Problems with 2002 Ford Windstar VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Cruise control on 2002 ford windstar started working intermittently. research online shows a defective switch on the master brake cylinder is a very common failure that causes this. this switch is used on many ford vehicles and was subject of recall due to fire hazard. for some reason the recall doesn't apply to my 2002 windstar yet, however. *tr

Dash brake and abs lights come on. they can be reset by turning the engine off and restarting. noticed leaking switch on bottom of master cylinder. wiring damp with brake fluid. cruise control doesn't work anymore. *tr

I own a 2002 ford windstar and have had recent abs / brake problems. after further examination it was found that the cruise control deactivation switch was leaking brake fluid onto the abs brake control module which caused damage to the module. upon more investigation, it has come to my attention that this switch is always "hot" whether the engine is running or not. this is turn could cause a fire from the brake fluid leakage. i have also learned that this switch in question has caused many other problems and even death with other ford models. i will have to disengage my cruise as well as my abs system to ensure to fire. this worries me as i want the safest for my family but at this time cannot afford the fix. hopefully ford will own up and pay to fix this mess that was caused by a $30 switch. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the brake and anti lock braking system lights would constantly illuminate on the instrument panel. the contact also stated that the ignition light and cruise control switch did not function. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they were unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure milege was 100,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.

2002 ford windstar brake pressure differential deactivation switch developed a leak resulting in significant brake fluid loss and deactivation of cruise control functionality. *tr

Smoke came from under the hood numerous times. the last time caused so much damage under the hood the van was not drivable. had the van towed into the ford dealer and they gave me a quote and said it was the master cyl , brake fluid had leaked and it dripped on something that caused it to start a minor fire that caused lots of smoke. the speed sensor was damaged. the final price to fix was $1,003.00 most of which was labor. i have heard numerous cases similar to this one and i believe ford should be responsible for the fixing of these problems. *tr

On june 8, 2008, our 2002 windstar experienced the following: abs light went red: brake red light went on. speedometer, and tachometer stopped working. all will require repair to prevent the possibility of fire, crash or break down. *tr

2002 ford windstar on fire, parked in garage, no key in ignition, fire in area of fire wall drivers side, vehicle had not been driven for eight hours before fire started at 01:00 am. damage to dwelling estimated at $300,000.00. five family members home, asleep, at time of fire escaped without injury after home fire alarm sounded. *tr

I have a 2002 windstar the brake pressure differential deactivation switch was leaking. i had it replaced under the ford recall. but i am also having problems with the abs and brake light coming on intermittently. also the cruise control does not work anymore. so after reading the article on http://www.fordwindstarrecall.info/ i decided to report this issue i am having. i looked under the care and the module is a ford kelsey-hayes. *tr

Brake pressure differential deactivation switch leaking causing loss of brake fluid and fluid has wicked into cruise module and abs module causing red brake light, abs light, intermittent speedometer and odometer, complete lack of cruise control, loss of abs function. replaced bpdds, cruise control now sometimes functional, no other problems fixed. damage caused by leaking fluid still present. *tr

2002 ford windstar with inoperable cruise control, odometer, a/c temp. control, abs light remains on and other related electrical malfunctions. vehicle is leaking brake fluid and i have no doubt i'm experiencing the same problem thousands of other windstar owners are with a contaminated "brake pressure differential deactivation switch". is ford taking responsibility for this manufacturing defect and providing a fix - without charge??? *tr

My wife asked me to check the brakes because the brake light was on. i had checked the wheels for any leakage and found none. the master cylinder was low so i started to look for leak at other places and found the leak at the brake light switch. the brake fluid was leaking on the wires. so i looked on line and found a article that can cause a fire in the engine compartment. this why i am making this complaint. i as have lost my cruise control and the article said that this will happen. i am going to change the switch and replace the fuse if needed. *tr

