Problems with 2001 Ford Windstar SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 55 mph and without warning, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed and would not stop the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder needed to be repaired. the vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 95,750.

While investigating the 50 mph failure of the pcm module, and the ongoing off/on action of the abs module, i ran across what appears to be a mistake on page 43-3 of the fomoco "2001 wiring diagrams/windstar" manual (fcs-12255-01). i exchanged several emails, case # cas-4648613-l1x1r6 crm:03259000003405, with the ford customer relations center about this matter until they told me to contact a dealer. i sent the questions to my dealer asking for correct information, but they haven't acknowledged my inquiry. what i suspect is all windstar's on the road today may be operating with only one-half of the scp (j1850 pwm) network operational. now that many of the defective abs modules are failing, are other windstars in danger of engine failure at speed like ours? the two simple questions i asked fomoco are: 1) are you sure circuit 915 (data bus-) should be grounded at the abs module? 2) what is the proper termination for the ford data bus (circuits 914& 915), 120 ohms, 650 ohms, 3k ohms, what and where?

Abs light on. *tr

The abs light and the brake light appears on the dashboard even though the brakes are in good working order

I currently keep getting grunting/popping/moaning noise from the front suspension when turning -braking-starting to move car forward . already replaced the sway bar links and bushings but the noise still comes and goes. also my brake-&-abs lights comes on and off for no reason. and the locks on the doors work when they want too. just had inspection done again 3 weeks ago but they can not find the problems. talk with ford about the noise to try to find out if there is any danger of a crash because of this and i keep getting the run around. *js

Driving on highway, the brakes slammed on, almost rear ended. when i got home by driving slowly, i noticed moisture and brake fluid was in the abs pump module, thank god my children were not in our so called"family van". *tr

Abs warning light and brake warning light come on intermittently, when it rains ,when the weather is hot and humid,and also when it snows. *tr

Abc problems light on. *tr

Abs, traction control, and brake lights come on shortly after starting the car. abs, traction control are 'off''. safety issue when driving in snow. this problem has occurred 3 times now,over last 2 years, each time i am told its a brake sensor, or the abs sensor. i pay several hundred each time to get it replaced, but problem returns within 6 months. concern is safety- abs and traction control critical in northern ohio area in heavy snow area- please look into this. *tr

My abs and brake lights came on, then all my gauges started going crazy, maxing out back and forth, then my lights would go out and blinkers stopped working. i looked around and went to the abs control module and saw that it was saturated with brake fluid or water. i remove the connector and found 2 pins were rotted off. *kb

Abs warning light and brake warning light come on intermittently, after send in for the recall on speed control system modification... until to abs bulb blew up... but parking brake light remained on... send it back to dealer... ask the service advisor "why my both warning light on when i drive... and now my abs light off and parking brake light remain on" and the service advisor told me your abs light never light out when turn on the ignition switch mean that "this vehicle without abs" thank you for the reply given by ford dealer service advisor of he best knowledge....i will not sending my vehicle for any recall in the future..... *js *tr

Why does my abs and brake lights stay on even after having a ford dealership investigate the issue and tells me that there is nothing wrong. this has been an issue for years and seems like a problem waiting to happen. how am i supposed to drive comfortably wondering if something is going to happen. *tr

Ford windstar seems to be a good vehicle at first. with age numerous problems continue to happen. service shops regard problems as common for a ford windstar.i think ford ignores the problems. my husband and i are loyal ford owners, i don't know how much longer we will continue. currently the abs& brake lights are on. transmission leaked out all of the fluid while driving, had to rebuild trans. speedometer doesn't work properly when brake lights are on. engine light is on, numerous codes for this problem. *js

Braking distance suddenly increased, and the abs & brake light turned on. and i contacted south bay ford in regard to that issue , and i did not get any help. i am still have the same issue every day, when ever the van gets warm, the abs light turns on. *tr

Annual state inspection found rust at mount on right front subframe,,passenger rear rocker panel has rust hole. abs/brake lights stay on,even after they been fixed. *tr

Brake lights stays on constantly, speedometer hand constantly jumps. sometimes feels like they are air in the brakes, sometimes no power at all to the van. when going up hill van loose all pressure when air is on. check and made sure all hoses was connect properly and still doing it. i just can't afford to put anymore money in this vehicle. *tr

