Problems with 2003 Ford Windstar ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I kept getting an intermittent brake and abs light that resets when the car is turned off. my mechanic troubleshoot it down to the ecm for the abs. failure of ecm in the abs brake system resulting in the abs light and the brake light being illuminated. i am sure they have fixed plenty of these by now. why no recall on an obviously bad part/design? *tr

Service brakes,hydraulic braking distance suddenly increased the abs and brake light have been on in my car steady for as long as i have owned the car. the ford dealer was unable to resolve this issue. *tr

2003 windstar electrical problems.lights flash any time at all. headlight will flicker when driving at night. different warning lightswill come on randomly. this has been aproblem since i bought the van used. burns out alternator and batteries.many exact complaints on the internet. transmissions just quit. many electrical problems. not only costly but dangerous. they have no solution too the problem.put in a new alternator,battery,diagnostic testing. still the same.

My abs and brake light on my 2003 ford windstar which has only 63,000 miles had been coming on intermittently. when i carried the vehicle to the local ford dealer they informed me that if i had arrived one day earlier on 8/19/08 i could have received an out of warranty service adjustment but when i arrived on 8/20/08 i was one day too late. the ecm is causing the brake light and abs light to turn on according to the diagnosis and will have to be replaced. the original estimate was $757.00 but when i mentioned the number of complaints on the nhtsa.gov website they automatically dropped to $672.00. i will now be required to pay this amount for a known problem with the ford windstar vehicle. ford is not taking responsibility at the local service center. *tr

I have had multiple problems with my 2003 windstar sel to include complete failure of the vacuum system where brakes, power steering didn't work had to have towed. the dealership could not fix and did not have a recall. hoses in this system kept coming off. interior lights kept flashing on without any being turned on. also the "passenger door is open" light stays on. along with abs/brake light stays on. i have taken my van in to have brakes checked. there was no problem with brakes. i have maintenance done on regular basis. problems started with 50,000 miles. i am a single woman and need reliable transportation which this van is not. when is ford going to recall for electrical problems? dealership is of no help, only want to charge for something they can't fix. i took to dealership when front passenger window didn't open. dealership stated that it needed a new motor. i knew better as this had happen before. took home and after a little bump in the road window started working again. part of the crappy workmanship ford used to put together. also dealership stated there was no recall for the problem with vacuum system which i was told was a design problem. ford needs to address all the problems associated with this model. i wonder how many others have this same problem? *tr

I have had several electrical failures with this vehicle include the wires corroding for the brake/abs lines, the ignition wires failing and the more minor codes produced for faulty sensors in the door ajar system. i am currently determining if it pays for me to replace the wiring, or junk the vehicle. *tr

The middle seat door locks fail randomly. when they fail, it is impossible to open doors. must click locks open and close approx ten times to make the door open operate. we had it repaired in apr 2010. they worked for about a month and the problem is still present. the additional lighting package lights flicker on and off randomly. that was repaired at same time and worked for about a month also. we had the system checked and paid about $800 for service from a ford dealership, gurnee ford, 18834 west grand avenue in gurnee illinois 60031, receipt dated april 15, 2010. this is a dangerous problem. the doors need to open and the flickering lights come on and are a great distraction esp at night.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the entire electrical system failed. the windshield wipers did not operate, the interior lights shut on and off while driving at night, the power windows would not open or close, and the power doors worked intermittently. the contact stated that there were several instances when children became locked inside of the vehicle. in addition, the instrument panel was inoperable. the dealer replaced the windshield wiper motor however, did not evaluate the vehicle for the other failures. the manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle repaired. the current mileage was 105,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the abs light remains illuminated, followed by the brake light. there is also fluid leaking and melted wires under the hood. the contact has not taken the vehicle to the dealer. the current mileage was 135,000 and failure mileage was 132,000.

