Problems with 2002 Ford Windstar ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuse number 10 keeps blowing as soon as put in. speedometer and odometer quit working. abs and brake light come on and stay on. *tr

All lights on dashboard were lit-abs,emergency brake, o/d, speedo and mileage counter could not be read as i was driving home on the freeway. auto repair person indicated that there could have been a fire. my abs module melted onto the control panel (not sure of part name) which caused damage to both. currently being repaired. *tr

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

The brake pressure differential deactivation switch (2b264) located under the master cylinder (behind the air filter) over time develops a leak. this causes a short and a fuse trip, fuse #10 if the engine is on. this leak also causes brake fluid to wick down two wires to the abs brake module (2c219). the fluid accumulates on the (always on) power connectors for the abs brake system which are powered by fuses 101 and 102 and are both 40 amp. the fluid attracts moisture, road salt and leads to a fire when the fluid and moisture act as conductor between the hot leads and ground. this switch will cause cruise control problems, speedometer, odometer and abs brake system problems. *tr

06/01/2008 driving on freeway and all of sudden most warning lights were lit. no other signs-vehicle appeared to be running fine. the speedo and mileage counter were not working. abs was lit, o/d was flashing and emerg. brake was lit. mechanic discovered that the scds leaked brake fluid onto the abs module. auto mechanic indicated that i was lucky that i did not have a fire. he recommended that i do not drive it due to a potential fire that could result in the defect. mechanic replaced scds, abs module and control panel. *tr

My 2002 ford windstar instrument cluster has illuminated the red brakelight yellow abs lights and the trac off symbol sporadically since last summer this is consistent with information i found in a current nhtsa investigation. i have also read about other windstar owners with similar issues. sadly, they have had disastrous outcomes (vehicle fires and structure fires). there is no sign of brake fluid below brake fluid reservoir. lights come on and do not always reappear right away when the engine is turned back on. seems to be linked with exterior temperature - on days that are warm, the lights illuminate more frequently. on days that are cold, they are less likely to be illuminated. did not happen at all during this past winter. as i stated, this has been going on for quite some time (almost a year) first noticed it last summer (2008) with 105,000 miles on the vehicle. currently 135,000 miles on odometer. i have not parked the vehicle in the garage since last summer fearing a the possibility of a fire. *tr

2002 ford windstar cruise control, odometer, a/c temp. control stopped working; abs light remains on. the van is leaking brake fluid. i found online that this is a common problem within windstar owners. a contaminated "brake pressure differential deactivation switch" is the probable cause of this problem and in my opinion ford should be responsible for this defect. *tr

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

The abs, and brake lights illuminate, as well the cruise control, speedometer keep fluctuating on the 2002 ford windstar. this is related to the brake pressure switch on the brake master cylinder. the lights stay on as soon as the vehicle starts. *tr

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

I have a 2002 ford windstar lx. just this past january the lights have started to turn on. my abs light, engine light, brake system light. there are 12-13 codes that show up for my brakes when diagnosed on the computer. i have new brakes all around, new rotors, new drums and when i go to stop the car squeals like a bus and grinds as though i have no brake pads at all. shop says the only place i can go to get that fixed is the dealer where it will cost me about $1500 to fix. who has that kind of money laying around? my engine light goes on because of supposedly some module inside the engine. that was estimated at $350+ to get fixed. the module supposedly is the reason why when the car is diagnosed on the computer, that it shows i have two bad o2 sensors. all i can say is wow!!! these windstars are pure junk!!! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving the vehicle would stall without any prior warnings. the vehicle was towed to a dealer twice. the technicians were able to restart the vehicle, but were unable to determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 35,000. the current mileage was approximately 75,000. updated 12/22/09 *bf updated 12/22/09

