Ford Windstar Fwd Wagon 1997

• Recall 67330 [USA]: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
  Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
  ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
  ford's recall campaign number is 09s09.Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov .

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• Recall 5431 [USA]: Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring.
  This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1995-1998 ford windstar minivans. The front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. Note: the 1997-1998 windstar mini vans are also covered by nhtsa safety recall 01v-199/ford recall 01s19. The mini vans covered by the safety recall were originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia.
  ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.
  ford has decided to conduct a service campaign to extend the warranty coverage for the front coil springs. Owners can contact ford at1-866-436-7332, concerning this program.

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• Recall 7860 [USA]: The light given off from the daytime running lights is brighter than allowed by u.s. standards.
  Vehicle description: mini vans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Off lease canadian vehicles equipped with daytime running lights which meet canadian requirements and not the photometric requirements of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." according to ford, the vehicles were imported into the u.S. Erroneously.
  dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles.
  owner notification began july 19, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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• Recall 9910 [USA]: Owner notification began june 16, 1999.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date a
  Vehicle description: minivans. The brake fluid master cylinder is recessed and oriented in the engine compartment so that the brake fluid warning statement embossed on both the top of the filler cap and the side of the reservoir body are not entirely visible by direct view. These vehicles may not fully comply with requirements of fmvss no. 135, "passenger car brake systems."
  owners will be provided with new labels and installation instructions.
  owner notification began june 16, 1999.Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

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• Recall 12579 [USA]: The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with ax4s automatic transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
  dealers will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
  owner notification:owner notification began june 30, 1997.Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

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• Recall 2009292 [Canada]: Other
  On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: this is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05s28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

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• Recall 2001120 [Canada]: Suspension
  On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs could fracture when operated in high corrosion areas (where salt is used on the roadways in the winter) for an extended period of time. Depending on the location of the fracture, there is a potential for a fractured spring to move past the spring seat and contact a front tire causing it to deflate. Correction: dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs.

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• Recall 1999126 [Canada]: Brakes
  Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of cmvss 105 - hydraulic brake systems. The brake fluid warning statement embossed on the side of the brake fluid reservoir is not clearly visible by direct view. Correction: warning labels, along with installation instructions and wipe materials will be sent to owners. Labels will be installed on the front of the reservoir where they will be entirely visible by direct view.

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• Recall 1998157 [Canada]: Brakes
  These vehicles may have had incorrect service replacement brake rotors installed which will cause an improper wheel to hub abutment condition to occur. With an incorrect rotor installed, the driver may experience wheel shudder on braking or shimmy at highway speeds. If the vehicle is not serviced this condition could eventually cause the wheel studs to break. Correction: front rotors and brake pads will be replaced on affected vehicles.

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• Recall 1997124 [Canada]: Powertrain
  Note: vehicles equipped with the ax4s automatic transaxle. These transaxles are equipped with low/intermediate servo covers that can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, the transmission fluid will be expelled and can contact the catalytic converter. This can result in a vehicle fire. Correction: servo cover will be replaced on affected vehicles.

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To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Engine compartment fires investigation # EA08021

  There is no summary currently available
  

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• Wheel stud fracture investigation # EA03004

  The subject vehicles range in age from 4?7 years in service, with average mileages estimated to range from 50 to 100 thousand miles.At these mileages, the subject wheels are likely to have been removed and reinstalled multiple times for various service procedures.Odi is concerned about the high wheel separation rates in the my 1997-98 windstar vehicles equipped with aluminum alloy wheels.However, analysis of failure data indicates that most of the incidents in that population of vehicles occur after the vehicles had accumulated 30 thousand miles of service. The factors that increase the risk that inadequate clamp loads may be achieved during service-related wheel installation are not unique to the subject vehicles.Testing conducted by ford and vrtc indicate that the my 1998 windstar aluminum wheel fastening system performs similar to the wheel fastening systems on peer minivans.No design or manufacturing defects were identified in the wheel fastening systems of the subject vehicles. Ford will send a mailing to owners of windstar vehicles with aluminum wheels that have high wheel separation rates that reviews the appropriate wheel fastening procedures and states that the wheel nuts should be tightened to the nominal torque, 100 ft-lbs (136 nm), and re-tightened to the same torque after 500 miles.Ford?S letter also states that it is ?A good practice to be sure that before installing the wheel the aluminum wheel mounting surface, wheel lug nut area, and the mounting flange are free from dirt, debris, and loose rust to ensure the wheel is seated correctly and the wheel lug nuts remain fully tightened.? Odi will continue to monitor the incidence of wheel fastener failures in the subject vehicle population.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. For additional information, see the attached closing report.
  

