Common Faults In A Ford Windstar: Problems And Solutions!

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The Ford Windstar is a minivan car from the Ford company, it was the vehicle that replaced the Ford Aerostar. This car, like others, can have problems and breakdowns from time to time. Stay until the end and learn all about the common failures in a Ford Windstar.

Common faults in a Ford Windstar

Ford Windstar was equipped with a semi-independent rear suspension with pneumatic elements of variable stiffness. Since the 2003 model year, all Windstar modifications have been completed with body-color bumpers and aerodynamic exterior mirrors.

It’s a great family car, but it has its common problems:

1- Spark plug problems

If you have one of these minivans, you may have already noticed that several of the spark plugs are not easy to replace. When the spark plugs fail, they need to be replaced. The front plugs are very simple to locate and work with, although the rear plugs are sometimes known as hidden plugs. Learn: How to change bad spark plugs on a Ford Windstar.

2- Radiator faults

Common faults on a Ford Windstar related to the radiator can be avoided. It is essential that you know that cleaning your car’s radiator is decisive for its useful life. To avoid problems with your Windstar’s radiator, it’s a good idea to clean it at least every two years. You can read more at: How to clean and thumb the radiator of a Windstar.

Age causes radiators to rust from the inside thanks to coolant that is acidic and corrosive that has been lodged in the cooling system for a long time. Common failures on a Ford Windstar from a rusty radiator can be frequent and can end in a leak.

Sometimes leaking radiators can be fixed, although if the radiator is damaged then you will need to replace it. You can read: Steps to replace the Windstar radiator.

Breakdowns In A Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar Limited 2002

3- Problems in the brakes

Sometimes the surface of the brake pads wears out, it could get to the point where they no longer work as they should. To perform an ideal braking it is necessary to have the brakes in optimal conditions. Read more: How to replace the brakes on a Ford Windstar.

4- Problems in the water pump

If the water pump in your Windstar car fails, the engine will no longer be able to cool down. This is because the engine will not receive the coolant that the radiator deserves. In the event that there are faults in the water pump of your Ford Windstar and there is no remedy, then you should read: Steps to replace the water pump on a Windstar V6.

5- Fuel pump faults

The fuel pump of a Windstar is the device that is responsible for supplying the pressure that the fuel system deserves for its complete work. If the fuel pump fails and becomes damaged, you will not be able to start the engine and you will have to replace the pump. You can read more at: Steps to replace the fuel pump on a Ford Windstar.

Disadvantages in a Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar 2001-2003

6- Problems in the alternator

When there are problems with the alternator it may not move or generate enough force to keep the battery charged. In the event that the alternator is damaged and does not generate enough electrical energy for the different components of the Windstar, it is necessary to make a change. Learn here: How to replace the alternator on a Ford Windstar.

7- Problems with the battery

Common faults in a Ford Windstar related to the battery are usually regular if the battery is not properly maintained. When the battery stops working then it may need to be changed. Read more: How to replace the battery in a Windstar.

8- Problems in the O2 sensor of a Ford Windstar

The oxygen sensor is responsible for regulating the exhaust gas emissions released by the engine and these gases retain many toxic particles. Over time, there will be O2 sensor failure just because its lifespan will come to the end. For this you must be prepared. Read more here: How to replace the O2 sensor on a Ford Windstar.

9- Failures due to a bad thermostat

Problems related to engine overheating may be due to a faulty thermostat and not the radiator. A damaged thermostat is usually stuck in a closed position, it is best to replace it. You can click here to know more: How to replace the thermostat in a Windstar.

Other Common Windstar Problems

Common Problems in a Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar LX 2003

Common faults on a Ford Windstar can cause headaches in some cases. Look at these other faults that this car could present.

  • The Check Engine Light may illuminate due to a vacuum leak from the intake manifold: Check Engine Light may illuminate with fault code P0171 me P0174 stored in the computer, indicating a lean fuel mixture. The left valve cover gasket, upper intake gaskets, vacuum line, and bolts may need to be replaced with upgraded parts to correct this issue.
  • Knocking noise due to broken intake cover: A knocking noise in the upper engine area on a Ford Windstar may indicate a loose intake duct. And if this is the case, the upper intake cover will need to be replaced.
  • Engine oil pan gasket may be leaking: The engine oil pan gasket may leak. Leaking oil can collect in the exhaust system and produce a burning smell. Changing the gasket should correct this leak.
  • Warped front brake rotors can cause the steering wheel to sway: Warped brake rotors on a Ford Windstar can cause the steering wheel to move when the brakes are applied. Brake rotors and pads must be replaced to correct this problem.
  • White smoke / CEL due to blown head gasket: White smoke coming from the exhaust and an illuminated Check Engine Light could indicate a blown head gasket.
Common Faults in a Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar color Rojo

The Ford Windstar is a minivan car from the Ford company, it was the vehicle that replaced the Ford Aerostar. This car, like others, can have problems and breakdowns from time to time. Stay until the end and learn all about the common failures in a Ford Windstar.

