Problems with 2002 Ford Windstar ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At times when is col,d the abs and brake light is off while driving, when it gets hot the abs and brake light turns on and the abs fails to work. code c1185 abs power relay output circuit failure. i got to a stop sign and the road was wet and the van skidded , the abs did not work. no one was hurt and i have seen all the complaints that ford owners are having. i don't know if my 2002 ford windstar had all the other recalls done, like the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) and the rear frame welds that are breaking up on the chassis of many ford owners. i would like to verify what has been done to my ford windstar that i bought two months ago. i just had the inner and outer tie rod ends done along with the sway bar links at the front suspension.

At drive-through, radio suddenly quit, and the abs and brake lights came on. right turn signal came on, vehicle began to pulsate and surge. pulled over and shut van off, would not restart, lights and hazards began flashing and would not turn off. retried ignition, lights and hazards went off, van completely died. informed to replace battery, had battery tested, it was fine. replaced battery, followed instructions to reset computer after battery replacement. had to drive van 10 miles to complete, during which abs and brake light came on, headlights quit (after dark) then began flashing. turn signal came on to signal right turn on its own. just before returning home, headlights quit entirely, and airbag light came on. parked van, let it idle, and the tachometer surged from 500rpms to 3000rpms. seems to fit descriptions others are saying about abs and speed control module underneath master cylinder getting soaked with brake fluid. *tr

My 2002 ford windstar has had many parts tested. they all seem to test good. battery , alternator to name a few. when driving the van hazards come on ( without turning them on ) the radio shuts off, the heat turns off and power is lost as if it's the alternator. abs lights come on and then the dash panel lights up like a christmas tree.. oh then the vehicle dies and won't start , clicks like it's the alternator or battery but they test fine.. after searching many blogs this seems to be a big issue with many mechanics that don't know what it is.. this needs to be fixed it's a pain and thank god for aaa but really should i have to use my aaa all the time/ this particular vehicle spent 6 months in the ford garage in 2010. now what when you buy something you think it will be good for you and your family and that you can use it as a primary car. we have lost days from work, money and money for trying different parts now what??? *tr

Purchased this vehicle in january 2012 and have had nothing but problems with it. according to ford all recalls have been done on this vehicle but here is a list of the issues with the van: abs light comes on, check engine light comes on, van has no cruise control at all, and last friday i could not put the van in gear. after the ford dealership "repaired" the solenoid for the van now all of a sudden there is currently no rear brake lights. this van is less than safe to be on the road and have seen that some of the recalls would have solved the speed control issue but the ford factory will not answer any of my questions. take a look online and you will see thousands of people with the same issues we are having and it was brought to the attention of ford that we are having the same issues as thousands of other people so this is beyond a problematic vehicle.the vehicle is currently sitting at the local ford dealer while they try and figure out what is wrong with the light system. this vehicle has been in the shop twice since we have owned it and this is costing us hundreds (so far) to fix issues that everyone with this vehicle is having. the latest issues have led to us being without a vehicle for almost a week and we have a disabled child in the home and this is unacceptable. *tr

The brake light keeps turning on and off(abs control module problem?). the power window on passenger's side had stopped working a few years ago. *tr

We bought our van in march 2012. by april 2012 we began noticing problems with shifting. it shifts hard. the windows stopped working in may 2012. the lights on the dash for the abs and brakes are always on. the brakes are not very good and the pedal must be pushed hard to get the van to stop. our biggest issue is with the transmission. the mechanic at aamco would not even change the fluid because if he changed the fluid then the transmission wouldn't be able to shift. i don't know the details but i do know that my van is not safe to drive. *tr

Every since i purchased my '02 windstar, i have had problems with the abs and brakes. i've had the brakes fixed numerous times and both lights still comes on while i'm driving. i had a brake fluid leak from the rear. my dvd and stereo both short- circuited on a month or two after they were installed. sometimes if i come to a light to stop for a while, when the light turns green, i'll try to give it some gas but it becomes real hesitant and takes a while to pick up speed. the drivers behind me would start to get frustrated with me holding up traffic. also, when i cut the ac on it takes power away from my vehicle and it threatens to cut off, so i don't turn it on. i also have to replace two oxygen sensors on it. i believe that my abs module is bad as well. i feel that i am putting more money into it than it's worth. please help me. *tr

