I wanna buy a WS,BUT....

I am in the market for a WS, probably a 2000 or 2001 sel, limited, or sport.
I would like to get input from some (from what I have read!) very "seasoned" pro's on major problems to look for, and minor irratating ones as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
TIA

Rob

Being the oldest poster...I'll be first in line for this one. I would buy the 2001 if possible. It took six years, ...but I believe by 2001 most of the functional drivetrain bugs were eliminated.

Here is a list of little Fordism's that run me a bit crazy ... "ism's" that Ford designers are perfectly happy with ....and will probably never change:

1. The ac is automatically turned on whenever "defrost" is selected. Ford knows that we are not smart enough to turn on the ac when needed and appropriate...so we get ac even if it sometimes means condensation on the outside of the windschield.

2. Illuminated instrument panel message text is automatically turned lower in light intensity if the headlights are turned on. Once again, Ford is looking out for its stupid customers...who shouldn't be out driving with the headlights on in the daytime! We should be grateful. ....And there should be no state laws dictating that we turn our head lights on if it rains.

3. Radio speakers on sliding side doors. This makes the back seats a good place to put the in-laws. They will not be back for a another visit if they think they are in for another "intermittent concert" back there.

4. Each engineer/designer is required to develop his own unique fastener. Each screw, bolt or plastic clip is to be different from all others on the vehicle. He gets a pay bonus if he uses a screw or bolt for which there is no wrench!

5. Similarly to #4.... each electrical connector is to be unique, and complicated, so that the customer/mechanic can feel a true sense of profound and exhilarating achievement when he finally manages to get one to un-snap! No need to buy brain challenging parlor games if you can work on a Ford!

I have others, but these are my favourites.

LOL.......................I love #4

My '01 has been pretty much trouble free so far. Only had one DPFE sensor replaced (dealer did that one for free out of warranty). My '96 wasn't too bad either except the engine blew up at 72,000 miles exactly 75 miles after the dealer 'fixed' a headgasket problem. Good thing I had a Ford ESP on that one (over $5500 in repairs). I think the Windstar/ Freestar's are the largest minivans you can get.

Definitely go for the 2001 over the 2000, the 2001 model year switched from the AX4S to AX4N tranny which has reduced failures so far. Also I think both the SEL and Limited models came with the extra tranny cooler which should have kept the ATF cooler for the original owner. Plus they have the message center that helps with electrical issues such as the interior light being on or brake light being it, it tells you exactly which bulb is out or which door is open.

But with the higher end models remember you have more electrical add-ons that can be a problem. I've got the power sliding doors and have had to work on one of them already to get it to close properly.

Do some searches on the power steering fluid flush and greasing steering components with a grease needle. Look at the recent post on the P0171/P0174 problems and if possible when looking at a Windstar check out the air intake for pooled oil. If looking at a 2000 see if the front valve cover is black or silver, black is the old design that allows more oil in the intake, silver is the redesigned cover.

12Ounce brings up some great points- :lol2: LOL!!! It seems all the family vehicles I've worked on as of late suffer the same 'ailments', import or domestic!! Our 2001 LX has been perfect so far. Had it about a year now. The power steering fluid & ATF was dark & nasty when I bought it, so be sure to address those fluids & the engine coolant as well. Like LewisNC100 says, try to stick with a more 'basic' van as these will have less to go wrong as they age. I would personally try to avoid rear HVAC if your climate allows for it. You will find that all the domestic minivans suffer the same issues: transaxle, engine seals/gaskets, electrical gremlins, etc... Most can be avoided or delayed with proper maintenance. You will get the most van for the $ with a windstar.
G/luck
Joel

Do some searches on the power steering fluid flush and greasing steering components with a grease needle. Look at the recent post on the P0171/P0174 problems and if possible when looking at a Windstar check out the air intake for pooled oil. If looking at a 2000 see if the front valve cover is black or silver, black is the old design that allows more oil in the intake, silver is the redesigned cover.

My '01 has black covers :confused: , and was built in Canada. The pooling of oil in the air intake is a new one for me, and I read a few other Windstar boards.

My '01 has black covers :confused: , and was built in Canada. The pooling of oil in the air intake is a new one for me, and I read a few other Windstar boards.

Mine too. I wouldn't worry too much about it. From what I've read, there's oil carry-over with the new & improved 'silver' valve cover as well. Oh, and ALL windstars (and the new freestar) are built in Oakville, Ontario Canada.
G/luck
Joel

My '01 has black covers :confused: , and was built in Canada. The pooling of oil in the air intake is a new one for me, and I read a few other Windstar boards.

The 2001 and newer Windstars came with the redesigned valve covers standard. I think the replacements for the 99-2000 were silver to make it obvious if it had been swapped out or not. The pooling of oil shouldn't be new one since it is the cause of the P0171/P0174 issues that is common. There will most likely be some evidence of the oil in the intake, how much might be indicative of how bad it is on that particular Windstar.