Abs system and cruise control failure, intermittent over the last 9 months. *tr

My was driving on the expressway and attempted to set my cruise control on my van when there was a loud sound from my engine. my check engine light is on and from time to time it blinks. there is a burning smell sometimes also. this only happened when i set my cruise control. it starts and runs but the check engine light is on and the noise is still there. *tr

This has happened over the past two weeks. about february 15, 2008 i was having trouble keeping pressure in my brakes. they were spongy. i called a mechanic and brought it to him on february 16th. he said it was the master cylinder, and replaced it and the wheel cylinders. well, the van worked for about a week. then monday, february 25, 2008 my brakes again went spongy. i checked the brake fluid and there was none. i refilled the container, and called a mechanic. i brought the vehicle to him on february 26, 2008. he determined it was the cruise control pressure switch. i then went to tousley ford dealership and got the part. tousley ford in minnesota said this particular part is in recall for several other vehicles but not mine. my mechanic replaced the part and the vehicle hasn't had any problems. as a matter of fact, now the cruise control works again. it had gone out last summer some time. this recall is for a fire hazard, and i saw where the brake fluid can leak through that switch onto wiring so there could have been a fire in my van. my complaint is that my vehicle, and family are just as important to me as the vehicles and families of the other people who were able to get their vehicles fixed in the recall. i drive a 2002 ford windstar sport minivan. i do foster care and have birth children, and grandchildren in that vehicle all the time. so, i am very upset that ford does not recall this fire hazard on all vehicles. my family is very important! *tr

My cruise control speed accelerated then went out not working at all, abs light goes off and on even after i had brake work done, odometer and speedometer stopped working on 1/16/08, brake fluid is leaking from the master cylinder, fuse 10 keeps blowing, this last time 1/18/08 smoke under the hook by master cylinder. someone said it might catch fire. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact also stated that fluid from the speed control deactivation switch leaked onto the air bag module, causing the air bag to fail. the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 09v399000 (component: vehicle speed control), but the air bags were not repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. the failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 220,000.

I have been having trouble with the abs light and the "e" brake light staying on all the time. my cruise control doesn't work any longer since this has occurred. *tr

We a ford windstar van that caught fire and burnt our house down a complete loss. our homeowners determined that it was the cruise control switch.we had no problems with the van and were never informed of any recalls. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving 40 mph the abs brake light illuminated on the dashboard. the vehicle was taken to the dealer five to six times for the failure. the dealer replaced the brake pads and advised her that the problem was electrical. the electrical failure caused the radio and all of the interior lights to shut on and off intermittently. the vehicle also leaked oil and power steering fluid. she stated that per the dealer the vehicle needed an axle, rack and pinion which also affects the steering column. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle was purchased used in 2007 and the failure started as soon as she purchased it. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 116,840.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the brake warning indicator light illuminated. the dealer stated that the cruise control deactivation switch for the master cylinder was leaking. the manufacturer stated that her vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). the current and failure mileages were 76,849. the consumer stated the defect was the cruise control canceling switch on brake master cylinder. replaced kit brake repair was done 10/13/07. updated 11/01/07 *tr

Our cruise control went out on our 2002 ford windstar. we took it to the local ford service station and they explained that the brake fluid was leaking onto the cruise control. it apparently is a recall with several ford brands but not with the windstar yet. the mechanic explained that we were lucky the cruise control went out and that it didn't start a fire! *jb

My abs brake light, emergency brake light and brake light would intermittently go off. then it was every time my car was started. i was told my abs module needed to be replaced. my car could be driven, but my abs brakes would not work. i was told by two mechanics that this was a problem they had seen with my vehicle. my cruise control also sticks. i have not used my cruise in over a year, because once activated, you can not shut it off. the only way it resets is to turn the car off. the ford windstar is one of the only ford vehicles not covered under the recall, but upon doing a web search have found that windstars have started on fire because of this issue. also, i received a recall on my mid/read seat latches. when i went to the dealer, i was told my car was not covered. i drive a 2002 ford windstar. i am very concerned about the recent recall since the brake line is directly related to the fires caused by the faulty cruise control. please advise is the research is to include other ford models. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that both the yellow abs and the red brake light illuminate intermittently. he stated that the lights would stay off for approximately 2-3 days and then illuminate again. the contact stated that the failure was caused by a circuit failure in the abs unit in the computer programming. the manufacturer stated that there was no recall or service bulletin available. the failure and current mileages were 56,000. updated 06/05/08 *bf the consumer stated fluid was leaking from the cruise control switch onto the master cylinder. updated 06/05/08