Brake lights come on randomly and stay on for some time until the brake pedal has been cycled through 5 or 6 times then lights go off for a while then comes back on again. smell of burning plastic or wires permeates the vehicle when the lights have been on for any length of time. *tr

The warning light for brakes and abs kept coming on and there was not an actual problem with the brakes. *tr

Abs light stays on. brake light stays on. gauge needles jump around irrationally . of light flashes. *js

The abs light and the brake warning lights come on sometimes and stay on a long time. when the abs light is on the abs brakes do not work; it reverts back to regular brakes. i am trying to sell the car but prospects do not buy because the light comes on un-expectedly. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the key could not be turned in the ignition. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised her that the cylinder in the ignition may have fractured and could need replacing. the failure and the current mileages were approximately 90,000.

After purchasing from a dealer in oct of 2010 the abs light, check traction control light, brake light and air bag light started coming on intermittently. had the vehicle serviced in mi for the axle recall. was without the vehicle and had loaner car for 2 months. after getting vehicle back the lights were on more consistently the dealership noted this but did not offer any reason found for this. by summer of 2011 these lights were staying on almost constantly and this continued for a year, after investigating this issue online and seeing that other owners have invested hundreds of dollars trying to get the lights to go off and stay off only to have them keep coming back on we have decided to file a complaint as this issue is not a simple fix and obviously is happening in hundreds of vehicles. our problem has progressed to where the speedometer and odometer go wildly up and down while driving at highway speeds and we are never sure of our speed. the lights on the dash go out and the power to door locks, radio and a/c power is lost as well as the blinkers for lane changes. this vehicle is very unsafe but we need it as we have 5 children and can not afford to buy a new one. the power window on passenger side as well as the power sliding doors do not work. when this issue happens if their happened to be an electrical fire because of it, we would be unable to exit the vehicle because the doors are locked and the knobs on the interior of this model are flush into the door when the vehicle is locked and can not be manually pulled up. with children, this is a very serious safety concern. please please investigate this issue with the ford windstar. i have also contacted for with my complaint and they only would say there are no recalls on this issue right now but to save my receipts should i try to get it fixed in case one is issued in the future. *tr

The abs and brake lights come on intermittently while driving. they stay on until the engine is shut off. *tr

Abs, and service brake, come on simultaneously. i am afraid that stopping distance shall be increased, thusly causing personal & property damage liability. fear of braking distance suddenly increased, when driving, on a personal daily basis. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The abs warning light and brake warning light on. resets after car cools down then lights will illuminate after driving and temperature increases. when lights are illuminated braking distance suddenly increases and brake pedal feels soft. had the brake system serviced and flushed with new brake fluid and it did not solve the issue of the abs and brake warning lights coming on, or the increased braking distance. all the brake pads have been checked and are in serviceable condition. front calipers and rear brake drum clynders have been checked and all are working correctly. wheel speed senors have been cleaned and checked with a meter and all four are working correctly. the recalls for the brake pressure differential deactivation switch was done in 2010 and there is no evidence of fluid leaking at this time. suspect problem with abs electronic control module. *tt

The windstar is my only means of transportation and when driving it the speedometer will freak out and ended up breaking the needle on the tacometer and this leads to the theft light popping up when i am driving down the road. this acted up when i was going over and intersection and ended up stalling the vehicle right in the middle and while a car was coming from one way luckly i got the vehicle started and time and got out of there but after taking it to the dealership they couldnt even figure out what could be wrong i dont feel like loosing my life. *tr

The abs and brake warning lights go on randomly for no reason, also cruise control will stop working. *tr

While driving down my hill, my brake light came on. now my abs light comes on with my brake light. brake fluid is present, brakes are almost a year old. for over a year now, my van after it being turned on and off (errands, shopping etc), it does not want to start. once it does start, as i turn the wheel while in park, it stalls. now that my brake and abs lights come on, as i turn the wheel it wants to stall while driving. when i am turning my vehicle off, i turn the key down very slow and all the way down, that seemed to only help it restart a few times. i had my vehicle at the ford dealer for the recall in 2010 dealing with the cruise control issues. my od light has been off for over a year now as well. while driving my vehicle, when i am stopped, i notice a white colored smoke coming out from under the hood, and no one can find where it is coming from, especially happens when it is damp or raining out, and engine temp is normal.(i can not take my van to an auto car wash due to the fact it starts shaking, smoking and won't run or stay started when the under carriage is being sprayed) fuel pump, starter and ignition coil are fine. has new plugs and wires. *tr

