Problems with 2001 Ford Windstar SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This even has happened many a times, since '07 when i purchased the vehicle. the brake pedal seems to get stuck/or doesn't release all the way. i purchased the vehicle and was told it had new brakes; but now i need brakes.. in the beginning i had repairs done to it because the airbag light would not go off, and the cruise control would not turn on... the cruise control issue has started again, and i feel it is because the brake pedal is sticking. i can put my foot under it and raise it and most times this is the remedy for the situation. this brake pedal fault has now lead me to buy a portable power supply aka portable jumper cables, because of this happening and the brake pedal is staying pushed in far enough that the brake lights stay on and drain the battery dead... which has happened more then 10 times.. i was at an event last night when i stated i had to go make sure the brake pedal had not came back down and put the rear lights back on; on my vehicle; when the young man i as speaking to, stated "our car does the same thing".. i then asked what kind is it, the result is we both drive ford windstar '01 vehicles.. i am sure that there are not only two cases of the malfunction... and yet i do not find here in the recall list. if there is another was to find out or if there is an recall for the function please inform me. *tr

Intermittent illumination of amber abs warning lamp and red brake system warning lamp during driving - no underlying brake system malfunction; also, abs and brake system warning lamps occasionally remain on after start-up warning system check cycle . erroneous malfunction warnings consume owner time and funds to have diagnosed, with no actual brake malfunction present. likely "boy who cried wolf" scenario, in which owners conditioned to ignore false warnings will disregard when true warning of actual defect occurs. nhtsa tsb no.: 15682 on this issue not recognized by ford dealership service department, or ford oasis bulletin systems. *tr

Abs brake light on ford windstar 2001 , brake system has been checked and there should be no reason for the alarm. check engine light on for ever after being checked and paid repairs , intake system replaced, hoses replaced etc. *tr

2001 ford windstar, shortly after purchase in 2006, abs light and brake lights would come on intermittently. in 2006 windstar suffered front end damage, then abs and brake lights always on. mechanic said after incident, oh we had a problem getting the abs to work. my son and daughter in law have a 2000 windstar that is having the same problem. on dec 8, 2007 i was traveling between oxnard and camarillo ca. cars in front of me suddenly hit their brakes i did the same, the car started skidding out of control, pivoted on the front right tire, turned 180 degrees and rolled over. *tr

Loss of abs & traction control. *tr

2001 ford windstar abs and cruise control will both stop working at the same time. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at an unknown speed, the abs, track off, and brake light icons illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, but has not been inspected. the dealer stated that the abs module failed. the current mileage was 112,000 and failure mileage was 110,000. updated 04/11/08 *bf

Intermittent abs warning light. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. at the time of the failure, the abs and brake lights illuminated on the instrument panel. after constantly applying pressure to the brakes, the vehicle finally stopped. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that a new brake master cylinder and brake fluid were needed. the dealer repaired the vehicle; however, the failure recurred two weeks later. the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. the speed was unknown. the failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 99,600.

2001 ford windstar - abs and brake lights come on intermittently. cooling the car seems to help, then turn off and restart. the lights will go out, but come back on. *tr

Emergency brake light come on when you drive or backup vehicle paid ford dealer over $3,000 to fix the problem on basis of recommendation aug 28, 2007, replace wiring harness and abs module after servicing the brake lights continue to come on. have taken the car in to dealer for the 5th time. ford engineers stated they do not know what is causing the problem or how to fix it. my 1 year labor warranty will expired aug 28, 2008 and ford has yet to repair car. i was told by ford dealer the car is drivable and doesn't pose a health or hazardous risk. i totally disagree. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the brake, abs, and traction control lights illuminate intermittently. the vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer. the speed was unknown. the current mileage was 65,492 and failure mileage was 65,000.

Brake/abs light comes on inadvertently, because of a glitch in the computer system. i've gone to ford mtrs twice and only can get to the customer service people. the vehicle is a 2001 ford windstar, . i have been told by a mechanic that it has happened to several other people in the local area. that situation is dangerous, because, it might come on and be truthful, you ignore it and when you need them, you have no brakes. the cost to fix this problem should be fords cost, not the consumer. thanking you in advance for your assistance in this matter. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs warning light illuminates intermittently. he took the vehicle to the dealer and the service technician was unable to determine the cause of failure. the speed was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 89,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact noticed that the brake and abs warning lights would intermittently illuminate on the instrument control panel. once he turns off the vehicle and quickly restarts it, the warning lights will dim. he has not had the vehicle inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 100,500.