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

Vehicle was off and parked. smoke from under vehicle. disconnected battery to stop fire. fire at the connection of the abs computer at site of two 40 amp circuit connections caused abs system to stop working. abs and brake light are on all the time, speedometer stopped working, odometer stopped working. i have detailed pictures of the damaged part 2f1z-2c219-ba connected as part of 1f22-2c346-ac. code c1185 was present in the abs computer prior to the fire. *tr

While driving my 2002 ford windstar se van, the abs, brake, trac control light comes on. i have had the unit checked and there are no codes in the computer and all seems fine. i have read about faulty parts and leaks resulting in fires. also, my cruise control light does not light up any more. sometimes it's working and i don't even know. the low tire pressure stays on. i had mechanic check it out and reset the sensor but it comes back on in a few days. *tr

Continue to hear many people having electrical problems with '02 ford windstar. our brake light and abs light stays on and fuses keep blowing, esp. the fuse for interior lights. recently the fuse that controls our radio and the remote has blown. i have heard there have been many fires so i am afraid to replace the fuses. i have had it to ford and also to a shop that works strictly on electrical problems but have not had it resolved. i understand that the nhtsa is looking into having ford recall some parts that are causing this problem and just wanted to get on the list of complaints. *tr

Own a 2002 ford windstar. for about 2 yrs. we have had problems with the brake light/abs light coming on intermittently. then we experienced problems with fuses blowing. we would replace them and sometimes they would last 10 min. sometimes 2 weeks. now besides the interior lights not working, the radio, clock, cd player are all not working and replacing fuses doesn't help. there is always an odor of burning plastic and at times smoke comes out from under the hood, but no fire. i have received the recall for the speed control deactivation switch, yet when i called ford to schedule an appt. they told me the electrical problem was something different. i don't believe them a since supposedly brake fluid is leaking and destroying wires. i just want this documented as i do not have the money for a large repair bill. *tr

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the air bag, check engine, door ajar, and parking brake warning lights have been constantly illuminated on the instrument panel for over a year. the dealer stated that this was a normal occurrence. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 73,000 and current mileage was 88,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. the contact has experienced failures with the vehicle ever since it was purchased. whenever she starts the vehicle, it makes a clicking noise. in addition, the hazard lights illuminate automatically and the engine fails to start. the vehicle must be jumpstarted each time. the ford dealer went out of business right after the vehicle was purchased on july 18, 2007. the vehicle was not taken to another dealer. she was informed to call the ford manufacturer. the failure mileage was 118,000.

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving 10 mph, the traction control light illuminated and sounded a warning. the trac off, abs, and brake lights also illuminated. currently, the lights illuminate whenever the vehicle is started and remain lit the entire time while driving. the dealer stated that there are tsbs for these failures. the current mileage was 59,835 and failure mileage was 57,510.

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

Hazard lights would not turn off. roadside assistance called in germany and adac technician checked fuses and made adjustments with fuse box. problem stopped but technician not sure why. (occurrence (1). 2)dome lights inside vehicle would not turn off. restarted car, turned off dome lights via roll switch for interior lights. turned off vehicle and lights disengaged. (occurrences (4) over 2 years). *tr

My 2002 ford windstar has had a combo of problems. the first is that the car will chime the "open door" sound, and then unlock or lock the doors automatically, while the doors are unlocking or locking the over head dome lights flicker on or off, which makes a problem seeing during night time driving. as these issues are going on the power sliding rear doors try to open, again the open door sign lights up on the dash, the doors unlock, and the sliding doors try to open. they grind as they are being forced to open, as they are grinding, my rearview mirror light indicators will flash that the doors are both open. i have to pull over forcefully open the doors and manually close them. i have had to move my daughters car seat to the third row, because of the fear she has of falling out. the most they have ever opened is enough to let a breeze in, but traveling on a freeway at 75 mph, that is a little too much!!

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving out of a parking lot, the contact smelled burning rubber or plastic. the contact opened the hood of the vehicle and it was on fire. the current and failure mileage were 95,000. the contact can provide a copy of the police report. there were no injuries.

