Ford Windstar-van 1998

• Recall 112057 [USA]: If the brackets were not installed properly, the rear axle may fracture, affecting the vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
  Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured september 2, 1997, to july 3, 2003. The affected vehicles were previously remedied to safeguard against the rear axle cracking from corrosion, however, the remedy brackets may have been misinstalled. The incorrect bracket installations may limit the effectiveness of the service repair for nhtsa recalls 10v-385, 12v-193, and 12v-195.
  ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brackets to verify their proper installation. If a bracket is found to have been misinstalled, the rear axle will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The began on october 21, 2015. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15s27.
  owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Safercar.Gov.

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• Recall 91846 [USA]: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
  Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, and currently registered or originally sold in virginia. Over time, corrosion can weaken the rear axle making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can increase and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
  ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install rear axle reinforcement brackets, or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
  ford's recall campaign number is 10s13.Customers may 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 95713 [USA]: A fractured axle may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
  Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997, through july 3, 2003, registered in puerto rico. Due to increased stresses caused by high cycles of torsional loading, specific to this market, the rear axle can crack.
  ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle or replace the axles, as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge. The recall began on june 1, 2012. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
  ford's safety recall campaign number is 12s30.Customers may 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 84009 [USA]: A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
  Ford is recalling certain model year 1998-2003 windstar vehicles manufactured from september 1, 1997 through february 28, 2003 and currently registered or originally sold in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which if undetected can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle.
  as parts become available, dealers will inspect and if necessary install the rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 20, 2010. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
  ford's recall no. Is 10s13.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 67357 [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 5434 [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 7865 [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 9912 [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 8564 [USA]: If the console does fall down, it could distract the driver or possibly strike a front seat occupant.
  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: minivans. The overhead console rear retaining bracket can develop cracks and separate, allowing the overhead console to become loose and possibly fall down.
  dealers will install a redesigned retaining bracket in the same location as the original retaining bracket.
  ford has decided to conduct a service program to replace the overhead console retaining bracket.Owners can contact ford at 1-800-392-3673, concerning this program.

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• Recall 13357 [USA]: When the bolts are loose, a noticeable noise and/or vibration is evident which provides warning to the vehicle driver. vehicle braking is not degraded.
  This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Mini vans sold during the months of december 1996, and january, february and may 1997. Front brake caliper anchor plate to hub and spindle assembly bolts may be loose as a result of an incomplete tightening operation at the assembly plant.
  dealers will tighten the front brake calpier anchor plate bolts. Owners can contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
  ford has decided to conduct an owner notification program that provides for the tightening of the bolts on the front brake caliper anchor plate to hub and spindle assembly.

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• Recall 13498 [USA]: This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.
  Vehicle description: passenger vehicles and mini-vans. The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.
  dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear, and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range. The date codes for windstar model vehicles are 97jb09 or 97jc08; the date codes for mustang model vehicles are 97j09b or 97j08b.
  owner notification began september 23, 1997.Dealers were advised to stop sale of these vehicles until inspections could be performed and were to directly contact owners of any vehicles that have been delivered. 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 12580 [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 16371 [USA]: As a result of the headrest being in the "up" position, a child seated in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area in the event of a crash.
  Vehicle description: minivan equipped with second row bench seats with optional integrated child seat (ics). The headrest lockout mechanism on the seats may not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended, when the ics is deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position.
  the second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.
  owner notification:all owners have been notified and the seats have been replaced in the affected vehicles.

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• Recall 2015437 [Canada]: Structure
  On certain vehicles that had rear axle reinforcement brackets installed as part of safety recall 2010-284, the brackets may not have been installed properly, which could limit the effectiveness of the recall service repair in addressing the safety defect. Safety recall 2010-284 was conducted to address the risk that the combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to a complete fracture of the axle. If the rear axle fractures, and the reinforcement brackets were not installed properly, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: dealers will inspect the rear axle reinforcement brackets that were installed as part of recall 2010-284. If one or both brackets are found improperly installed, the dealer will replace the rear axle.

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• Recall 2010284 [Canada]: Suspension
  On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (ontario, quebec, new brunswick, nova scotia, prince edward island and newfoundland-labrador), the rear axle may corrode and fracture. If the rear axle fractures, vehicle handling may be adversely affected, creating the risk of a crash. Correction: dealers will install rear axle reinforcement brackets.

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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 1997118 [Canada]: Seats and restraints
  Note: vehicles equipped with second row bench seats and integrated child seat (ics). All vehicles in this recall have been corrected. The headrest lockout mechanism may not engage and lock the headrests in the "down" position, as intended when the ics is deployed. Consequently, a vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the "up" position, and as a result a child in the ics would receive less than the intended protection in the child head area. Correction: second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with revised headrest lockout mechanisms.

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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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• Recall 1997165 [Canada]: Steering
  On certain vehicles, the rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings. This condition could increase steering efforts, potentially affecting steering control. Correction: dealers will replace the steering rack assembly.

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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.

• Rear axle cracking investigation # PE10016

  There is no summary currently available
  

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• Engine compartment fires investigation # EA08021

  Ea08-021 is closed with fords actions in recall 09v-399 recalling approximately 4.5 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).With this recall ford has now recalled all of the approximate 16 million ford model vehicles that were manufactured from my 1992 through 2003 with a texas instruments scds.Nhtsa will continue to monitor the recalled vehicles to ensure remedies installed by ford tomitigate the potential for scds related fires are effective.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.See attached closing report for further details.
  