While driving, the speedometer ,the odometer,the tachometer all stopped working.the abs light came on,the red brake light came on,and the o/d off light continues to flash. it is extremely difficult to operate this vehicle without at least a speedometer and i hope the brakes do not fail. this all occurred shortly after the brake master cylinder switch was replaced. *tr

The check traction control system warning illuminates, as well as the abs,trac off, and the brake system warning lights on the dash. *tr

I turned in my ford windstar on to the john west ford diler , the abs, and brake lights came on 3 days before to brought it for been diagnosed. 2 days after they gave me an estimate for $ 2400.00 dollars. that really surprise me and i answer no thanks do not fix my car. they put my van together and since that moment my van i didn't start again is like a death . they said the pcm and abs module got burned. i think they made a mistake and kill my van pcm but i cant proved. i was reading the abs recall about and sounds like there is nothing releated wiht the pcm module. any way they sent my van back home onto a town truck and at this moment a can't find the problem yet. oh i almost forgot some for sure they charge me $ 200.00 for diagnosis. if you want to confirm my history you can call[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that when starting the ignition, both the abs and brake warning indicators illuminated until the engine was turned off. the failure recurred whenever the engine was in operation. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the abs module would need to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000. updated 02/22/12*lj updated 03/01/12

The abs and brake light began coming on intermittantly a couple of months ago. it seems that the abs ecu module is the problem as multiple abs codes were read. now, two months later my cruise control no longer works. if you do the research online as well as in your complaint section for 2001 winstar it is an all too common problem. it seems to be a problem that was not addressed properly on an earlier recall by ford (09s09) which included a scds wiring harness replacement only caused by brake fluid leaking onto wiring and causing a potential fire hazard. many owners believe the fluid not only ran down the wiring continuing to run onto the abs connector causing parts to short out and fail and also onto the cruise control connector causing it to fail. i truly believe this is the reason all these abs modules are failing...it's amazing how many complaints with my same problem are on your website these are very expensive parts to replace (over $1000) plus labor. the absence of the abs system does cause braking problems and can cause the brakes to lock up and skid...this happened to me...just missed having a wreck! the connector to the cruise is also being effected causing it to fail as well. i think ford should be required to at least check these vehicle and replace these parts if they are found to be faulty before someone gets in an accident. they may have already. *tt

The abs and brake lights on the dashboard light up and stay lit. they will only go off after the key is turned off. it took several trips to the ford dealership for them to diagnose these: perform q test abs system found multiple dtc's cmdtc c1185 abs pwr relay output circuit failure, c1194 lf outlet valve coil circuit fail, c1198 lf inlet valve coil circuit fail, c1210 rf outlet valve coil circuit fail, c1246 rr outlet valve coil circuit fail, c1250 lf inlet valve coil circuit fail, c1254 rr inlet valve coil circuit fail, c1446 brake switch circuit failure open or shorted to ground, u1262 scp data link fault, fail speed deactivation switch. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs warning light would illuminate at any time. a complaint was filed with the manufacturer, but the manufacturer denied any assistance with repairs. the dealer did not assist with repairs either. the vehicle was repaired. the failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 96,855. the recall for subframe was repaired only, however dealer refused to do a state inspection due to other damage. updated 11/03/2011 *ln *tr

The abs system light comes on while driving and it stays on until the car is turned off for some time. *tr

There have been numerous issues with this vehicle lately. car would not start, power steering went out, oil light stays on, i have to put oil in every week, seat motor stop working and now the brakes do not work. we were driving out of town with our 3 kids and i went to press the brakes just to find that it was not there - it was all the way up under the dash board!!!

