ABS light and check engine light 2000 Windstar w/codes

[mruck]

My ABS light comes on in my 2000 Windstar (60,000 miles) when the weather is warm. It came on at the end of the summer and then never came on all winter. Now, it's back on again (about 10-15 min. after a cold start). I took it in for a diagnostic and this is the code that came up: C1185. The mechanic said this means the van needs a new brake controller?? Does this sound right? Approx how much does this type of repair cost?

The check engine light has also been on for a few months. These are the codes that came up: P0171 and P0174. Any ideas on what it could be and rough estimate on repair expense?

[DRW1000]

I don't know much about the brake code but the 171/174 are very common for your year of Windstar. There is a lot in this forum on this topic and even a link to step-by-step instructions on how to repair the link. Do a search.

The cost depends on whether you do the repair yourself or not. Parts cost about $100 and shops charge between $250 - $800 from what I have read.

[mruck]

I can't fix the van myself I am clueless about stuff like this. I did read up on the codes and seems like the price can vary. I thought the ABS light was going to be the most expensive thing to fix. I was quoted $1000 for just the ABS. Does this seem high?

I've called some other mechanics and one told me that the P0171/P0174 code might be fixable with a tune up and replacing the fuel filter. Does this sound like a possibility or not really? He's willing to try other things before resorting to an expensive repair. He hasn't seen the van yet, but it is running fine -- no engine troubles or sounds, etc. The light has been on for several months, but I don't put many miles on it.

[frostie]

A new ABS controller will run you about $400 for the part, installation is extra.

I was able to pick one up on e-Bay for about $75. Should only be about 1.5 hours labour for a mechanic to install (it is under the van, so is a PITA to change yourself). There is also a place on e-Bay that will rebuild certain types of controllers for about $150. I had good luck with them when they rebuilt a cruise control computer for by VW.

Good luck.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by mruck

I can't fix the van myself I am clueless about stuff like this. I did read up on the codes and seems like the price can vary. I thought the ABS light was going to be the most expensive thing to fix. I was quoted $1000 for just the ABS. Does this seem high?

I've called some other mechanics and one told me that the P0171/P0174 code might be fixable with a tune up and replacing the fuel filter. Does this sound like a possibility or not really? He's willing to try other things before resorting to an expensive repair. He hasn't seen the van yet, but it is running fine -- no engine troubles or sounds, etc. The light has been on for several months, but I don't put many miles on it.

By all means the 171/174 should be diagnosed a bit more before jumping into the isolator bolt fix. The 171/174 codes indicate a lean condition on both banks. This is caused by an incorrect air fuel ratio and can be caused by intake leaks, low fuel pressure, incorrect MAF readings among other items. A clogged filter can affect the fuel flow and could very well cause the problem.

[mruck]

Got the van fixed. Turns out all that it needed was to change the spark plugs and feul filter.

[phil-l]

mruck -

Hmmmm - You had the 171/174 codes on a 2000 Windstar, and they went away with only a fuel filter and spark plugs?

Quick prediction: The codes will be back soon, unless you've also taken care of the infamous "leaking isolator bolt" TSB. My 2000 needed this update, at about the 60K mile point.

Required reading: While this procedure is designed for the do-it-yourselfer, it will also help you make sure the shop solves the root of this problem:

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

[mruck]

Yes, that is correct. My mechanic ran the test w/ new plugs & fuel filter and the codes were gone. He then put the old plugs back on just to make sure and the codes came back, so he said that was why it was running lean. We just took the van on a road trip and after 900 miles, no codes have come back. The ABS light was a separate issue, but that has been fixed, as well.

[phil-l]

Out of curiosity: What fixed the ABS problem? What did the repair cost?

Thanks!

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by mruck

Yes, that is correct. My mechanic ran the test w/ new plugs & fuel filter and the codes were gone. He then put the old plugs back on just to make sure and the codes came back, so he said that was why it was running lean. We just took the van on a road trip and after 900 miles, no codes have come back. The ABS light was a separate issue, but that has been fixed, as well.

Are you sure? Putting the old plugs back in seems like a lot of work just to see if the codes come back. I can almost believe a clogged filter can cause the lean conditions (ie 171/174) but I am skeptical of the plugs. If anything I would expect bad plugs to cause a misfire.

Remember that with the proper code reader (or even disconnecting the battery) will turn off the CEL. They will re-appear after a few drives.
this is often a "trick" used by some mechanics to give the illusion that they repaired the problem. Plugs and fuel filter are standard maintenance items and probably a good idea to have had replaced but I would not be surprised to see the codes re-appear. (Hopefully not)

[mruck]

Hopefully the codes won't reappear. I've known my mechanic for years and he runs an honest business. Not to say that the codes won't come back. Hopefully they won't. Before he did the tune-up & repair, I mentioned what I read on this forum, but he was sure he found the problem at much less expense. He did say that the plugs on the van were the original ones (yikes) and I don't know when the fuel filter was last changed (purchased it used). It has 61K miles on it now, so it very well could have been the filter itself. I had a full tune-up done with new plugs, plug wires, fuel filter and a fuel injection cleaning. I've already driven 900+ miles on a trip and no light has come back on thus far.

As far as the ABS system, the van needed a new brake control module which was a $400 repair. Hope that amount is fair.

[phil-l]

mruck -

Thanks for the info. Any ABS repair that involves a new module automatically sends $$$ to my brain. While I dont' know the specifics of your situation, $400 seems very reasonable.

[mruck]

Well, it is now 6 months and 4000 miles later and yes -- the codes did finally come back on. Don't know why it took 4000 miles for the codes to show up again. Guess I need to go to a new mechanic who can do the job correctly.