Problems with 1999 Ford Windstar SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Shifted from park to drive and entered into traffic lane. pressed down on gas pedal but all that happened was engine revved up but vehicle would not go forward. luckily, there was light traffic or i would have been hit. a helpful person pushed me to a safe place to park. i started the car and found that only reverse worked. no forward motion when put in drive, 2 or 1. i checked transmission fluid level and it was at proper level had vehicle towed to my house. searched online and found this is a common issue with 1999 windstar's. called a transmission place and told them what happened and was told i likely had suffered a transmission failure and needed a new transmission. i'm the second owner and the vehicle has approximately 125,000 miles on it. also, the brake master cylinder failed in october 2014. updated 03/28/16.*jb

The abs light goes on in the car without any warning. *tr

Cruise control deactivation switch leaking break fluid. *kb

I start my 99 ford windstar with my wife inside the vehicle and my two daugthers and my son when i saw smoke comming true the hood then i open the hood and my surprise was the brake pressure differential deactivation switch on fire i was so scared then i just take my kids and wife out of the vehicle and comback to stop the fire thanks god i have fire extinguisher close but we have to stop this from happening to someone else. *tr

1999 ford windstar: the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (scds) (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) has leaked an excessive amount of brake fluid. the fluid accumulates on the power connectors for the abs brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. the cruise control has failed and we are fearful that this leaking brake fluid will cause a fire. *tr

Abs light is on continuously. overdrive jumping in and out of gear after driving it 30 minutes or more. i read the recall and safety report that brake fluid leaks on the abs switch connected to the master cylinder which can cause a catastrophic fire. i didn't receive anything in the mail from ford on my vehicle on this problem as of yet. also the coolant line that ran under port injection was welded leaking water where it connects to the thermostat housing. *kb

Vehicle: 99 ford windstar lx. problem: the abs light has been turned on and off from time to time for about three years. the light will be on randomly while driving. it can be shut down after the vehicle is turned off and then restart. the abs light will be turned on again at any time while driving. the reported vehicle has been send to ford dealer for diagnosis. the service department determined that the problem was caused by a broken front tone ring. after the tone ring is replaced, the abs light is turned on as soon as the vehicle was moving on the road. *kb

Yellow abs light on even after recall fixed by ford. the braking distance has increased even though there are no propblems with the brakes. the abs isn't working . *tr

Intermittent problem: problems indicated by on board message center reads "check brake lamps", "check tail lamps" check head lamps" check rear turn lamps", "check front turn lamps", noticed that interior lights will not work, auto locks will not work, key remote will not lock or unlock vehicle or open doors. get no codes from o b d ii. scanner. have replaced battery because it was 6 years old and wasn't putting out proper amps. thought would solve problem. it didn't. thought disconnecting battery for 30 min. would reset computer. seamed to work a couple of times, however, now believe it was just coincidence. sometimes when i start the vehicle everything is fine, however while driving, the message reappears and none the above mentioned, no longer work again. this is a driving hazard. *tr

*cruise control stopped working beginning of 2011, never came back on. *abs light turns on/off intermittently. started about 1 year ago; 5/2010. *side door locks don't work correctly and get stuck (have to manually pull them up). started approx. 7/2010. *passenger door does not unlock from the outside with automatic lock button or keys. started approx. 1/2011. *heater only works in back, not front. started approx. 10/2010. *open regulator window loosened and broke off, shattering, while on interstate. bought replacement window, but the regulator assembly does not come in single parts, so i have not purchased a replacement plastic securer to hold the rear of the window on. 5/7/2011. i feel there is more i'm forgetting, but i can't think of anything at this time. *tr

Abs light on/off intermittently. module replaced by ford dealer twice. light still keeps coming on.

