2000 Windstar Issues

[f150mum]

I have a 2000 Windstar SEL. Here is my issues:
TC/ABS light comes on everyother start
Waterpump needs replacing, anyone know any shortcuts to fixing? Don't feel like ripping right side of van apart to get to the thing. Ford did not making it easy for DIYers lol
My engine light just came on, could it be related to waterpump? Ford wants $95 just to read codes.

[mundy5]

unfortunately the TC/ABS light is not readable by the generic OBDII codes used at auto parts stores. it has to be read by either good shops or the ford dealer since it requires a different kind of code reader.

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by f150mum

I have a 2000 Windstar SEL. Here is my issues:
TC/ABS light comes on everyother start

On reading the ABS codes call around to the smaller shops. If they have a good code reader like a SnapOn they should be able to read them and only charge you an arm.


Waterpump needs replacing, anyone know any shortcuts to fixing? Don't feel like ripping right side of van apart to get to the thing. Ford did not making it easy for DIYers lol

I replaced one on my 93 Taurus 3.8 and one on my 95 Windstar 3.8. Yes it's tight in there. I would check out AutoZones web site to see if they have instructions. WWW.autozone.com

My engine light just came on, could it be related to waterpump? Ford wants $95 just to read codes.

I don't think the water pump and CEL are related. The CEL mostly light up when a sensor doesn't read what is expected.

Were you able to look through the posts at the top of the Windstar forum?

Dan

[Andrew1941]

You can buy a cheap code reader for CEL codes. In Canada there was one at Canadian Tire for about $60. Probably a lot cheaper in the US since our dollar is worth next to nothing again!

[wiswind]

I quick check for the CEL, if you live in the USA, is to stop by your local auto part store.
Most all of them will read your OBDII codes for FREE.
MAKE SURE to get the actual numeric code..... Pxxxx as this will give you what you need to get to the root of the problem.
You can post back here with the code.

As mentioned, they will not be able to help you with the TC/ABS codes.
Make sure that your brake master cylinder is full with brake fluid....the low level sensor is set to trip at the bottom side of the full line....

There is no easy water pump repair.......the motor needs to be raised a few inches to get the water pump off.
Of course...if it is a leak that has you looking at the water pump....make SURE that it is the water pump leaking and not the front cover (aka timing cover) gasket...... I really hope that it is not the front cover gasket as that is a really labor intensive repair.....
Also look at all the hoses and connections in the area.
If it is groaning sound......I chased all about on that a couple years ago.....ended up being the idler pulley which is located right in the middle....between the water pump, power steering, and alternator.
Mine would only groan above a given RPM.....so hand spinning did not help.
Idler pulley as a lot easier and cheaper.......although I had a really rough time getting the bolt to come loose.

My front cover gasket had a VERY slight seapage....and I put Bar's Stop Leak in the antifreeze.......that was a good 9 years ago....and it has solved the problem...and held that long (I recommend keeping some in the coolant all the time.....you can get the product in tablet form).