I don't drive and I still have Ford problems

[maddogmugsy]

Hi there
I have never had a driver's licence but promised my husband I would finally bite the bullet.
Because I thought I would drive, he bought an automatic instead of a manual and we would up with a 95 Ford Windstar

I feel guilty everyday because this vehicle has caused us more grief than you can imagine!

From the ABS never working properly, to locks not functioning and now the wipers are going, going, gone (in the rear)

I am happy to have found your forum and being handy with tools and fixing stuff I am hoping that I can give some of the issues a go with guidance from you delightful car-type people

I am having a great time reading so far and am looking forward to sharing with the gang.

Melanie

[FORDTRACMAN]

If you are going to do your own repairs,a manual is essential.I personally prefer Haynes.
Good luck and happy motoring.

[wiswind]

I have a subscription to www.alldatadiy.com.
It is about $25 for the first year and about $15 each year thereafter.....The subscription is for only 1 vehicle.....but you can add additional vehicles for about $15. The big advantage to alldata is that you get access to most of the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) from FORD.

I STRONGLY suggest that you utilize the FREE repair information that you will find at www.autozone.com This information seems to include most of the same, identical, step...by...step repair instructions that I found at alldata.....and pictures which are a big help to me.

The 1995 Windstar has more engine (3.8L) and transmission problems than the other years.
There is also (at least for my '96) a lifetime waranty on the front coil springs....from FORD.

Transmission.....you MUST change the fluid...at LEAST every 30K miles....use ONLY "Mercon" specification transmission fluid....not Mercon V. I use Mobil 1 transmission fluid...which is Mercon rated. Treat your Windstar like a big station wagon.....NOT a truck....as we have car engines and transmissions. Don't let what I have said scare you.....this is true of pretty much ALL brands of minivans. And most vehicles now need regular transmission fluid changes.

The 3.0L engine seems to be more reliable....but not as common.

ABS....On the Windstar. If the brake fluid in the master cylinder is even slightly low.....like just off the full line.....the ABS light will come on. I have also read on this forum...about a sensor inside the Master cylinder that can go bad....also causing the same indication. In other words.....ABS light is designed to indicate more than just ABS failures.....including brake fluid being low. A bit of brake fluid is MUCH cheaper than messing with the ABS unit.

Spark plugs are rated for 100K miles.
When you do replace them....make sure to use Double Platinum plugs....Motorcraft and Autolite brands carry them....and you can buy them at Autozone (Motorcraft) and many other auto parts stores.

If your CEL light comes on....head for your nearest Autozone to have the codes read for free (IF your windstar is OBDII complient.....This was a federal requirement starting in 1996....but I did read a post that the '95 Windstar was OBDII complient also....someone please correct if I am wrong.....

For Tires....I am very happy with Michelin "Harmony" tires.....a good all-season tire.... Good in snow.

Keep on top of the routine maintenance items....and you will be much further ahead.

[stoned_pimp420]

my dads 96 is a total piece of shit. but I gave it a little help and so has my dad and a few trees and ditches and rear ends of cars and so on and so forth. but this damn thing has put my dad in the hospital twice now. My personal advice is DON'T take it to a ford dealership to get it worked on they will charge the hell outta you for doing the simplest shit. they charged my dad 600 dollars for changing the spark plugs. the ABS is also a piece of shit along with the entire brake system. The ONLY good thing I can say about it is the 3.8 has some decent power when it is running decent. Oh yeah don't count on the rear heat and air to work, my dads rear air even when you put it on heat it blows cold air out of the roof and the floor vents don't put out shit. you might as well go on ahead and take out the interior lights because the first time you hit something kinda hard in it, they will stay on until you reach 15 miles per hour.

[SebringYves]

Originally Posted by FORDTRACMAN

ABS....On the Windstar. If the brake fluid in the master cylinder is even slightly low.....

I can absolutely agree with you Wiswind. I had the same: ABS light on and somtimes the red break light. Was missing a little bit of break fluid.
Important is to drive the van with care and effort some money to make some preventive maintenance. This will save you later a lot of cash.
If you buy a used car, have first a sevice: spark plugs and cables, new engine oil, new transmission oil, break service, etc...

[fcrew]

I guess l got lucky with my '98 windstar because l haven't had any problems with it. Right now it has 107,000 kms and run like a top. Trans has never givin me any trouble and the engine is as strong today as it was new. The only thing l did to it other than regular maintainance was replacing the "o" rings under the plenum( would stall coming off the gas in very hot weather). The other thing l did improve on was the front brakes. I swapped out the rotors/calipers and knuckles to 2002 set up( dual piston calipers and larger rotors. Also for this swap l needed the '02 abs front sensors. Now when you step on the brakes you know your going to stop.