Right after i had the recall for 3 different recall the front end, brakes, rear axle completed my abs light, brake light & track off lights all light up on my dash all at the same time & stay on. i have a photo of this. after i turn van off for awhile (it needs to cool down) they go off. i called ford several times about this and they said it had nothing to do with their brake recall or front end recalls if i wanted to pay them to check it out i can bring it in. amazing that i never had any problems with my van until ford started fixing the recalled items. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated the steering column made noise whenever the contact was making a left or right turn. the contact stated the fluid level was correct, but the failure continued to occur. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the power steering pump needed to be replaced. the contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect. the contact stated lights on the dashboard and the radio began to flash on and off. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer again and was told that the alternator needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 68,785.

I am the owner of a 2002 ford windstar. i bought the vehicle with 16,000 miles on it and it now has 104,000. i am current on all of the recalls issued by ford as of june 2011. my abs light, and brake light have been coming on randomly throughout the course of driving during the day for the past 4 years. i live in florida. it is on always throughout the summer and less frequent during the winter months. i have had the computer updated with the latest software by ford 3 years ago when the problem started occurring... did nothing to help. i have taken it to the ford dealership and local mechanic. each have looked at it and have told me different things. the dealer suggested i needed a new electronic control module. ( i did the recall suggested by ford and have the new wire harness on the van. it has done nothing to solve the problem of the abs light and brake light coming on) he says because of the heat it warms up and causes intermittent electrical connection in the unit because the fragile board is being stretched and malformed. the code most commonly scanned by professional mechanics is code c1185. the local mechanic (not ford) test drove the van and found all kinds of abs codes coming up and sinks failing. i left it at his shop and the next morning he drove it again and the lights were off. he said it is a computer issue because everything doesn't just fail all at once and then no lights come on the next day in the a.m. later that day when i took it home and it started to heat up in the summer time here in florida the lights came back on indicating to me that i had no anti-lock brakes!!!!! ford needs to recall this part because it is a safety issue that we as customers have paid for and expect. please look into this issue and do something! *tr

I purchased a 2002 ford windstar from genoa ford genoa ohio...with the abs light and brake light on...the salseman said that we have the car priced low because it will need brakes...we purchased the brakes and still had the problem...we then had the master cylinder replaced the next day 3 days later as we where driving the van the abs and brake light turned on and the van was not able to be started so it was towed for the second time...the day before this we had it at tireman in northwood to get radiator flushed...and new tires when we pulled away the van lost all power and then the battery was replaced...so today after this problem happened the mechanic tells us we need an alternator. in the mean time i have searched online and found that recall #09s09 deals with electrical issues as in the abs the scds the cruise control etc... so this issue obviously has not been stopped with the recall being performed on my vehicle at genoa ford on oct 19, 2009( as the mechanic [xxx] told me on the phone)...so i have come here to file this complaint. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

2002 ford windstar - at times the speedometer becomes stuck at half the speed i am traveling - gets stuck around 25 mph even though i am going 60 mph. the abs light comes on for apparently no reason - defect in electrical system? i have been told by my mechanic that there is nothing wrong with abs. according to best ford - there has been no recall for these issues - other people apparently having same issues according to info posted online. *tr

Braking distance suddenly increased. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact received recall notice 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) and took the vehicle to a dealer to be repaired; however, due to a brake fluid leak it caused the wiring harness to burn. the dealer advised the contact that the wiring harness had not been covered under the recall; therefore, did not check that component when the recall work was performed. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the current and failure miles were 145,000.