Took 2001 windstar into dealer for recall on rear axle jan. 2011 was called to pick up vehicle on april 29th. when vehicle was picked up the brake, abs and traction control off light were lighting up the dashboard , these lights were not on when van was taken in. walked back into the dealer and told they had no one available to look at it but bring it back on monday when they could run an analysis on it. stated they had replaced the axle and any number of things could have happened. asked if vehicle was safe to drive was told it was. came back monday morning had a total change of attitude without looking at vehicle was told it probably was not anything they did but would look at it and let me know in 10 minutes. half hour later informed they think it was the main brain and could cost me up to $1500.00 to fix. dealer stated that the windstar had a lot of problems he still had over 100 to repair in his lot. was told by dealer and ford customer care that the problem was mine not theirs, replacing rear axle has nothing to do with brakes but work sheet shows they replaced the brake pads. now i do not have abs or traction control on my vehicle. *tr

Good day. i have a 2001 ford windstar passenger van. on the bottom of the master cylinder, there is some kind of pressure switch. this switch constantly leaks brake fluid onto a wiring harness connector below it. my research has found that many windstars of this era also leak brake fluid from this switch. my brake lights (on the rear of the car) sometimes stay on when the car is parked. also, since the cruise control recall was repaired, the dashboard light indicator telling me that the cruise control is on no longer operates. also, the cruise control will not work unless i pump the brakes prior to using it. i believe all of these problems are related. the ford dealer told me he would gladly fix the problems but will charge me quite a lot of money to do it. i believe ford should be responsible for the costs associated with the repairs of these safety items. thank you. *tr

The brake fluid at the master cylinder is leaking on the wires under it. causing the abs and brake light to stay on. i am afraid this will cause a fire, due to the fluid being flammable. now i have a repair to pay for that i have never seen happen in a car. i am almost 55 and been driving 40 years and this is a first

My abs and brake lights stay on and the odometer and speedometer stopped working. i reported this earlier today but need to change the category. *tr

Subframe broke 8/2010 and replaced. rusted badly 12/2011 ford dealer fixed , also checked real axel and fixed,recall #11s16 for the brake pressure differential switch leaking, brake light now coming on speedometer not registering odometer not registering ,abs light on, information center says trans error fuel error temp error and also cruise control surges cuts out and the braking distance change suddenly and without warning,the abs and ecm is wet with oil not covered properly. i think this is a ongoing problem with front the brake switch recall that still not fixed.

I own a 2001 ford windstar. in august of 2010, i took the van into the dealership due to recall 09s09. they installed a fuse harness only. it appeared to fix the problem, and the abs light went out. today, the abs light came back on, so apparently there's still a problem. *tr

Ford windstar - 2001 - abs and brake light come on - or just brake light comes on - appears to be same problem as reported by many on http://http://www.fordwindstarrecall.info/. *tr

2001 ford windstar. i took it to the dealership to have some safety recalls done. a few days later i was driving along and smoke started boiling out from under the hood so i pulled over and by the time i got stopped and got the kids out safely it quit smoking. i raised the hood and could see some burned wiring under the brake master cylinder. we got back in and drove on then the transmission started shifting wrong and the brake pedal didn't feel right,it felt spongy. i took it to my mechanic who is ase master and ford senior master certified. he replaced the trans range sensor and told me that the fire was caused by a defective cruise control deactivation switch leaking brake fluid.he replaced the switch and advised me to take it back to the dealer and have them do the recall which is what they were supposed to have done in the first place. he said that it also had a damaged abs module and wiring and that was part of the recall.i called them and they said they only did the rear axle recall that was on the letter i got from ford. my mechanic said that they were required by law to complete all safety recalls while it was in their possession. i am going to take it back but i'm afraid to drive it cause it hardly has any brakes. my mechanics said it was because all the brake fluid leaked out of the switch and got air in the lines. *tr

Brake and abs lights on dashboard come up on during driving randomly, but go off after you restart the vehicle. there is no leak under brake fluid master cylinder, so must be some other problems out there other than the recall ford made on the scds in 2009. *tr

Brake, "abs", and trac dash lights are on most of the time for the past two years. when traveling north in colder weather the lights are off. spoke w/ local ford service rep. and was told to rr abs module if lights bother me. otherwise not a problem as regular brakes ok but abs will not function. just finished goggling the problem and found a description of the problem w/ the cause. the abs module circuit board is "securely" attached to a heat sink that expands/contracts with temperature changes. this expansion/contraction results in damage to the cicuit board resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of designed braking assitance/distance. i have lived with this problem for the past couple of years due to the cost of the repair, as i imagine others have. the design/assembly of this circuit board is obviously flawed as the web site has documented. a question for ford would be, "how many abs ecm inquires have been received and how many have been replaced under warranty or at customer expense?". *ln