Common faults in a Ford Windstar

Ford Windstar was equipped with a semi-independent rear suspension with pneumatic elements of variable stiffness. Since the 2003 model year, all Windstar modifications have been completed with body-color bumpers and aerodynamic exterior mirrors.

It’s a great family car, but it has its common problems:

1- Spark plug problems

If you have one of these minivans, you may have already noticed that several of the spark plugs are not easy to replace. When the spark plugs fail, they need to be replaced. The front plugs are very simple to locate and work with, although the rear plugs are sometimes known as hidden plugs. Learn: How to change bad spark plugs on a Ford Windstar.

2- Radiator faults

Common faults on a Ford Windstar related to the radiator can be avoided. It is essential that you know that cleaning your car’s radiator is decisive for its useful life. To avoid problems with your Windstar’s radiator, it’s a good idea to clean it at least every two years. You can read more at: How to clean and thumb the radiator of a Windstar.

Age causes radiators to rust from the inside thanks to coolant that is acidic and corrosive that has been lodged in the cooling system for a long time. Common failures on a Ford Windstar from a rusty radiator can be frequent and can end in a leak.

Sometimes leaking radiators can be fixed, although if the radiator is damaged then you will need to replace it. You can read: Steps to replace the Windstar radiator.

Breakdowns In A Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar Limited 2002

3- Problems in the brakes

Sometimes the surface of the brake pads wears out, it could get to the point where they no longer work as they should. To perform an ideal braking it is necessary to have the brakes in optimal conditions. Read more: How to replace the brakes on a Ford Windstar.

4- Problems in the water pump

If the water pump in your Windstar car fails, the engine will no longer be able to cool down. This is because the engine will not receive the coolant that the radiator deserves. In the event that there are faults in the water pump of your Ford Windstar and there is no remedy, then you should read: Steps to replace the water pump on a Windstar V6.

5- Fuel pump faults

The fuel pump of a Windstar is the device that is responsible for supplying the pressure that the fuel system deserves for its complete work. If the fuel pump fails and becomes damaged, you will not be able to start the engine and you will have to replace the pump. You can read more at: Steps to replace the fuel pump on a Ford Windstar.

Disadvantages in a Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar 2001-2003

6- Problems in the alternator

When there are problems with the alternator it may not move or generate enough force to keep the battery charged. In the event that the alternator is damaged and does not generate enough electrical energy for the different components of the Windstar, it is necessary to make a change. Learn here: How to replace the alternator on a Ford Windstar.

7- Problems with the battery

Common faults in a Ford Windstar related to the battery are usually regular if the battery is not properly maintained. When the battery stops working then it may need to be changed. Read more: How to replace the battery in a Windstar.

8- Problems in the O2 sensor of a Ford Windstar

The oxygen sensor is responsible for regulating the exhaust gas emissions released by the engine and these gases retain many toxic particles. Over time, there will be O2 sensor failure just because its lifespan will come to the end. For this you must be prepared. Read more here: How to replace the O2 sensor on a Ford Windstar.

9- Failures due to a bad thermostat

Problems related to engine overheating may be due to a faulty thermostat and not the radiator. A damaged thermostat is usually stuck in a closed position, it is best to replace it. You can click here to know more: How to replace the thermostat in a Windstar.

Other Common Windstar Problems

Common Problems in a Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar LX 2003

Common faults on a Ford Windstar can cause headaches in some cases. Look at these other faults that this car could present.

  • The Check Engine Light may illuminate due to a vacuum leak from the intake manifold: Check Engine Light may illuminate with fault code P0171 me P0174 stored in the computer, indicating a lean fuel mixture. The left valve cover gasket, upper intake gaskets, vacuum line, and bolts may need to be replaced with upgraded parts to correct this issue.
  • Knocking noise due to broken intake cover: A knocking noise in the upper engine area on a Ford Windstar may indicate a loose intake duct. And if this is the case, the upper intake cover will need to be replaced.
  • Engine oil pan gasket may be leaking: The engine oil pan gasket may leak. Leaking oil can collect in the exhaust system and produce a burning smell. Changing the gasket should correct this leak.
  • Warped front brake rotors can cause the steering wheel to sway: Warped brake rotors on a Ford Windstar can cause the steering wheel to move when the brakes are applied. Brake rotors and pads must be replaced to correct this problem.
  • White smoke / CEL due to blown head gasket: White smoke coming from the exhaust and an illuminated Check Engine Light could indicate a blown head gasket.
Common Faults in a Ford Windstar
Ford Windstar color Rojo

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