Abs and brake warning dashboard lights come on intermittently and are only cleared when vehicle is restarted. brakes checked by dealership--not related to problem. dealer service dept stated they could not replicate diagnostic code and could not recommend remedy; however, they stated this is a common problem. safety issue is that this creates a lack of confidence in early warning system for brakes, potentially leading to driver ignoring a real brake failure. *tr

2001 ford windstar with intermittent brake light and abs light illuminated. reportedly a failed abs module. *tr

When driving, the abs and brake light will illuminate. i was told the car needs a new abs module. upon further research on this issue i have become aware that this is a widespread phenomenon. driving with no abs is a safety hazard! it can result in an accident with possible fatalities. *tr

I have a 2001 ford windstar 3.8 l and the abs ans brake light illuminate intermitantly durnig the summer months and hotter weather but does not come on during colder months. *tr

Abs control module heats up and causes the anti-lock brakes not to function. i have see through research that this is a very common problem with these vehicles. i sent an email to ford with my finding and was told that there were no recalls for this problem. i can not believe with the number of people affected that ford continues to ignore this problem. *tr

Abs/ brake light comes on while driving. the manual said that if this happens you should go to a garage immediately. i went they said it was nothing to worry about and said i could ignore it. i took it to ford and i was told it happens a lot because the abs computer does that when it gets hot and if they put a new one on it may do the same thing. i have been driving that way ever since and not it is january and it is very cold the problem is still happening. the brakes still work but you just don't have abs. i think if you paid for a car that has abs as a safety feature it should be fixed the right way. i didn't replace the unit because they said it could still happen.*cw

I recently purchased a used 2001 ford windstar. it began showing 3 lights on the dash. (the brake light abs light and check engine light) i will begin with the engine light. after reading many articles on the internet of people experiencing the same codes p0174 and p0171 i found the tsb. it called for the replacement of the vacuum line, isolator bolts, valve cover, and port seals. the abs and brake lights call for the replacement of the whole abs module. to fix both of these problems are very costly. and after researching, i have conlcuded that these problems are not isolated. due to the high price of labor and parts i have not been able to fix these problems. i think that the loss of abs on slippery roads and the loss of the engine due to the defective gasket parts can cause a major accident, and pose as a huge concern. please contact me with any updates...thankyou *tr

Abs and brake lights intermittently go on and off. after brakes were replaced the lights started this activity. after returning to the shop where brakes were replaced, they pulled the following codes off the computer, c1185,1194,1198,1210,1214,1242,1246,1250,1254 and u1262. a google search showed over 500 hits on one website for this activity. the shop says the brakes will work, but abs may or may not work as intended to. this is a safety risk to the general public. *tr

The brake pressure differential deactivation switch is leaking onto the power connectors and dripping on surrounding parts.. the abs light comes on intermittently, and the brake light comes on from time to time. brake fluid must be added about every 2000 miles. *tr

Upon starting the 2001 ford windstar van tuesday morning several of the warning lights stayed on, including the brake and abs lights. the digital odometer display changed from numbers to dashes and the speedometer remained at "0" when driving. also, the air conditioning (a/c ) stopped working. i took it to the ford dealership for repair. it took them 2 days to find the problem which turned out to be a defective cruise control deactivation switch. the service dept. manager said we were fortunate that the van did not catch on fire. he told us that the switch had completely melted and had charred the surrounding wires. this problem is very similar to the problem which caused the massive ford recall in 2005, but ford claims that this has never been a problem in their minivans. the ford dealership did repair the damage at a cost of about $700. i did not think to ask at the time if i could have the burned switch. i would like this to go on record in case there are other vans out there with the same problem. perhaps the ford recall needs to be extended to include the windstars as well. i contacted ford by email and was told that there were currently no safety recalls involving this van.*ak