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

Check traction control light comes on while driving, brake light comes on as does abs light. turn off engine and on & it goes away for a short period, then returns. mechanic tells me $1300 to correct. various web sites report this problem with all windstars 2002! should be recalled with so many complaints. check web site www.2carpros/forum/38-vt49767. *tr

Our anti-lock brakes failed on our 2002 ford windstar. a defective switch had leaked brake fluid into an engine wiring harness causing the anti-lock brake system to fail. we were told by the ford dealer that the repair would be about $1,500, we were no longer under warranty, and that the vehicle could catch on fire at any time. this included when the vehicle was not running and parked in the garage. the service writer also stated that he could not believe that ford had not recalled the windstar as the same failure of the anti-lock system on the pick-ups had been. *tr

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

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while operating the vehicle, the abs sensor light and brake sensor light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician reset the lights in order to turn it off, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 64,000.

Dt*: the contact stated the cruise control did not deactivate when the brake pedal was depressed. the brake pedal needed to be slammed down to deactivate the cruise control . there were no lights illuminated on the dashboard. the dealership was contacted. the rear brake lights, taillights and turn signals did not function. the contact was unaware when the lights stopped functioning. the power door locks will not work. the contact expressed all of the locks failed at the same time. the driver's side power lock was the only lock that worked properly. the dealership was not contacted about other problems. updated 9/15/2006 - a bad rem module was said to be the cause of all the failures. *nm

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

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

Vehicle was parked and someone noticed that smoke was coming from under the hood. an electrical fire had started from windshield wiper motor assembly and burnt through motor terminal guide. both parts had to be replaced. if this problem was not caught early extensive fire damage would have occurred. *kb

I have a 2002 ford windstar that the abs light goes on and off when driving. i have had it checked when i have had my car in for service and have been told that there are no related codes for this. i was told by mechanic that they do not know why the light goes on and off. i was checking a website and found many other complaints from people who have the same problem with their ford vehicles. i am now having a problem with the front electric module that stopped working. i don't know if this is related to the abs light or not but it seems that ford's have problems with their electrical systems. it will cost me approximately $800 to replace the fem module in order for my driver side window to work again. i don't know how much it would cost to replace the abs module but it sounds as if other ford owners did that and had the same problem. i have had my brakes checked by a mechanic and they look good (don't need to be replaced). i am concerned that this abs light keeps coming on and off and if the brakes will malfunction. *tr

I bought a 2002 ford windstar. it had 53,000 miles on the vehicle. the day i bought the vehicle it was raining and had no reason to roll down the windows and assume the car has electrical problems. the next day after purchase i tried rolling down the window and was unable. i left a message with the sales dept. now they say they have no record of this. since this day i have experienced various electrical problems (lights shutting off, doors not wanting to lock/unlock, abs brake lights on, gas on empty although i have a full tank) i brought it to the dealer for repair states there is a $100.00 deductible. i feel as though i should not have to pay this, you sold this car to me unsafe. i was told they did not know the lights were intermittently going off/on. so i said you guys are selling cars that are not thoroughly checked prior to selling. manager told me they just didn't know. but at the same time is unwilling to take care of repairs. i informed these people of this problem the very next day i bought the car. is this considered a lemon or what? *nm

The abs light along with the red brake light come on frequently. this has been happening for about three years. for the past year and a half these lights along with the battery light come on and the van surges, lurches and dies. this happens at any time, at lights especially but even when driving. sometimes all types of lights on the console begin to flicker and i hear a ticking/clicking noise as it occurs. i have started my engine and seen the odometer run what appears to be some sort of diagnostic test. if i push the trip reset when this is happening it cycles through several words and codes and the gauges (fuel, speedometer and temperature) move all the way to the right then fall back to zero and the ignition clicks rapidly. just today when i went out first thing in the morning to start my van, my electronics door opener would not work. i had to use the key, and when i opened the door the flashing/ clicking was underway. i have had my brakes replaced only to have the light issue resume before i left the mechanic. i have had the van hooked up to diagnostic computers twice which could not diagnose the problem. i am very frustrated. i haven't even paid this vehicle off yet and with these issues i won't be able to sell it in good conscience. as an american company, i expect ford to take responsibility for it's products and the american government to protect american consumers. *tr