1999 ford windstar abs malfunction - abs and check engine lights illuminated. after skidding and striking a pole while parking, i brought this to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and described to problem as an annoyance at worst and that the vehicle's brakes work fine, the vehicle is safe to drive, and recommended not spending $1000 to fix the problem. when pressed for details, the dealer said that the abs ecu ($1000 part) has failed but no big deal. just the anti-lock portion of our braking wasn't working. i think this is a pretty big deal consider abs is required for vehicle safety and the vehicle may not pass licensing inspections. *tr

Abs light came on and lost control of the vehicle during a snow covered road causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees. which could have caused a fatal t-bone accident on a busy road. luckily i was on a secondary road. i had my children in the van at the time. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact was driving 35 mph when the rear axle fractured. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised of nhtsa campaign id number: 10v385000 (suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly) and referred to the dealer. the vehicle was then towed to the dealer where the rear axle was repaired under the recall. the contact stated that while leaving the dealer, the brakes locked abnormally and the vehicle was left with the dealer for further repairs. the contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and no longer wanted ownership of the vehicle. the failure mileage was 110,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the cruise control, speedometer, odometer, tacometer and the fuel gauge were inoperable. the contact also stated that the anti lock braking light was constantly illuminated. in addition, the contact had to replace the brake fluid numerous times. the vehicle was not taken to have the failures diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. the failure mileage was 40,000.

Abs brake light continuously goes off and on sporadically. but more importantly during my annual car inspection it was discovered that my subframe is dangerously rusted through and will cost 1,200 to replace it with a used one. i question how long a used one will last since it has been said that the a/c drainage hose is directly over it and most certainly the cause.. this definitely has recall written all over it. it is extremely dangerous if the engine falls or anything else and control of the vehicle is lost. the car being built with the a/c drainage over the subframe allowing such an important part of the car to rust is so neglecting and irresponsible. what is taking ford so long to recall this problem. i read a million similar incidents with the same year make and model i have.... 1999 ford windstar lx currently 90,500 miles. *tr

Catastrophic failure of the brake abs unit leading to brake pedal going to the floor with total loss of brakes without any warning. brakes were fine when van was started. at some point pressing on the pedal resulted in absolutely no braking effort being applied to stop the vehicle. when vehicle was stopped using emergency brakes and evasive maneuvering (thankfully without an accident) and shut off the abs pump continued to run until fuses for abs unit were pulled to cut off power. vehicle had to be towed to repair facility. this is a severe safety issue that could lead to injury or death since there is no warning that anything is about to go wrong that causes driver to lose all brakes. *tr

The abs and traction control lights go on and off intermittently. turning off vehicle usually resets. they will come back on when driving after a while and many time after hitting a bump. *tr

Irregular braking, experienced as an odd, slipping lurch at the completion of a stop occasioned investigation of a supposed braking problem by our mechanic. previously noted was the misalignment of the steering wheel about a quarter turn from vertical during straight-ahead driving. after checking the brakes the mechanic was puzzled by a rubbing noise he had heard on his test drive. while repositioning the car to investigate, the engine cradle suddenly separated from the sub-frame and dropped to the ground, wrenching the steering wheel forward and disconnecting the steering mechanism from the wheels. ancillary damage is as yet unassesed. the cause of separation was massive,evident corrosion where the engine cradle attaches to the sub-frame. this vehicle is located in a "salt-belt" state. *tr

Braking distance suddenly increased. *tr ivoq n n n n 6 v n n

Corrosion related failure front right sub-frame. loss of steering control, right front wheel shaking, right front brake locked up. also abs brake lights on in dash, abs no longer works, traction control light on, works no more. *tr

Ford windstar after recall, link has been installed. abs light still turned on and leaking brake fluid under link that was installed by ford dealer. *tr

My 1999 ford windstar still has a abs light on after taking it to the dealer (don selly kalamazoo mi) and pointing out the abs light, the recall and that we are noticing it takes much longer to stop this vehicle then it used to. *tr

1999 ford windstar abs failure, braking distance suddenly increased. *tr

Abs light still coming on after repair made at dealer. *tr

Braking distance suddenly increased with yellow abs brake light coming on. this is critical in that the abs brake system does not function as designed by ford. the issue is caused by heat in the abs (anti-lock brake system) ecm (electronic control module) (2c219) module causing expansion of a large aluminum plate (heat sink) in the ecm which is attached to the ecm main circuit board at all points. the expansion occurs when the unit gets warm especially in the summer months and causes intermittent electrical connection in the unit because the fragile board is being stretched and malformed resulting in code c1185. *tr

