2001 Windstar Idiot lights

[pperrichetti]

I am getting the following lights on my dash all lit at the same time:

Brake Light, ABS Light, and Traction Control Light.

They come on while I'm driving, not necessarily stopping. I turn the van off, and restart and they go away for a time, then come back on. No issues braking or stopping. When I try and push the t/c on/off button, nothing happens.

Any ideas?

[wiswind]

I do not have the traction control option, so I am not at all familiar with that light.
For the other 2 lights, check the brake fluid level.
If the low fluid level sensor detects low brake fluid, then it can light BOTH the ABS and BRAKE lights.
Now, the windstar seems to have that low level set pretty high.....like just below the "full" line on the master cylinder.

It is normal for the fluid to drop slightly as the disk brake pads wear.
If you have had a sudden drop in fluid level, then you could have a leak.

Also, check the brake pressure switch, which is located on the bottom of the master cylinder.
The brake pressure switch is prone to leak....and can actually cause a fire.
If even slightly damp, get a replacement brake pressure switch kit from you local FORD dealership.
If they have to back-order it......I would disconnect it until you get it replaced......you will not have cruise control, but no other issues.

I know that this sounds basic....but the question has come up....so I will mention it here.
The master cylinder is located in a awkward position.......so to add brake fluid......keep the cap on the bottle untill you have the bottle back in there.....in a position that all you have to do is tip the bottle to put the fluid in.
THEN, remove the cap from the fluid bottle and add fluid to the master cylinder.

Another note.....Once you open the bottle of brake fluid.....use what you need......but don't keep the extra around.
Once opened, the brake fluid in the bottle will take on moisture, which will lower the boiling point, AND the moisture WILL cause corrosion of in the brake system.
So ONLY use FRESH brake fluid.

[pperrichetti]

Thanks Wiswind. I recently did the front brakes and flushed the brake fluid. Master cylinder level was halfway between max and min so I topped off the master cylinder. I checked and the brake pressure switch is dry. I drove the van around for a while, and all three lights came back on. I am going to try and stop by the local Autozone and have them hook up and see if any codes spit out?

I did notice something today when I started the van, the headlights flash on as the starter is cranking. Is this normal? I don't ever remember noticing it before?

[garync1]

As for the Brake lights ABS And brake warning this is a common problem and some times the dealer cant figure it out.. I have a 2001 and mine does the same thing except i dont have trac control.. It could be the fluid sometimes but mine does it every now and again.. I think its a ABS control module problem.. Which your trac control is controlled by as well. So as long as you can still reset with ignition be happy because after it goes,it will cost..

Now if you have a auto light switch it will come on. If not your battery may be starting to go. When my OEM battery went out last year everything started flashing headlights inside lights the works. Finally one day it did it and click nothing worked so battery was replaced and everything was fine.So that was 6yrs on a OEM battery not bad..

[pperrichetti]

I did notice that on cold mornings, it has been cranking really slow. I just installed a new battery. We'll see what happens. Six years on the original Motorcraft battery, not bad!