2002 ford windstar, 153028 miles sat because of rear axle broke close to home. got recall notice from ford for axle. contacted country roads ford in new martinsville wv. they had van for couple months waiting for axle. axle was replaced but no other recalls were done physically. the mechanic signed that all was done. i got in van, which sat for a couple weeks, attempted to stop at lite and no brakes. pedal went to floor. pumped brakes an grabbed e-brake to stop inches from the car in front of me. took it home after filling master cylinder with fluid. found that it was leaking thru the switch itself. brake fluid trailed to different connectors.took it back to ford. they did the recall for the brake sensor and the sub frame. 11s16. now the engines revs to 2000 rpm when the steering wheel is turned and when its shifted from gear to gear at any given moment. revs up at any time which is a hazard to anyone in or near the vehicle when operating at lites, in store parking areas. the wiring harness installed was manufactured 06-27-2008. part no. bw7t14a411a35nb ca. diagnostic codes change when the battery terminals are removed, then replaced for resetting computer. the cruise control works when it wants to. shuts off during driving. the uncontrollable engine revs is the most serious of the problems. called country roads ford again and they said it wasn't caused by anything they did for the recalls and that only 3 pertained to my vehicle. having a different shop look at it. *tr

1. none specific. the recall has been performed that replaces some wiring in order to avoid possible fire. 2. the failure is a yellow abs brake light and red brake light on the dashboard instrument cluster coming on together fairly often but not always. i understand these lights, specifically the abs light, means the abs braking system is not in operation meaning probable longer stopping distances. i suspect as others have suggested these lights are caused by a heat buildup problem in the abs module that causes the module to warp and fail. 3. the problem is ongoing. *kb

Electrical shorts fire , ac , brakes speel control ,locks doors

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs, brake and air bag warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) but the failure recurred. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted in regards to the most recent failure. the failure and current mileage was 154,000.

1st incident happened while driving at highway speeds. abs and brake light illuminated until car was turned off. lights now come on randomly. i took my vehicle to a ford dealership on aug. 31 2002 for recall on front and rear axles. they installed shackles on suspension and said that everything was fine. after i came home with vehicle, i noticed a clunking sound coming from the r/f wheel area and my overdrive off dash light starts flashing randomly until car is turned off. concerning the abs issue, i took my vehicle to an independent garage and they told me i needed to replace the abs control module, then he told me that they did the exact same repair on another 02' windstar earlier that week and the repair would cost $700-$800 dollars. coincidence???? *tr

We had our ford windstar brakes done all the way around and my abs and emergency brake light and traction light come on and off. the cruise control works sometimes. ford dealer in my town wont check it out without a diagnostic fee even thou a recall is said to be issued for the same complaints. *tr

Windows needed motors, which makes it not fun since the front air conditioner/heater went out because of the blend door actuator. another fine example of ford quality! *tr

Abs light, trac active light, alternator, check traction control light. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact was driving approximately 10 mph, when the instrument panel lights began to flash indicating that the odometer, speedometer, air conditioning and the abs had malfunctioned. the vehicle was taken to the dealer but not repaired. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the current and failure mileage was unknown.

After reading all these complaints, i am literally in shock! not to mention scared to death not only for my child's lives, but for myself/husband and other close family member's & friends that have also traveled with us past/present! this is a shame, that this many windstars have all had this many/relative problems! i for one could not believe how every review from so many states were all linked! as i read many of these reviews/complaints i honestly had to ask myself have i posted here before? -as you can tell my windstar is yet another victim added to the list. i took my van in yesterday to a ford dealer for the recalls, picked it up today. i was given a inspection report card with different systems/components/tire/brake wear etc... 3 boxes along side of each green, yellow & red with the similar meaning as a stop light. green=ok, yellow=may require future attention & red=immediate attention. it was brought to my attention that my tires box were checked yellow for all 4. this seemed odd to me considering i have a receipt that shows it hasn't been a month since i had 2 brand new goodyears put on the front! however, i do agree with the remark regarding the back. but this concerned me as to what type of inspection my van had went under.?. and need i say before i got home from a 25 minute drive from the ford dealer my abs & brake lights are back on, surprise! i'm going to contact ford in the morning, in regards of hopefully getting a helpful answer/explanation or at least a another appointment scheduled for a second opinion regarding my recall inspection! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated nhtsa campaign id number 09v399000 vehicle speed control was performed on the vehicle; however, the repair did not correct the failure to the abs. the speedometer warning light remained illuminated and the odometer failed making it impossible for the contact to see the current miles on the vehicle. the dealership stated the failure was not caused by the repair. the manufacturer filed report 378860041 and advised that they would not assist with the repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure miles was 161,000 and the current miles were not available.