99 ford windstar, scds switch replaced,no brake lights, cant get shifter out of park, blower wont shut off with key removed, headlights come on when you shut the door with key removed and switch off. no speedometer or tach. *tr

This was a ford 1999 windstar recall on the abs system. the recall stated that a fire may occur in connection with the abs. i took the car in, however the brake fluid leak inside the car has gotten worse. from time to time the car smokes up, and there is a burning smell. the abs light continues to come on. my fear is that this is still a hazard with all the flammable brake fluid in the car. i looked it up and others have called this problem "braking distance suddenly increased service brakes, hydraulic". brake fluid leaking into the car. this seems to occur constantly. i have cleaned my car with the thought that i spilled oil, however after reading up found out that this was the problem. when i took it in for the recall, this was not mentioned at all to me by the ford dealer. i will be taking it to the dealer that fixed it to see what they will do or say. i guess i am wondering if there is anything else to do. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the rear, driver side sliding door would not close. the dealer replaced the alternator but to no avail. in addition, the abs warning light remained illuminated and the front driver's seat belt was covered in an unknown oil each time it was retracted. the dealer was unable to repair any of the failures. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was approximately 95,000.

I had recall # 09s09 performed at lithia ford in roseburg, oregon on 4/16/10/. since that date the following issue has continued to arise, braking distance suddenly increased. the abs warning dash light keeps coming on. this issue was not addressed with the recall. *tr

1999 ford windstar with antilock brakes. after driving the car the abs dashboard warning light comes on and stays on. turning the car off and starting it again makes the abs warning light go off and it usually stays off. this is an intermittent problem and occurs every few weeks. when the abs dashboard warning light is on i experience increased braking distance. *tr

Antilock braking system and traction control randomly disconnect resulting in loss of traction and unanticipated skidding. *tr

My abs light started to flash and is now on constant,my brakes work but not the greatest. my air bag light will start to flash and then come on constant once the vehicle is shut off and restarted the light usually stays off but will do this at random. i have had on several occasions where i hear a popping noise in the front end while making turns. we have replaced most of the front end and still have the issue. i also have a problem with it idling real fast then down to nothing it bucks and sputters when plugged into a computer it says the vehicle runs lean so we replaced the o2 sensors and things and it did not help. i do not feel safe driving my vehicle at all most of the time however i need to get to and from work and the scary part is i have to haul my children and the elderly person i care for around it . very disappointed ford[xx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I am filing a complaint on the abs light in my 2001 ford windstar se sport. the abs light and brake light both come on sporadically as i drive the van. the research i have done indicates this is a failure of the ecm, which can cause greater distance travel in an emergency stop. i also own a 1999 ford windstar lx, which has the same abs light indication. during a full speed (75 mph) emergency stop in december of 2009 with my 1999 ford windstar lx, i skidded on the interstate and lost control, ending up on the left-lane shoulder before coming to a complete stop. the 1999 windstar also had sporadic abs light indications (6 months) until the light remained illuminated constantly beginning in late 2006. it is my understanding that the ford windstar has this issue regularly. in fact my fiancee is considering buying another 1999 ford windstar lx and the abs light is also constantly illuminated in that van as well. i believe this to be more than a mere coincidence. *tr

Abs traction control lights are on and off intermittently. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs warning light remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility but the mechanic was unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. in addition, the speedometer would fail intermittently. the dealer advised that the vehicle was under recall but the recall did not pertain to the failure the contact was experiencing. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 156,055.

Intermittent abs warning light. already had vehicle serviced for recall 09v399000, but continue to get intermittent abs warning light. *tr

1999 ford windstar minivan abs light keeps coming on which is blowing a fuse causing my speedometer, odometer and cruise control not to work. after much internet research this looks to be a common problem with catastrophic results if not disabled. after reading these results i immediately had someone disconnect the abs module under the hood which disabled my abs brake system to prevent a fire. in turn my odometer and speedometer are now working but more importantly a possible fire was prevented! i would appreciate attention being taken in this matter seeing as how it is not the first time this problem is being reported. *tr

Abs light comes on and off. we did take our windstar in for the cruise control recall, and the switch was leaking. the ford dealership said the there was no damage to the abs harness or module. the light probably comes on 3-4 times per week. *tr