I noticed the brake lights on my dashboard coming on and disappearing intermittently. i had no idea that my anti lock braking system is sporadically working like so many thousands of other windstar owners. i have three small children that i transport on the highway to and from school and i hate to think of an accident that could be made worse by this situation. don't wait until a child or any other person loses their life over this situation. please recall this module as was done on the ford escape so that lives don't have to be lost. this seems like a severe safety issue. my brakes squeal constantly in hot weather and i fear of a fire breaking out while my dog and three small children are in the car. please let me know if maybe getting in touch with our local news channel or any other media outlet would shed extra light on this problem. *tr

Prende la luz de freno junto con la luz de abs en tablero. se escanea y marca el codigo c1185. *tr

Abs light coming on due to heat on circuit board. occurs whenever the car gets warm, started during summer. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the passenger side sliding door would not function with the power button. the door would have to be opened manually from the passenger compartment. the dealer stated that there was a service bulletin for the failure, but there was no recall. the contact was informed that a tsb kit was needed. the manufacturer stated that nothing could be done and referred her to nhtsa. the current mileage was approximately 77,000 and failure mileage was approximately 76,000. updated 07/15/08 *bf updated

Brake, abs, and other lights come on, drive disengages, van will only run in 2nd or low gear until you turn it off then on again. very dangerous situation as the van loses power and decelerates. fuse #1 sparks when putting in a fuse. blows the fuse immediately. interior light then will not work. van is currently being looked at by phil long ford. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. while en route to new york and driving 60 mph, the door locks did not function and were not programmed. when the contact activated the cruise control, the abs, door lights, and emergency brake lights illuminated. halfway to her destination, she had to stop at a repair shop and pay for them to inspect the vehicle so that she could continue driving. the mechanic checked the brake line and pads and informed her that the vehicle was functional. the battery was also repaired. within 2-3 weeks, the same lights illuminated again. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. the current mileage was 55,394 and failure mileage was approximately 53,200. updated 07/29/08 *bf the consumer also state the vehicle had an oil leak in the oil pan near the oil gasket. the low tire pressure light illuminated. the consumer was informed that the new battery was causing electrical problems they were experiencing. updated 07/29/08

The vehicle abs warning light and brake warning light go on and off. diagnostic code of c1185. no viable reason for the failure. lights are illuminated on the dash board regularly but with no particular pattern or reason. loss of abs breaks as a result. fearful of accident or vehicle fire due to issue. nothing done to correct the problem as there does not seem to be a clearcut solution to the problem without impacting other functions of the vehicle. additional issue with interior cabin lights going on and off while driving. this is distracting at night and could cause an accident. this is a product defect that has been happening since 2007. i will not pay to fix something that happens in many of the same models and is clearly a defect that should be recalled. i've told the dealership and they say i need to pay to have a modular replaced. *tr

Ford windstar brake, abs brake, cruise control, and speedometer/odometer electrical problems. our van has had this issue twice now and needs to be a recall item as ford is well aware of the issue and the major safety issues it presents! we are looking for nhtsa to press them for a resolution with so many of these vehicles on the roads and the number of events. *tr

On almost every trip the abs and brake warning lights come on the dash. dealer stated a problem code c1185 and said the abs module would need to be replaced for about $800. *tr

I was driving along and suddenly the emergency brake light, the abs light, the traction light, and check engine light came on. the odometer, and dashboard fuel info system didn't work, the speedometer stopped working. the words "check transmission" came on the info screen. i took the car to three different mechanics and no one can find anything wrong with my vehicle. i was told that the car is fine and they can't find any reason for these lights to be on or how to get them to go off. *tr

Last week, my parents were driving my 2003 ford windstar home from breakfast with friends. the friends were following them home, when they saw fire coming from the bottom of the van. they immediately began honking their horn to get my parents to pull over. my dad stopped the van they franticly got themselves and my 4 and 6 year old children out of the van. within 3-4 minutes of everyone getting out, the van was completely engulfed in flames. and the van was reduced to just metal with in less than 10 minutes. we do not know the reason the fire started at this point, but do know that this has been happening with ford vehicles over the past few years. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. whenever the contact depresses the brake pedal while driving, the brake light fuse malfunctions. as a result, the exterior brake lights fail to illuminate. in addition, whenever the contact uses the door unlock and lock buttons, the power lock fuse malfunctions. there were no warning indicators prior to the failures. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 68,000.