Red brake light came on along with traction control and abs light stopping distance was further than normal and van skidded on wet road. need to adjust stopping distance as it was alot further to come to a stop. light is an intermitant issue along with stopping distance. *tt

While driving the o/d light blinks on and off..also the brake lights will stay on after i have turned he van off.. this has resulted in a dead battery at the end of the day. 2002 for windstar cargo van. *tr

Brake light (red) speedometer and odometer stop working cruise control will not activate or deactivates without warning abs brake light (yellow) ford trouble code c1185 problem codes p0171, p0174, p0401 171,174,401, egr or system too lean issue. *kb

Abs and brake lights keep coming on. cruise control not working. speedometer, odometer and airconditioning have also stopped working. due to short in the cruise control disable switch aka brake pressure differential deactivation switch located under the master cylinder caused from brake fluid leaking onto it. this in turn blew the #10 fuse. this switch is covered with brake fluid and could start a fire at any time. i have stopped driving it until i can replace the switch and clean off the brake fluid. *tr

I took my van in to do the recalls. well they said they saw nothing wrong with the most last 2 recent recalls. 2010 and 2011 dealing with front end and rear end. my question is if it doesn't look broken they don't have to fix it? i thought these parts were manufactured wrong, right? now how often should i take my van in to be inspected? at any given moment it could break and my 4 kids and i could go tumbling down the highway. they did do the speed odometer (which i'm watching closely for abs/brake light to come on) and in process for child safety attachments. the anderson ford dealership in cleveland tx will not do the other 2 recalls because it does not look broken, is this right? anyways abs/brake light remains on and off all the time on my ford windstar. will have it check for brake fluid leakage running down to components.

My abs and brake lights continue to come on intermittently even after the recall was performed. *tr

Abs brake light comes on when the car gets hot. when the car is cold there is no problem with the abs system. the air bag light came on at about 75,000 miles, cost to replace circuit board 675 dollars. the engine intake manifold warped which turned on the engine repair light, cost 950 dollars to repair. updated 01/20/11 *bf

We own a 2002 ford windstar and while driving it the air conditioning and speedometer stop working, the abs and the ods light stay on. smoke came from under the hood. we took it to coastal ford on 09-09-2010 with the recall information off the internet. they said they could only replace the harness and a switch. we still have the same problem and sometime smell burning wires. this isn't safe for anyone. there are several complaints on the internet with same problems. we don't know why they haven't the solved problems. does someone has to get burned up before actions are taken? we would lid like this to be taken care of as soon as possible. thank you, *tr

About 2 years ago i have noticed that the abs and brake light would come on sometimes now after driving a few miles they come on constantly now. i spoke to a ford service advisor and was told it would cost me over $600.00 to repair and that there was a recall only for certain states. this does not seem fair to other ford owners to have to pay for something that ford has a default on and seems to be a problem with in a lot of these vehicles. i can not afford this repair and i'm sure most people can not afford. please look into this. *tr *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs under nhtsa campaign id numbers: 11v030000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shield) and nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly). the contact stated that the it took over eight months to perform the repairs and the vehicle became inoperable after repairs. the dealer stated that the battery and fuel pump had become defective and would need to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure and current mileage was 193,000.

The abs light continues to stay on at all times. periodically, the brake light also lights up and simultaneously, the speedometer doesn't work. the brake light and speedometer malfunctioning occurs about once a month. i've taken my car into a ford dealership to check the abs light. they say the entire module needs replaced, but there's nothing wrong with the car mechanically. the recall for the scds has already been performed on my car, but the abs light error has never been corrected. to replace the module, the dealership told me i would have to pay $1800. i have come to understand that there are many ford windstar owners who have the exact same problem and i believe that this problem is due to faulty materials or wiring. i have three children and one on the way and don't feel safe driving this vehicle without the proper safety features i was promised - including anti-lock brakes. *tr

2002 ford windstar. abs/brakes fail. loud whirling sound and then no brakes. the car seems to accelerate. no brakes. ford said that my abs computer went out. it has been in the ford dealership 4 times and they can't fix it. now my stepson has the vehicle and it happened to him yesterday and he almost ran into the garage. nhtsa has been notified by several ford owners. recall this vehicle before it is more than a fender bender. *tr

Abs, brake and t/c lights all come on at the same time. this happens off and on for the past couple of months. had car hooked up to find the failure code and was told there were too many, so they cleared the codes and said to bring it back if the lights come on again. they have come on again and i notice they sometimes will come on with accelerated speed. *tr