Transmission light in dash has been on for years now. local dealers tell me there is nothing wrong. they take my money and don't fix the problem. abs light is on. parts were bought and replaced by the dealer with in a year light back on. cruise control cut out replaced twice. dealer cant figure these problems out but if enough of your own research is done there are ways to figure out what is going on. even if the dealer can't front frame mounts are rusting so bad you can pull it apart with your hands certified safe from dealer. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford windstar. while driving approximately 25 mph, the abs and the brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the warning light indicators remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. a diagnostic was performed by an authorized dealer and they stated that the computerized system was losing power, which could possibly be the cause of the failure. on five separate occasions, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for identical failures. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 65,000 and current mileage was 94,470.

The light for the abs and the brakes are staying lit. the odometer and speedometer are inop and the overdrive light comes on and off. *tr

Total electrical break down come to a complete stop when this occurs and won't stay on( engine) been in the shop for a month and they cannot find the cause

Door locks are activated and continuously active themselves, locks open and close and chimes for door ajar appears on instrumentation panel. lights on the mirrors luminate due to car reconginizing symtom of open door, draining battery. this problem first occurred while on an 8 hour drive home from canada, was brought to ford, they changed the front passengener sensor claiming car was fixed after 2 days in the shop. 5 days later while enroute to nc, the same problem arose, locks opening and shuttiing and car chimming constantly. car was flatbedded to a ford dealership in north carolina. car was supposedly fixed, again, after 3 days in the shop. ten miles bbefore reaching my destination 65 miles away from dealership , same problem occurred again, after the rear sliding door sensor was replaced at this ford. after numerous attempts at fixing, ford motor corporation, has been unsuccessful in solving this problem. now security alarm, is activated due to door locks opening and closing.

Cruise control can accidentally be engaged and there is nothing on the instrument panel to alert you that it is on. on 3 seperate occassions i took my windstar for service. i went to, 2 different dealerships neither one could find the idiot light telling you that the cruise control was on. finally the second dealership said in the book that comes with the windstar " there maybe a light or wording telling you that the cruise cortol is on." the keyword is maybe. i've had 2 near accidents because of this problem.*ak

My vehicle has had the brake light, the check engine light, the abs light on at all times and the over drive light is blinking and now the odometer is blank. we have taken the van into the ford dealership and they have no idea what to do. the brakes squeal and the battery dies often. *tr

While driving 55 mph at night, the headlights and tail lights failed without warning. this caused poor visibility to the driver. however, the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the consumer that the brake lines needed to be replaced. however, the problem still continued at this time. please provide further details. *jb

Abs light has been on for several years, but mechanics can find no problem with brake system. as of last week, odometer displayed dashes, speedometer is not operating, and there is little to no stopping capability in the brakes. no brake fluid, apparently. *tr

Intermittent electrical problems with our 2002 ford windstar. we have owned the vehicle 17 months, several months of which it has been in the repair shop. the driver's side mirror has been replaced twice and the driver's side sliding door has been 're-aligned' on numerous occasions. the rear window on the driver's side fails to work on an intermittent basis. power door lock on the driver's side rear sliding door fails to work regularly. this is a serious safety concern! in the event that i need to get to my kids quickly, and the door did not unlock, there could be serious implications. this problem has been reported to the dealership, in writing, in march 2003 and august 2003. currently, the dealership showed no urgency in working with us to get us out of the vehicle that is considered to be a safety concern. i am in the process of filing a claim with ford to try to get resolution. electrical problems can be near impossible to trace, and can often times lead to fires, or worse, fatalities.*ak

Vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. the fire started from under the dashboard. fire department indicated that the fire was caused by the electrical system. *ak