2003 ford windstar abs, cruise and brake issue. light stays on all the time, possible fire issue. # cruise control will not activate or deactivates without warning. (problem # 1) # abs brake light (yellow) (problem # 2 or problem # 1) # ford trouble code c1185. (problem # 2 or problem # 1). *tr

My wife and i bought our van after owning a 2000 ford windstar. i used to work for a ford dealership and have only owned ford vehicles most of my life. this van has changed my mind and i will have to think long and hard before buying another ford. our van has been a problem ever since we drove it off the lot. on the way home the right front door window quit working and took two trips to the dealer to repair. like other people have said the electric side doors have a mind of there own opening a closing on there own. there is a loud pop every time the side doors open. after several trips to the dealer nothing was done. the engine keeps revving up to the point that you have to stand on the brakes at a red light to keep it from running into the intersection. the dealer again looked at the several times and nothing has been found. as a former mechanic i have been fooled by this also and have replaced the throttle position sensor hoping that would fix it with no luck. the van would not start at times and would have to be jumped off. the battery was replaced as a precautionary measure because this is my wife and kids in this car and i want to take no chances. finely i was around one time it would not start and found the alternator to be bad. replacing it and nightmare but that another story. now the van still idles high and the check engine light and or loose fuel cap light is on. this van is a piece of junk and i regret the day i bought it. i am in my fourteenth year as a deputy sheriff. i do not want any thing but a ford as my patrol unit after working on and driving every kind of car out there. it will be hard to buy another ford as the vehicle my wife and children ride in. *tr

My ford windstar has had all of it's brakes redone twice because of failure of abs system. as i have been driving the abs lights along with the brake lights will come on the dashboard. i had the brakes redone twice, still happening come to find out it is a malfunction of abs unit itself. do i have to contact my consumer advocates on the local news to get a recall started because i am a hairs breathe away from doing it. i can no longer put up with these repair bills as i am on disability for a bad heart and the news will just eat this up! *tr

Since we got our 2003 ford windstar new in december, 2002, we have always had an issue with constantly needing to fill the brake fluid. the ford dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong. in feb, 2008 our abs and brake light came on. took it to a firestone repair shop, they fixed and akjusted the brakes and they said it was a problem with the brake sensor and that there was nothing wrong with the brakes when they were finished, just the light was on and we needed to replace the sensor. as it was extremely costly and they told us there was nothing further wrong with the brakes, we choose not to replace it. in june 2008 our cruise control stopped working. we again took it in and they could not figure out what was wrong. two weeks ago, august, 2009, we had all new brakes put on. just yesterday, august 21, 2009, our brake fluid was almost empty. we took it back to the place we had the brakes put on, and they just filled the brake fluid and said there was an air bubble. upon driving home from the repair shop, we noticed that our speedometer and odometer had stopped working and the overdrive light was now flashing. so, we have the following warning lights on our control panel: abs, brake, overdrive; and the following items not working: abs, speedometer, odometer, overdrive; and a continually disappearing brake fluid problem. don't actually know if the abs works or not. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start occasionally. when he would follow the instructions in the owner's manual, the vehicle would function correctly. in other instances, the vehicle would not start at all. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they wanted to charge him for a diagnostic. the dealer was unable to assist. the current mileage was 76,000 and failure mileage was 65,000. updated 7/3/08 *cn the doors would not open when using the remote. updated 07/03/08

Abs lamp and brake warning lamp stay on. after a short period of driving these lamps come on and stay on. even after all brakes have been serviced by ford dealer. *tr

Gas gauge doesn't read correctly. all gauges stops working while driving. abs and tcs stopped working correctly in 2008. lights have been on warning of them not working. drivers side passenger door will not work correctly. check advance track warning light stays on. this has been checked, but light stays on. rpm gauge stays at maximum. often while driving, it feels as if we have the emergency brake on. we have to change tires often. when i apply the brakes the vehicle will either not stop, or makes a grinding sound before it does. i have had the brakes checked and the brake pads are fine. *tr