The 2001 and newer Windstars came with the redesigned valve covers standard. I think the replacements for the 99-2000 were silver to make it obvious if it had been swapped out or not. The pooling of oil shouldn't be new one since it is the cause of the P0171/P0174 issues that is common. There will most likely be some evidence of the oil in the intake, how much might be indicative of how bad it is on that particular Windstar.


You guys with 2001 and newer WS can thank us poor guinea pigs that have suffered through one problem after another with our older WS's. LOL.

My list at 79,000 miles
- new power door motor
- new transmission
- new tie rod ends
- new blend door actuator
- the infamous TSB 03-16-1
- bizarre electrical behavior
- CEL 2x before TSB 03-16-1
- 2 recalls for various
- the latest is broken lifter guide allowing roller lift to beat up cam (very expensive repair)
- constant pinging
- poor gas mileage
- driver's seat fabric worn out

I could go on..... Like I said before, they do not call me Windywoes for nothing. I am thankful I do have a vehicle as it usually beat walking.

Oh, and ALL windstars (and the new freestar) are built in Oakville, Ontario Canada.
G/luck
Joel

True all Winstars and Freestars came/come from the Oakville plant. I drive by the plant everyday and the amount of parked Freestars is amazing. Apparently there have been a lot of layoffs at this facility due to very poor sales of the Freestar. Somehow I think they took a sleek looking mini-van (Windstar) and made it look like an SUV/Van hybrid Freestar). I have spoken to people who have company Freestars (previously company Windstars) and they claim there is no comparison. The Freestar is superior (in their opinions)

That's encouraging.

That's encouraging.

I am amazed at how many Freestars I see here in New England. Are they giving them away? I agree that the front end is ugly at best. I sincerely hope that Freestar owners do not have to go through what I have gone through on my "Costlystar". This is most likely my last Ford product. Like many others I will probably go to the Japense makes for better reliability and resale value.

True all Winstars and Freestars came/come from the Oakville plant. I drive by the plant everyday and the amount of parked Freestars is amazing. Apparently there have been a lot of layoffs at this facility due to very poor sales of the Freestar. Somehow I think they took a sleek looking mini-van (Windstar) and made it look like an SUV/Van hybrid Freestar). I have spoken to people who have company Freestars (previously company Windstars) and they claim there is no comparison. The Freestar is superior (in their opinions)

Yep. I've been passed the plant a few times myself. I like the 'display' models waaay up on those pedistals that can be seen from the QEW (hywy). That is one BIG assembly plant. The ford stamping plant in Hamburg NY, close to where I live, is big, but not nearly as large. I see very little difference between the windstar & freestar. IIRC, the exterior sheet metal is the same between the two. Hopefully FMC can keep it going there. They're all hurting now that they cant make the high profit margins they were used to.

Joel

Well thanks alot everyone for taking your time and giving me the information to have when buying a vehicle. I have some very insightful things to look for when buying. Will let you know when I buy! hopefully within the next two weeks.

Thanks alot,
Rob

Well Guys I bought a 2002 WS sport, 86,000KM's Red in colour and beige interior. Got a good deal, and had my mechanic check it out for me before I bought it, cost me 15 bucks to get it certified! Pick it up on Thursday! Can't wait, no more knees in my back from the kids!

Thanks for all your help will keep you up to date with any problems or good things that happen!

Rob

Hossin,
If you are like me....and hang onto your cars for a long time....
Keep up with preventative maintenance.
Oil (I use Mobil 1), every 3K miles
Use a quality oil filter
Tranny fluid every 30K miles for "normal" service (install an auxilary cooler)
Keep a clean air filter.
Run some "Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner" through a couple times a year.
Check the condition of you power steering fluid....The windstar can overheat it. It should be red in color....as the power steering uses a kind of transmission fluid (follow the owner's manual for correct type).

And ensure that you use the correct transmission fluid. I think your vehicle uses Mercon V. DO NOT use Mercon or anything else only Mercon V. (Assuming your vehicle calls for it)

Does anyone know of a way to adjust the brightness of the Message Center display? Mine is very dim, and almost impossible to see in daylight. The brightness of the odometer display is much higher. It dims down even more when the lights are on, but that isn't a problem when it is dark out.

I agree with wiswind on the maintenance items. Additionally, make sure you get the cooling system serviced every two years. I neglected this on my '96 and had alot if pitting in the aluminum heads and aluminum lower intake. Found it when I had to do the infamous lower intake repair.

jfoottit
I have the same complaint (about the message illumination) on my '99. The thing is totally unreadable if you have to turn on the headlamps for rain.... I do not understand why this was designed this way.

I was hopeful they would had brightened things in the newer models.