or others as well? May be the actuator motor that's melfunctioning .Have you heard noises ..like a grinding coming from the door that's trying to lock/unlock? that's a sin of the motor neoprene gears stripping. /Emergency brake/ABS as well lights may come on if your brake fluid resevoir is low.. You stated that , you had just had it changed/topped up.. may want to just check it anyways.. Try by topping up accordingly with clean fluid.. Revving engine .. My 96' Windstar started doing that about 4 years after having it and I was told to use not only mid range fuel (for every third or so tank) but also a good "Q" fuel injector cleaner and or octane boosters. for a few tanks of fuel and to also make certain that the air filter was clean.. Did all above after a few tanks of fuel . I had no problems. Good luck!