I had new brakes put on my vehicle (all four brakes) and about two weeks after having them put on i noticed my brakes were wanting to fail. when i go to stop the brakes squeal really bad, are hard to get to stop like i am pushing on a brick (i have to put all my body weight into brakes to stop vehicle) and sometimes will keep rolling. i had the lines checked and nobody can find out what is going on with my vehicle. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs and brake warning lights remain illuminated for up to 20 minutes. afterwards, the lights dim and begin to illuminate intermittently. he took the vehicle to the repair shop and was informed that it was a very common failure. currently, the contact is driving with the air bag light illuminated. the failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 90,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf the consumer stated was informed that when the abs and brake warning lights are illuminated the brake system will not work. updated 12/12/07 *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the brakes made a loud grinding noise and then failed while driving 5 mph. the failure has caused two crashes. for both crashes, the contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer both times as well. the dealer has been unable to determine the cause of failure and stated that the failure was impossible. the vin, engine size, and purchase date were unknown. the current mileage was 110,000 and failure mileage was 109,500

Abs and brake warning lights come on intermittently for no reason. sensors replaced. lights still come on. started june/07. ongoing. *tr

2001 ford windstar has abs warning light combined with emergency brake engaged light causing intermittent warnings. the vehicle has appx 145k miles on it currently. have been experiencing dash warning lights that warn me that my abs system is not working correctly. new brakes, inspection and cleaning. recently but problem persists. have not been able to determine the conditions that lead up the warning errors. based on research through the internet, conversations with local mechanics and other windstar owners, this problem is not only common but becoming anticipated. it's also my understanding that when the abs light is illuminated the abs system is non functional and my braking ability is compromised. various sources point to a fault in the monitoring system through the design of particular components and repair/replacement is running around $600. it seems clear there was a design flaw in the brake system that is leading to my family's safety being compromised by not having the abs functioning correctly. *tr

I had notice the problem with my abs on and brake light comes a few times. i was uncertain of why ford recall 09s09. then started to question why my abs light on and suddenly getting the recall done my brake light on steady. this is how i came across this recall about the entire problem with ford mini van. my last windstar also had the problem with the abs light on. i called east court ford in canada and they reporting the problem was their before doing the recall which has nothing to do with the recall. thanks for all assistance general public knowledge. [xxx] *tr parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *cc

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the abs alarms and abs light illuminated. the abs disengaged and the vehicle skidded forward approximately 30 feet. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they performed a diagnostic. the dealer raised the abs codes and the failure was corrected for 5 to 10 miles before it recurred. the contact will take the vehicle to another dealer. the current mileage was 62,000 and failure mileage was 60,000.

We purchased a 2001 windstar. after owning the pre-owned minivan for a few short months we started noticing that the abs, brake, and trac control lights would come one after we started driving. additionally when the lights are on we do not have abs braking or traction control available. i believe the abs braking system does not work as designed. it seems to happen less frequently during the winter about 60% of the time driving the vehicle. during the other 8 or 9 months the lights are on about 99% of the time. i believe that the website www.fordwindstarrecall.info in problem 2 accurately describes the problem i am having. i believe ford should recall this vehicle to fix this problem. thank you. *tr

Abs light, red brake light, trac off light illuminated in dash board. *jb

Abs and brake lights turn on in warm weather or when car warms up disabling abs and causing loud squealing. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 25 mph, the abs and brake warning lights illuminated. the contact stated that the lights illuminate five minutes after driving the vehicle. the contact took the vehicle to a private mechanic and he stated that a new abs module was needed. the contact has not spoken with ford. the current and failure mileages were 109,600. updated 01/09/08, *lj updated 12/12/07 *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving 10 mph, the brakes squeaked when the brake pedal was applied. in addition, the abs warning indicator light illuminated. the mechanic replaced the flow switch; however, the failure continued to occur. the failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 51,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. the contact stated that the abs and brake lights illuminated during normal driving conditions. the warning lights illuminated while driving between 10 and 40 mph. the current mileage was 72,000 and failure mileage was 68,000.

Abs and brake light indicators come on for no apparent reason. does not seem to affect the use of the brakes, but if there is a failure how will i know if it is true or false? this has been going on for about 3 years. this appears to be a safety issue and i have talked to other owners of ford products who have the same problem.