Abs light stays on replaced sensors at my cost still stays on auto door locks stopped working door ajar light stays on heater door had to be replaced cruise control works then stops working at dealer ship now for rear axle to be replaced also for another recall for fuel bypass heard of new recall frame supports mine looked rotted so they will also need replacing they have had car 1 month now know idea if when i will see again was told it could be 2- 3 months just for axle now new recall hope they just buy it back so it stops bleeding me! *tr

Abs control module is bad. *tr

Abs and brake warning lights intermittently go on and off for no apparent reason. it only happens when the engine is warm, or it is hot outside. no problems on cold days. brakes appear to work fine. there also appears to be some leaking from the master cylinder, which continues to cause a short with the #10 fuse inside the cabin, causing the speedometer, odometer, transmission control, etc to stop functioning. *tr

2003 ford windstar was being backed out of the driveway, approximately 15 feet. driver smelled something, heard sound, and felt heat at feet. driver immediately turned off ignition and removed front seat passenger from vehicle to a safe area. the vehicle burst into flames within seconds and was totally consumed by the fire. *tr

I have a 2003 ford windstar se. i have had many electrical problems with this vehicle. after searching this van on the web i have found out that many other people have had the exact problems with their 2003 windstar. there is obviously something wrong with this years models and ford should recall these vans! *tr

My 2003 ford windstar is a nightmare. it started with the dome lights flickering on and off or just staying on. i turned the switch off but the lights still come on. then when i would open the rear windows a fuse would blow causing all windows, radio, etc.. to stop working. i have taken it in several time to have this looked at that they were tired of me coming in and took a black marker to show me which fuse to change when this happens. i have a friend who is a firefighter who said this is extremely unsafe--for the fuse to keep blowing could cause a fire. after this, i woke up one morning and the car wouldn't start out of no where. after towing it in and a few hundred dollars later i ended up replacing the alternator and the battery. as far as the dome lights & the fuse---still flickering and the fuse still blows out--they say they don't know what is wrong with that. after this, while driving with my girls, the car just died out on us. started with the battery light going on then the dash said low battery and then it just stopped running. brought the car in again and they said it was the alternator again. this happened about 1 year after replacing the first one. so once again a few hundred dollars later---they still don't know what is causing this to keep happening. the lights still keep flashing, the fuse still keeps blowing and still no answers. there has got to be something wrong with the electrical system but no one knows what it is. i also found that there are other 2003 windstars with the exact same problems--lights flickering, electrical problems, replacing alternators & batteries, etc...i filed a complaint with ford motor company but they did nothing--they said all i can say is hold on to all your receipts and if a recall is made you will get reimbursed. what does it take to make ford recall these vans?? *tr

The abs brake light comes on very often. (for about 2 years now) the electrical lights blink on & off alot. (started around 2005). worried if there will be an electrical fire. the approximate incident date goes back years, so i just put in today's date. *tr

Interior lights flicker on and off, sometimes stay on. sometimes it stops for a week, and sometimes it flickers nonstop! *tr

We bought a used windstar in july of 2007 have been having the same issue with the brake light and abs light coming on at times. *tr

Instrument panel malfunctioned. *ak

The abs, traction control, and brake warning lights will come on all at the same time after driving for only a few minutes. once these lights come on, the abs and traction controls are completely inoperable, and in bad weather this could lead to a crash. the warning lights illuminate faster when it is warmer outside. i believe that at $2800 to repair, this is a serious problem and should most certainly be a recall, especially in a family vehicle where children could be in danger. *tr