Ford windstar cruise control switch shorted out. that caused the brake fluid to leak on the electrical system and shorted it out. the dealer said it is a fire hazard and other fords had been recalled but not the ford windstar. now this is costing us 2500.00 to get fixed. my parents windstar is starting the same thing and my dad is handicap so if it catches fire there may not be enough time to get him out please recall the windstar also before something bad happens. thank you *tr

I have been reading about recent complaints to the ford windstar 2002 and have concerns. i had my abs module replaced last year because all my idiot brake lights were going off intermittently. i have also not used my cruise control in over two years because once activated it will not shut off until the car is turned off. it appears that the brakes are related to the cruise control leaking on the brake line, but ford does not see the windstar as a problem. this concerns me, since there have been fires with the windstar van. i also took my car into a ford dealership to check the seat latches and was told my car was not covered. my recent repair woes is the air conditioner compressor is going. this was a problem with my last ford windstar. (related vehicle information: model year=2002, make=ford, model=windstar). *tr

While driving to work i noticed my odometer and speedometer quit working and then every light possible lit up, so when i got to work my husband told me to see if i could get it to grande truck center in san antonio. i left it and later received a call telling me the wiring harness had shorted out and i was very lucky that my van did not burn up. i was told maybe a varmint had chewed on the wires, but my van is always parked in the garage at night.. i decided to do some research after recalling an incident not far from our home that involved some type of ford suv that caught fire in the garage and burned the house down. all this was due to a faulty cruise control switch that cost about 21.00. i found that millions of vehicles had been recalled by ford because of this problem and the windstar was on the list of having the same or similar switch, but was not recalled and still has not been recalled. i have put a request in with grande truck to be reimbursed, since it was a manufacturer error and nothing i did, but to date i have not heard from them. i emailed ford to ask why my van was not recalled and received an answer that all recalls are handled by the nhtsa. yes, i do have the original switch that was removed from the van (looks like part#f58a-9f924-aa 2063) it was kind of hard to read. the invoice states replace abs module & hydraulic unit, replace wire harness & cruise control switch, service bleed, bleed sys. $2654.81. my husband was allowed to see the wiring harness that was almost burnt in half, but that was not kept. i thank god that there was no real tragedy that came out of this, but i also feel that ford is responsible and should take action to reimburse me my money. i would like to know if you have received any other complaints on the ford windstar. when i contacted your office by phone i was told that there was a new recall as of 8-31-2007, that included the windstar, but i did not see that information. thank you for your time. updated 12/12/07 *tr

I own a ford windstar and i am having the abs/brake light problem and speed control problem. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs light illuminated intermittently. he also noticed that the cruise control switch does not activate. he has not taken the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the vehicle has not yet caught fire. the contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 124,000 and current mileage is 132,000. updated 01/17/08 *bf

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the failure mileage was 79000 ,and the current mileage was 84000. the dashboard brake warning light was constantly turned on. brake fluid was put into the vehicle. however the warning light remained on, and the vehicle still needed more brake fluid. the vehicle has had no failure stopping. the dashboard lights turned off, but the power windows and doors malfunctioned. the mechanic stated that the electrical problems were the result of the defective cruise control. the mechanic disconnected the cruise control. *ak