The warning lights for the abs system on my 2001 ford windstar are coming on much more often now. over the past couple of years they would come on only very infrequently, maybe once a week and only after having driven for an hour or so. now they come on within minutes, though they still do not come on immediately. now that it is winter i have noticed the brakes locking up and sending me into a skid whenever there is snow or ice on the road. the problem is getting very bad and i fear for the day when the brakes go out completely and i do have an accident. *tr

2001 ford winstar recall 09so09 they did not fix the problem. the dealer said they only needed to change out the cruise control connector!!! i asked about the abs and other parts listed to be inspected in the recall and he denied that any of that was to be inspected under this recall. so they may have fixed the cause of the problem but did nothing about the damage to the vehicle. my symptoms are: loss of brake fluid (problem # 1) burning smell or smoke (problem # 1) brake light on after brake service. (we think this back pressure breaks the deac switch) (problem # 1) brake light (red) (problem # 1 or problem # 2) 15 amp fuse #10 blowing out (problem # 1) speedometer and odometer stop working. (problem # 1) 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) brakes turn on squeal without warning. (problem # 2) problem codes p0171, p0174, p0401 171,174,401, egr or system too lean issue extremely excessive braking distance!!! almost been in a couple accidents because the vehicle will not brake efficiently. brakes lock sometimes when braking, causing vehicle to slide!!! ford denied to my face that any of these problems were related to the recall, but your report and other investigations prove that it was and that i have been lied to about a very important safety issue that has already put me and my families lives at risk!!! i request further investigation into this matter and do wish to see something done about it. *ln

Abs and brake light has been coming on and off for 2 years now increased braking distance. when i really needed my brakes they failed to work properly i use to be able to stop fast now it takes alot more to stop . this is dangerous and this is a family vehicle!! *tr

Braking distance suddenly increased.*tr

Braking distance suddenly increased we have noticed that the braking system illuminates the abs and brake light intermittently and there is a corresponding failure of the abs system that prevents it from working properly. fortunately, we have not yet had an accident as a result of the failure, but we have also not yet replaced the system to fix it. *tr

Abs, brake light and check engine light all on at the same time. vehicle shakes like it is going to cut off. despite numerous attempts at repairs, still does it as of today (2012). *tr

Our abs and brake warning lights in the dash have been coming on intermittently for around the last 2 years. we took the van to the ford dealer and they said that the abs should be working as long as the dash warning lights are off. on a recent trip, we were traveling at 35 miles per hour and needed to stop quickly for a car turning in front of us. i slammed on the brakes and the tires squealed (brakes locked-up) instead of the abs activating, thus significantly increasing my breaking distance and nearly causing a wreck. there was no pulsing of the brakes like when the abs is functioning correctly. the dash abs and the brake warning lights were not on before nor after the incident. the dash abs and brake warning lights have come on since then, but the warning lights go off once the car is shut off for awhile. upon researching this issue on the internet, it appears this is a common malfunction (dash abs and brake warning lights coming on) in 2001 ford windstars.

Have noticed the braking distance has suddenly increased. have inspected brakes, lines, and master cylinder and found no leaks or abnormalities. amber "abs" light and red emergency brake light come on randomly while vehicle is in motion. recall 09s09 has been completed by ford. *tr

