Recall

[car17fan]

Just heard on the news that our Windstars are up for a recall for the cruise control. Without getting too much info from the news, do you think it is for the brake pressure switch that most of us had to replace already? If we have already replaced the part, do you think they will refund the money we spent on the part?

[wiswind]

I just read that the Windstar has been added to the recall list.....1995-2003 Windstar.
Those of us who have already replaced the switch should check to make sure that it is the improved one.....or harness.
They used the "faulty" Texas Instruments switch up into 2003.
The "fix" is...as stated on Yahoo Finance " To repair the problem, dealers will install a harness to help prevent the fluid from flowing anywhere it could be ignited."

We should all be getting a letter from FORD that explains what to do.
Hopefully they will have the part(s) in stock to cover all the vehicles covered.....as it includes a LOT of different vehicles.
This time, they are including ALL the vehicles that use this same switch.

Simply unplugging the switch may not solve the issue for a leaking switch.....as one needs to be concerned about any electrical items that the leaking brake fluid may drip on.
The Yahoo Finance article mentions antilock brakes (the article covers other FORD vehicles in addition to the Windstar), however....several folks have mentioned the cruise control servo unit as being burned out by brake fluid.
Also, the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS), aka Neutral Safety Switch has been mentioned as a possible issue for dripping brake fluid from the switch.

I would not expect to be refunded for switches that have already been replaced.....but, as I recall.....it was a pretty cheap part (Less than $20) including the harness and a bottle of brake fluid......but if they do....they should mention it in the letter.

[phil-l]

One data point: I replaced the switch in my 2000 Windstar in June 2007, using a kit I purchased from the dealer (Ford part number XW7Z-9F924-BA). This included a new switch and the small jumper harness. Total cost then was $26.72. Yeah, it'd be nice if the recall covered the cost of switches already replaced. I've got to believe that virtually all of them older than my '00 have already failed.

[bdahl385]

I think we can all thank Scott's excellent website below for keeping this issue forefront with the NHTSA. Those not familiar with the link should review the info there as it is being updated to keep up with the new recall.

I also bought this switch kit from Ford last year and saved the receipt. I plan on getting my ~$25.00 back from the service department... I saved them the labor, they can pay me for the parts...

Now if only they would recall the ABS module, I have the C1185 relay code error when ambient air temp is above 50 degree's F. At least the ABS works in the winter...

http://www.fordwindstarrecall.info/

[phil-l]

bdahl385 -

Thanks for the link! I hadn't seen that site. Yes, it'd be nice if they came through on the ABS module, too (I replace mine with a new Ford unit, and all has been well - but I don't want to see that problem return).

Question: As noted above, I replaced the master cylinder cruise control switch on my 2000 Windstar with a new Ford dealer-purchased part in June 2007. Is that switch likely the most current design version, or does this recall specify yet another design?

[Freakzilla69]

Let it never be said that my procrastination didn't yield positive results.

[wiswind]

The switch in 2007 "should" be the most recent.
However, you will likely still get a letter....and they should look at it for free to verify that it is up to date.

[zippy_LiL_SL1]

Maaannnnn...... I have a Windstar that fits that year but it's a base model, meaning NO cruise control. Meh, I have enough problems with it w/out worrying about yet another recall.

[i_a_n112784]

I work at a dealership as a tech, and yes there are instructions for refunds, as I just fix them, you'd need to call and talk to a service writer for specifics on what to do. With the switches, more of the windstars melt and get heat damaged from leaking than any of the others I see. If a switch is found to be leaking, it gets replaced, the cruise servo gets inspected, as well as the abs module. The damage to the wiring gets repaired, should be free, if your dealer calls ford to get it approved as related damages.
TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A NEW STYLE SWITCH is easy, the new style switches have a more round looking conector, the old ones are rectangular.
If a switch is not leaking, a fused harness is installed inbetween your car's harness and the switch. The fuses will blow before any damage occours to the vehicle, or fire for that matter. The harness takes about 5 min to install, and after the harness is in place, it is no longer ford's problem if the swith leaks because it won't cause fire (the original reason for the recall).

Hope that sheds some more light on what really goes on/supposed to go on.

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by zippy_LiL_SL1

Maaannnnn...... I have a Windstar that fits that year but it's a base model, meaning NO cruise control. Meh, I have enough problems with it w/out worrying about yet another recall.

Don't worry about that, the Windstar have hundreds of recalls (without being sarcastic). This one is the only one serurity recall. Unless you see brake fluid leaking, do nothing.

[i_a_n112784]

The see it leak theory is good, but most only seep, which you won't see, there is a difference between leak and seep, the fluid works its way on the inside of your tape covered harness to other higher amperage parts, then lights up. I see these at work, and as much as I don't want to see another one of these for the recall because I've done so many, it really should be checked at your soonest chance. If nothing else, you won't get anymore letters.

[i_a_n112784]

Oh, and no cruise control means no switch. and ford only recalls X number at a time, so your recall might not come up until you get your letter even if you have a van that qualifies.

[garync1]

Make: FORD Model: WINDSTAR
Model Year: 2001
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: OCT 09, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V399000
EA08021
NHTSA Action Number: EA08021
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4500000
Summary:
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.
Consequence:
A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy:
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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 26, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Notes:
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 .
Check to Request Research. Submit below.

[veerg]

I can see some fluid under the brake switch of my 2000 van. Will a ford dealer do the repair even if I am not contacted by Ford on this recall yet ?

[serge_saati]

They will not contact you. You should contact them. Check in this Website if your serial number is listed: http://redirectingat.com/?id=252X400&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fordwindstarrecal l.info%2F.

They will not repair all the vehicles at one time. You may be listed later.