My 2002 ford windstar van had an inoperable cruise control. i traced the problem to a leaking (brake fluid) switch mounted under the brake master cylinder. the leaking switch leaked flammable brake fluid onto the hot engine or exhaust system but did not caused a engine fire. i purchased a modified switch and wire harness from the ford dealer and installed it myself. i was told by the ford parts salesman that there was no recall for my windstar at that time. this is the same defect found on the other ford vehicles according to the new york times, 18 april 2008. i still have the defective switch in hopes i can be reimbursed by ford. the defective switch is available for inspection if needed. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while braking from 10 mph under normal conditions, the vehicle surged forward, almost going over a curb. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. the manufacturer was also notified. there was a squeaking noise when the sliding door was closed. the consumer complained of the transmission slipping, the dealer reprogrammed the pcm and re-filled the transmission fluid. the shifter was re-adjusted. the vehicle pulled to the right occasionally, the speedometer was inaccurate. the headlights would go dim at times. updated 01/09/07.*jb

My husband, my 7 month old baby and i were driving on our way to lunch at about 30 mph when we noticed smoke coming out of the hood of our 2002 ford windstar. immediately smoke filled up our cabin through the vents. my husband pulled over to the side of the road, and i quickly got my baby out of the van. my husband opened the hood and saw flames and we all ran away from the car. my husband ran to a nearby business that luckily had a fire extinguisher. my husband was able to put the fire out in time before who knows what could have happened. my husband took the car to an auto shop that happened to be very close to where the incident happened. after having to let the car cool down and the terrible smell go away the mechanics looked at the car and told us right away that they knew it was the same cruise control switch that has been recalled on ford trucks. he advised us to take the van to ford and have them fix it without any charge because that was a problem that should have been recalled in the windstar as well. my husband took the van to the local ford shop and they did agree that the problem was the cruise control switch. they "upgraded" the part and then tried to charge us almost $400 for the job. not until after i complained to the manager did they waive the fee, but told me it was because "i was a local customer" (i have never bought anything from their dealership) they waived the fee because they knew this was a problem of fords. *jb

I have a 2002 ford windstar that we purchased 2 yrs ago, ...morning after delivery battery was dead, took back to dealer and they checked it out and said should be fine. occasionally still dies and has to be charged, alternator & battery check out fine. the most dangerous problem is that the abs light is on and abs doesn't work properly. we continuously have to add brake fluid (at least once a month) and can not find any leaks on the ground. had the vehicle in for service on several occasions can not diagnose. the dealership hooked vehicle up to machine to read code and can not get any readings from system. dealership seemed to think that it could be a wiring problem or abs module. abs will occasionally go out/work but not properly, abs will kick in on dry roads not wet/snow covered. tire pressure light is illuminated and tire pressures are all correct. has been reset but comes back on after driving a few miles. occasionally it will go out on its own but then the speedometer will bounce around (if going 55 will jump to 70,80). when opening the rear tailgate hatch and closing,the dash light stays on like it is still open and dome lights will not work properly. when driving the door chime will sound and the door ajar light will go out and works properly until gate is opened again. when driving the door light and chime will come on lights stay on. the door ajar light also comes on and off intermittently when using the driver side door controls to put windows up/down you hear louder then normal clicking. also dims the lights when putting windows up/down. we can also smell what seems to be wires burning at times but can not find anything. we are at a loss of where to begin. we will not drive this vehicle any further then 50 mile radius from our home for fear of what will happen if we do. if we go further we rent a vehicle. now to the point of purchasing a cheap, reliable vehicle (not ford) and parking this one until we can pay down enough to trade in. *tr

Speedometer not working accurately (occasionally speedometer will work than stops, which indicates defective part). ford says speedometer and gear needs to be replaced now. prior to that they said computer needed to be reprogrammed because of tire size.. cruise control did not work but was fixed by ford via recall notice due to leaking speed control deactivation switch (scds). as i understand the dealer would also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. abs and brake light are on all of the time which is a result abs control module failure. *tr