There is something obviously wrong with our ford windstar's electrical system. upon unlocking the car with the remote, only the rear hatch will unlock. all of the other doors try to unlock, but there is not enough power to push the lock all the way up. after replacing the battery, the problem still persisted. this is not only a very obnoxious problem because each of the doors must be unlocked by hand, but this could also be a sign of other problems with the electrical system. in an emergency with children in the car, i need to be able to unlock the doors as quickly as possible. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford windstar. the contact stated that the motor for the driver side window was repaired several months ago because it had not been working at all. the rear wing windows work sporadically. he also stated that all of the interior lights illuminate for no reason. the current and failure mileages were 30,515. updated 12-12-07. *kb updated *jb

Abs light and brake lights stays on, cruise control never has worked, have fixed the brakes and the lights are still on. now i think the 02 sensor i guess it may be the oxygen sensor is out also i think it keep on burning up my alternators, i put a new last year and just had to put another one and i think it is about gone also. *tr

Electrical problem doors lock sometimes, next time no lock, abs lite will not go off replace fuse, drive 5 miles, abs lite comes back on, has for 2 years,wasted money and time on trying to find solution. fuses blow out faster then i can replace them. *tr

Intermittent abs & brake light have appeared a few months after we bought the van but far enough after our "used car warranty period". i just found out today 1/10/11 that it needs the electronic control unit replaced which effects the abs system. estimated repair/replacement cost is about $850 due to the specific sensing to the vehicle that needs to take place before during and after as well as labor getting to it and installing it... this is not something that is wear and tear. i've only had my van for 3 years. apparently the heat makes it expand and contract placing stress on the solder joints cracking the solder joints. we should reconsider the placement of this control module on the vehicle and/or the materials that encase it. not sure if any connection to the wiring harness or not. i'm thoroughly frustrated. it's currently in for the rear axle inspection repair/replacement warranty only reason i found out. *tr

Our 2003 ford windstar has had multiple electrical issues and now a possible bad intake gasket causing a rough idle/check engine light/lean running code. i have no confidence in our local ford dealer as they couldn't repair either the interior lights coming on while driving or intermittent operation of the rear passenger vent window. their answers are always well if it's not acting up when we test it there isn't anything we can do. but i know that they have other vehicles in for the same problems so they do know. we have replaced 2 taillight bulbs and 1 headlight bulb in a vehicle 3 1/2 years old with 34,000 miles. i won't take the rough idle problem in till it's doing it 100% of the time so they can't squirm out of it. they say since we have the extended warranty it would be covered if it's the intake gaskets but i don't trust them. this is our 3rd and last new ford vehicle and they have all had electrical issues and intake/head gasket issues. ford=poor quality and service.*jb

Tl* - on january 17, 2007 the contact's 2003 ford windstar caught on fire. there were no warning indicator lights when she drove the vehicle earlier in that day. the contact was informed that the vehicle was on fire , and that sparks were seen under the vehicle. the vehicle was destroyed. the fire department has not determined the cause or location of the fire. the fire also caused damage to two other vehicles. the contact has pictures and a videotape. *ak

The abs light comes on occasionly. brakes continue to work. i am told it gives a 1185 code meaning a bad module.

Moisture on road, red brake light on. yellow abs light on no speedometer , no cruise control. van pulls to right when brakes applied. *tr

Item # 1 engine light came on and stayed on. vehicle began to idle sluggishly when cold. repair shop investigated and found the lower engine manifold gasket had failed. replaced lower manifold and gasket and problem was corrected. item # 2 battery light flickering. grounding strap between alternator and body frame failed. reads open with multimeter. created by own grounding strap using 10 ga. wire and weather resistant ring-type connectors. no more battery light. item # 3 internal lights flicker randomly and intermittently. slamming all doors does not seem to affect the condition. problem still remains. i turned of the dome light switch to keep from running down my battery and eliminate the mobile "disco" effect. *tr

2003 ford windstar - problem began in october, 2006. vehicle wouldn't start; therefore, we purchased a new battery. same problem occurred - wouldn't start on it's own, had to be jump started each time to drive. has had three separate repair appointments to which they could not find any problem. the vehicle was the same to them - had to jump start. have had all diagnostics, etc. completed with no results. have filed a complaint with consumer affairs also. filed complaint with ford manufacturer, dearborn, mi, as of today. *jb