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• Suspension coil spring breakage investigation # EA00027

  There is no summary currently available
  

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• Fuel tank cracks investigation # EA99020

  There is no summary currently available
  

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Tl* the contact owns 1997 ford windstar. The contact stated while traveling 65 mph the rear axle beam became fractured. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. A private mechanic stated that the rear axle beam needed to be replaced. There were no repairs made on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 140,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the track bar detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle began to wobble excessively. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 09/21/12*lj the vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic at the owner's expense. The dealer was made aware of failures. Updated 09/26/2012 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford windstar. The contact stated that after having the vehicle inspected, he was notified that the vehicle failed to pass the state inspection due to the sub frame being completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

I purchased a 1997 ford windstar and from what i understand is that there was a recall on the coil springs/suspension. (recall#01i00700) < i believe this is the recall #. Long story short my front tires are flat doue to the coil springs. None of the dealers i took it to are willing to fix this. They say it is not covered under any recall... Please help me better understand why ford wont fix this defect. *tr

I turned the air conditioning on in the van and after about 10 minutes, turned it to the 'max ac' position. The hood started steaming so i turned the air completely off. After less than a minute, i noticed the hood was smoking so i pulled to the side of the road immediately. I turned the car off and exited the van and saw that the passenger side of the hood was on fire. I ran to the passenger side and opened the sliding door, and got my 18 month old and 4 year old out of the vehicle. After we were all a safe distance away i saw that most of the hood of the van was in flames. By the time the fire department arrived about 5 minutes later, the entire hood was on fire with a lot of black smoke. The entire engine compartment looks charred and partially melted. The vehicle is beyond repair. I'm thankful my children are safe but i am very concerned about the safety (failure) of this vehicle. *tr

I had my 97 windstar fan fixed due to recall # 09s09:speed control system modification. Ever since then the abs and parking lights have been coming on. We have had the codes reset, but they keep appearing. I have also called the ford dealer where the repair was done, but they say it is not covered in the recall to check the scds, or that if it wasn't leaking then, they did not have to replace that part. I am very frustrated. *tr

My windstar gl wouldn't start. I replaced the range selector switch. When i restarted the vehicle i forgot the reconnect the brake pressure sensor wiring connector and the abs light came on. I tried to get the code cleared but no-one could access the code. I took the van to the dealer for a recall notice on the speed control system and had them look into why the abs light was on. I was told the abs module had quit and needed replaced. The module is $1500.00 and $300.00 to install. That's more than the van is worth. I searched online and found out many other windstar owners are having the same problems. The cruise control system has also quit and the dealer rep. Tells me that the cruise control also goes through this module. With the possibility of fire it seems rather irresponsible for ford to do nothing more than install a fusible link as a safety measure. I am looking into buying a used module to repair the cruise and abs. The failure is total. Neither the cruise control or the abs system works at this time. *tr

Abs and brake light on same time. Notice brake fluid leak. Refill brake fluid often. Speedometer needle sways erratically for about 2 years. Cruise control inoperable for 2 years. *tr

Noticed that i was leaking some brake fluid for the last couple of months on my 1997 ford windstar but very little at that. About the same time the cruise control quit working. One day while driving i noticed a lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Raised the hood but the smoke had quit. Got back home and noticed this again when i was stopped in the driveway. Checked under the hood again and found that the cruise control deactivation switch was smoking and very hot. Went to the ford dealer to check if there was a recall on this and there was not . Installed the replacement part with plug adaptor and this fixed the problem with smoking and the cruise started working again. Noticed on the net this same part that is in my windstar is also in other vehicles that has been recalled. Why is this? This could have easily caught fire and been a total loss to the van and if it had been parked in the garage the house also. *tr

Common OBD-II Error Codes

• P0442 [2] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
• P0455 [2] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
• P0456 [2] Evaporative Emissions System Small Leak Detected
• P0457 [2] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected
• P1442 [2] A/C Evaporator Air Temperature Circuit Range/Performance
• P0741 [2] Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off
• P1744 [2] Slip Solenoid System
• P0340 [1] Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1)
• P1309 [1] EGR Calibration High
• P1336 [1] Misfire Rate Catalyst Damage Fault - Bank 1
• P0171 [1] System too Lean (Bank 1)
• P0174 [1] System too Lean (Bank 2)
• P0300 [2] Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
• P0306 [2] Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
• U1009 [2] SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Engine Torque
• U1027 [2] SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Engine RPM
• P1784 [1] TCIL Circuit Malfunction
• P1131 [1] Throttle Position (Narrow Range) Sensor Circuit Malfunction
• P1132 [1] Exhaust Not Warm
• P1151 [1] Fuel Restriction Indicator Circuit Malfunction
• P1152 [1] Fuel Restriction Condition