On june 16, 2006, while vehicle was parked in a parking lot, someone informed us that my 2002 ford windstar was smoking from under the hood. an internal fire occurred, damaging the wiring harness and windshield wiper motor. unaware to the cause of said fire the damaged parts were replaced. then other problems started to arise, the vehicle cruise control stopped working, the abs/brake light remained on and the speedometer was not working properly (not accurately reading). the local ford dealer was informed of the before-mentioned problems including the internal fire that had occurred , at the time of the initial brake pressure deactivation switch recall. the dealer stated that the brake pressure deactivation switch indeed was leaking and that they supposedly checked the abs control module. still the abs/brake light remained on and the speedometer did not work properly. on 3/14/14 the windstar was taken to a local garage to diagnose the abs/brake issues again. it was determined that said unit needed to be replaced. the abs module was subsequently removed and examined the control module (3/21/2014). the abs module suffered an internal fire and the wiring harness connector was melted and damaged. also found was evidence of significant burning around the pins at the connections. this evidence included the blackened fluid, severe discoloration, and lifted traces, all of which are clearly apparent in photos of the module interior. the local dealer refused to repair or replace the module under the recall claim, stating that it was not part of the recall, and that said recall was closed. ford has been negligent in this matter and luckily the vehicle prior to today, has not become a runaway fire event and burned to the ground!! at this time the vehicle has not been repaired, and is sitting idle. i have kept the damaged control module for examination. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10mph, there was a total loss of the brakes without any prior warning. the contact managed to maneuver the vehicle to a local independent repair shop. the mechanic discovered the brake pressure switch wiring melted which allowed leakage of all the brake fluid. the mechanic suggested this failure was related to the cruise control deactivation switch. there is a nhtsa recall, # 05v388000, regarding the vehicle speed control. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. the mechanic disconnected the cruise control switch due to a possible fire risk and added more brake fluid. no further repairs were made.

I have been having problems with my 2002 ford windstar van for about three years or so. my brake light and abs light stays on, i have leaking brake fluid, and my brakes squeaked sometimes. i also on two occasions had my odometer reading go out and because of this i was not able to keep track of my mph or my mileage. about three years ago i went to ford about my brake problem and was told i needed new brakes i got those brakes and after that i still experienced brake/ abs problems. i am a divorce mom of four and our lives are important and i need my van to get around. so, please look into this matter for our safety, as well as, for the safety of other families. thank you *tr

While pulling into an inclined driveway the accelerator pedal went to the floor. this condition causes the vehicle to take off and ran into steel frame of a door, the vehicle front wheel was still spinning until the ignition switch was turned off. the vehicle was tow to the dealer. the cause of the problem has not been determined at this time. *nm

The vehicle accelerated while waiting in line to move forward at a stop light, the consumer has his foot on the brake. the vehicle jumped, as result, the consumer had a front collision. please provide further information. *jb

When at a stop and with foot is on the brake vehicle revved and rpms inceased. consumer put vehicle in park and then it accelerated without warning. dealer notofied. *ak

We own a 2002 ford windstar with adjustable height for the brake/accelerator pedals. unfortunately the adjustment button is on the center console right where my right knee rests. the design allows for adjustments while the vehicle is in motion. on too many occasions my knee has hit the button while in motion causing the vehicle to accelorate or deccelerate unexpectedly. as of now no accidents have resulted, however, one can easily see the safety concern. i contacted ford and they refuse to disable the feature because that was the original design of the vehicle although in my mind it was a faulty design to have the pedals adjust while in motion.*ak

When starting the vehicle it jerked forward without warning. *ak the consumer almost injured her son. *sc *jb

While driving at any speed, intermittently the back right sliding door comes ajar. the problem has occurred on three occasions. the dealer has no idea what causes the problem. currently, the consumer has a problem with the back/left side door closing securely. *ak the door had been leaking since the vehicle was purchased. the door had a significant difference in space between the front door in comparison to the driver door. also the cruise control was inoperative. *sc *jb