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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

  Alleged that a front suspension coil spring breaks, resulting in a collapsed suspension.
  

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• Overhead console loose or hangs down investigation # SQ99001

  This investigation is opened to ascertain facts concerning the problem experience, scope, and rational for issuing a technical service bulletin to correct the problem.Historically, previous safety recalls involving similar type of failure have been filed with the agency.
  

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• Missing/loose front brake investigation # EA98008

  Alleged one or both of the two bolts that hold the front brake caliper anchor plate to the wheel spindle can loosen and fall out.If the upper of these two bolts falls out, the caliper can pivot outward and cantact the inside of the wheel rim resulting in wheel lockup.
  

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• Missing/loose front brake caliper anchor investigation # PE97048

  Alleged that the lower of the two bolts attaching the caliper anchor bracket to the front wheel hub and spindle assembly (caliper mounting bolts) on the driver side fell off while he was driving and that the upper bolt subsequently became loose.
  

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Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact heard a hissing sound coming from the vehicle, but could not identify where the sound originated. The contact also began to smell a burning rubber odor. The contact pulled into a nearby driveway and placed the vehicle in park. The contact was unable to identify any failures with the vehicle. The contact called a certified mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failures were similar to nhtsa campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Subframe rusted on left front passenger side. 1998 ford windstar. I had a popping noise when i made a left turn and loud crunching noise and steering wheel pulled to left. I had taken it to a auto shop and they replaced struts.Sway bars and brakes . No one told me about the rust issue with the sub frame. I drove it home from shop. Same problem. Returned the vehicle to same repair shop and the had a welder attach steel bracket to hold up sub frame. 2 days later worse. I had a second mechanic look at it and he told me the first repair should not have asked me to repair anything on the van. Sub frame is failed at 128,436 miles. I notified ford motor co . Of the failure, was givin a case number. Engine will fall out of bottom with corrosion of sub frame. Vehicle is not safe to drive

My rear axle broke and then my door ajar constantly goes off even when doors are closed. The axle broke rear drivers side leaving me stranded. I was driving in town 20 mph.

My front cradle at steering area has completely rusted into from ac leak and road salt van was sold in vermont now is located in virginia unsafe almost undrivable to ford dealer for a rear axle recall for axle braces please investigate this

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford windstar. While driving, the steering wheel shook and the vehicle pulled to the left and right. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front driver side subframe was rusted due to corrosion and the subframe needed to be replaced. The contact called john kennedy ford- pottstown at (800) 790-8132 (located at 3189 w ridge pike, pottstown, pa 19464) where the dealer referenced nhtsa campaign number: 10v385000 (suspension), but not for the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100,197.

Regarding ford motor company safety recall notice 15s27: ford motor company is refusing to repair my rear axle which fractured due to a poorly designed axle that has been the subject of numerous recalls, including the installation of axle reinforcement brackets (which had been done and later inspected at phil's ford in port jervis, ny - winter of 2015). I was told the bracket reinforcement repair had been properly installed, however the axle still broke on 8/17/17 while i was driving at 65 mph on the interstate - an incredibly dangerous situation! The break occurred at and within the reinforcement bracket. Eventually, someone will be hurt or killed because of ford's neglect to fix this problem. The more i see of ford's resistance to take care of this safety issue the greater my concern is for other drivers (of a van designed for families with children) who are unaware of the danger they are in due to the company's neglect. They are telling people that their windstar vans are safe to drive after the bracket reinforcement repair. They are not safe to drive. My local ford dealership (healey brothers ford in goshen, ny) is refusing to honor the earlier recall, ford motor company customer relations is refusing to honor the earlier recall claiming that the offer to repair my vehicle has expired.

My mini van lights would flicker while i'm driving and even after replacing the starter in the car, it still turns off while i'm driving. There's rust coming from under the car, i smell a burnt smell when i'm driving. I'm having electrical issues, my car stops when it wants to in the middle of the highway, .. It makes noises when i'm turning, i have rust coming from under my car. The signal lights flicker. While driving the windshield washer, seat belt, and door ajar warning lights flash on and off. While this is happening the wiper blades stop working, front brake rotors is causing steering wheel to shimmy when the brakes are applied. Now when i turn my wheel to the left, it makes this loud nose. What is that?!

My mini van lights would flicker while i'm driving and even after replacing the starter in the car, it still turns off while i'm driving. There's rust coming from under the car, i smell a burnt smell when i'm driving. I don't know how my vin number wasn't part of the recall, so many things is wrong with the van, one thing after another.. Please help me

I needed the starter replaced, my brakes, i'm having electrical issues, my car stops when it wants to in the middle of the highway,.. It makes noises when i'm turning, i have rust coming from under my car. The signal lights flickers

Common OBD-II Error Codes

• P0442 [5] Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
• P0455 [5] 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)
• P0500 [1] Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Malfunction
• P1502 [1] RCNT Solenoid Circuit Malfunction
• U1039 [1] SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Primary Id / Vehicle Speed
• P0300 [2] Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
• P0306 [2] Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
• P0446 [1] Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction
• P1450 [1] Purge Flow Sensor Circuit High Input
• 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