Started off with yellow abs light on with the red brake light on as well. seemed to come and go as it wanted. some time during this i notice a connector loose off the master cylinder and connected it. lights stayed on even longer, months at a time. brakes still worked (abs untested). had changed front and rear brakes, and this still hadn't corrected. at some date the cruise control stopped working. in 2010 i had the 'recall' switch replaced on the front of the master cylinder. the cruise control worked again, but a couple days later the lights were back on. i changed the master cylinder and now the brakes are even softer than before even after a lengthy brake bleeding cycle. i still get the light, but they're not always on when i start the vehicle as they were before. this is in addition to all the other lights that have come on, and all of the tsb searches and parts bought and replaced i have done in an attempt to make my vehicle safe to drive. *tr

Abs ecm failer, ford windstar 2001: the abs and brake light come on after 5-10 min. the code for the proble is c1185 or relay problem. the abs controler is a abs ebc 430 made by kelsey-hayes . the problem first started in 2007. i see the ebc 430 unit made for the gm was recalled. this has made for some close calls when braking in bad weather. this is a big safty problem. i have found many links on line about this problem. this to a 100% failer rate. covers all windstars and freestars. the abs unit needs to be recalled and replace. *tr

Error code 1085 for 2001 ford windstar brake system. brake light on had to disconnect abs system to avoid a fire. creates a leak of brake fluid which is flammable. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford windstar. while driving at various speeds the contact stated that if she drove over any road bump, the abs and brake warning lights would illuminate intermittently. the contact stated that she received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control) and had the vehicle repaired june 2010. the contact stated that the failure persisted after the recall work was performed and that the dealer did not replace the abs control modular. the manufacturer and dealer was contacted and advised that they only had to repair the fuse wiring harness and not the abs control modular, which was not covered under the recall. the vehicle was not further repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 160,000. updated 3/21/11 *cn updated 04/25/11

Abs light shows brakes need checking, we have new brakes, pads , and rotors are excellent. light codes read check engine, and faulty brakes. this is due to a faulty part from manufacture that they will not fix at their expense. nothing wrong with car but cannot inspection test in utah with abs light coming on. *tr

On my 2001 ford windstar minivan, at about 62,500 miles on the odometer, the amber abs light and red brake light illuminated. was told by the dealer that it was a faulty hydraulic control unit that was leaking brake fluid on the abs module (estimated repair cost was about $1,100. i had previously researched this problem online, and have found entire forums of windstar owners dedicated to this problem. users had cited a fire hazard that is created by the leaking brake fluid on the abs electronic control unit (one owners van had caught fire due to this on a long trip). i asked about this at the dealership, and they confirmed that this could indeed be a fire hazard. i have pulled the fuses to de-energize the abs ecu, but because of that, am currently operating with no abs braking capability. the leaking fluid had also damaged the cruise control cutoff switch, so i had it repaired at the dealership. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated the abs light intermittently illuminated. the vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the whole system needed to be replaced. updated 10/03/06. *jb

Abs control module under drivers seat which is right next to a fuel line burned up. also intermittent brake failure from brakes then all of a sudden they work normal. *tr

2001 ford windstar lx - failure of abs control module - dealer performed test code 1185 brake / abs warning lights have been off and on for the last 2 years, just recently they are coming on regularly so that a dealer could identify the problem. *tr

In my ford windstar 2001 the yellow abs brake light and red brake light turns on after few minutes worm weather or after approximately 10 minutes in cold weather. looks like the fault is related to thermal expansion in the abs control module. the problem started in 2006 and is getting worse. *tr

While driving down the road, i pressed my brakes to stop and the pedal went to the floor. i had no brakes until i pumped my brakes several times. while doing this my brake light and abs light came on and stayed on. my o/d light was flashing and my speedometer stopped working along with odometer. and my a/c stopped working. we stopped to work on it and found fuse number 10 was blown. we replaced fuse. when we turned to key to start the motor blue smoke came up from motor area and fuse instantly blew. upon further inspection found that the sensor under master cylinder was leaking brake fluid into electrical harness. have not fixed sensor yet. *jb