We recently purchased a used 1999 ford windstar sel minivan. we took it to an auto shop to have an oil change, and air filters replaced. upon returning home that evening, we noticed and smelled smoke from underneath the hood. when we went to look at it, we found white smoke coming up from behind the air filter and in front of the master brake cylinder. we thought that some fluids had been spilt and were simply burning off. when we went to drive it later that evening, the entire inside of the vehicle went dark. all of the interior lights, the odometer, speedometer, computer station, radio, climate control, windows, door locks, a/c, instrument panel, cruise control, and turn signals stopped working. we made it home safely as the head and tail lights were still working. upon inspection the following day, we found that the brake pressure differential deactivation switch (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) developed a leak. it had been leaking for some time and had literally eaten away the electrical plug. the wires had been eaten through as well and had crossed and caused the short. *tr

I own a ford windstar esl 99, yesterday the wires of the sensor of the brakes fluid burned, i was lucky to be in a tire shop and they checked and disconnected it. i was told by a mechanic the van is on recall, he has sent me different articles from the internet about ford fires recall that includes my vehicle model. calling ford recall information they said vin# doesn't shows any recall. they took the complaint that i'm asking ford to repair it even it is not in recall as they said but it is listed in other sources, they will investigate and let me know by mail in 10-15 labor days. i will have to take my van to a ford dealer for my safety as i can't drive it without the sensor working properly. i want to complain in order to accelerate the ford reimburse and that they include the 99 windstar esl in their list, as it is in others, even attorneys having lawsuits currently against ford. it happens to me already, and my experience could have been terrible. the failure didn't make any more damage than wires burned, so far. i need them to respond properly as this is a manufacturer failure with high safety consequences. *tr thank you,

1999 ford windstar. last week of july/2009, had ford dealer replaced front rotors & pads + rear shoes & machined rear drums. within 1st week after brakes job abs light began cycling on & off. after the 4th week, the abs light stayed solid. cruise control is also not functioning. ford dealer says might have to replace abs control module. read somewhere that controls of these two components might be affected by brake fluid leaking from master cylinder into a switch thereafter moisture will accumulate in the switch causing a short blowing fuse #10. also read that this brake fluid leakage might lead to a fire subsequently. repairs have been quoted to be high. will repair once have sufficient money saved. *tr

First occurrence of the abs light coming on resulted in producing diagnostic codes of c1185 c1242 and an abs rear sensor code. the abs light was very intermittent at first but now has become much more frequent. the light will display more so on bumpy roads and hot days. i depend on my abs system because i am handicapped and live in northern climate (snow and ice conditions). i can know longer depend on my abs system to help prevent an accident or an impact. *kb

My abs light comes on daily. within a few minutes of start up. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. while driving 15 mph the abs light and traction warning lights were illuminated on the instrument control panel. she restarted the vehicle. the dealer was notified, and she was advised that the abs control module needed to be repaired at an expense of $ 825.00 dollars. the failure mileage was 100000. the current mileage was 101000. the vehicle identification number was unavailable.

Loss of brake fluid, brake light on after service,brake light red, 15 amp fuse blowing out, smoke coming from under the hood or from engine compartment,speedometer and odometer stopped working, cruise control will not activate or deactivates without warning, abs warning light is on. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford windstar. the contact took his vehicle in for a routine inspection and was informed that brake fluid was leaking from the master cylinder. he called the dealer and manufacturer in reference to nhtsa campaign id number 99v147000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder) and was informed that his vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 83,000.

The abs light continues to come on and after investigation the mechanic indicated that the ecm needs to be replaced. the abs light comes on every day and the braking of the vehicle is reduced. have not replaced the module as we can not locate one locally. *tr

Abs and trac off lights come on when driving. *tr

1999 ford windstar abs electronic control module failure. abs warning light in dash has become illuminated and diagnostic codes indicate abs ecm relay failure. failure is due to a poor design, and poor materials choice in the construction of the anti-lock brake system electronic control module. module failure effects the traction control system and results in unexpected, random braking of the vehicle. removal of fuses of circuits 101 and 102, de-energize abs system and traction control and makes the vehicle operable again, without abs brakes or traction control. *tr