occurrence: 12 october 2010. traveling i-95 washington,dc/suitland, md. vehicle: ford windstar, 2001. speed : 60-65 mph. traffic : dense. failure of defective part : rear axle snapped in two parts while traveling on smooth highway, northbound. explosive sound , lots of smoke, extreme consternation/fear of heart attack experienced by my wife and i ( my wife has a dangerous heart condition "ihss") at occurrence. i immediately turned on hazard flashers. managed to maneuver across several lanes of traffic to get to highway shoulder safely!! thank god for the alert fellow travelers behind us!!! if we were hit by any 18-wheelers on the highway, i wouldn't be writing this complaint now!!! concern for our safety was shown to us by fellow travelers; particularly, md traffic safety person, who should be commended by his superiors for his professional and understanding actions!! he looked at the damage and said that he had never seen anything like it before; and he said that we were lucky to be alive!!! van was transported by professionals to the nearest ford dealership where i first became aware that a recall notice was in force for my vehicle!!! at this point, i became greatly disturbed that i had no previous notification of this dangerous condition and that my wife, grand children, etal were traveling in potential rolling coffin! in my opinion, this seems to be criminal; particularly if greater profit motives might be involved! i certainly hope that inferior materials were not used in this regard!! i was informed that my van would have to remain at the ford dealership until ford motor company decides how i will be provided with a safe vehicle , since no replacement axles were available. (nb ; i have no idea whatever other damage exists as a result of this awful failure! i certainly don't want a duplicate axle replacement to replay this horrific catastrophe! in my wife's delicate condition, i cannot expect her to travel in this unsafe vehicle! justice!!! *tr

Abs and brake light come on when driving a few miles after starting car, anti lock brakes do not work. if you shut car off and start back up the lights will go off , they will come back on sometime or stay of for several hundred miles. there were no codes stored to bring up . the speed control deactivation switch has been change . *tr

Abs and brake light comes on -- for no apparent reason and goes off -- vehicle stutters and cuts off. safety concern, because never know when it will happen. 2001 ford windstar. *tr

Braking distance suddenly increased : abs light goes on and off intermittently and when it goes on brakes do not function normally and cause increased braking distance without warning. twice now including today i have been parking my car (so maybe 5 mph) and the abs brakes failed to function properly and the light lit up and if a curb was not between me and the building i was parking at acting as a buffer and helping slow the car to a stop, i possibly could have hit it or crashed. i also almost hit a car in front of me recently , possibly within and inch, when it slowed/stopped somewhat suddenly (but not overly so) and then i had to slow/stop and my abs light then suddenly came on and my abs brakes failed to stop me in the usual way and usual distance for the pressure i was applying (which was stopping fast but not slamming on the brakes) and i could feel a sort of "stuttering" or "vibration" of the brakes and "slipping" with my foot on the brake peddle as if it were trying to engage but not successfully engaging. at first this intermittent abs brake light going on was only occasionally but now it is becoming more and more frequent and putting me and my family in very dangerous situations to where even though the abs brake light turns off as if it is working fine again, i now know it is not working fine and that the brakes could stop functioning properly at any moment. the light only goes on when i am pressing on the brake peddle (but not every time i brake), it does not light up without that as a pre-requisite. then it will either stay lit for a few minutes and go away or it will stay lit until i turn my car off and go away the next time i start the car up. *tr

No accidents yet, my abs light and brake light come on within the first mile everyday i use my windstar and the abs activates and often my 2001 ford windstar has an ugly noise and the brake pedal pulsates and the car does not want to stop, just like it would in an anti-skid situation. i have replaced front brakes, rotors, calipers, rf wheel sensor (purchase abs code reader and still get rf sensor codes). recently i took my windstar to ford and replaced the brake-cruise control recall. i questioned my dealer about the abs and they have no clue almost like i needed to leave it and they would check it out and try to locate the cause. i do not want anyone to start replacing parts that i have replaced especially the ones i replace more then once. i hear alot of talk about a control module being bad so i think if that is the remedy it should be replaced at no charge by ford and i won't demand they reimburse to me the money i have already spent to remedy this problem. i like this vehicle but would like to get this abs problem fixed or disable the abs. also, another option for ford in my case would be to disable the abs so i don't get that anti-skid in my brakes on a dry day and all wheels are rolling. its pretty unnerving when your car is not in a skid condition the abs takes over and you are panicking to get this car to stop. i understand this abs is an option and since i did not buy the car new i would strongly consider just disabling the abs system brakes so they would work like the old fashion brakes that skidded if you applied enough pressure... *tr

My abs brake light is still on. i had recall 09s09 performed at a ford dealership. my cruise control does not work. my brake! light comes on and stays on intermittently. *tr

Lights in my 2001 ford windstar saying "brakes and abs" comes on, every time i hit a pot hole. i got it checked at 3 different mechanics and 1 dealer, they say there is nothing wrong with brakes or abs module. occurs everyday. *tr