1996 Ford Windstar GL from North America - Comments

Both front springs have broken, 2000 miles apart (@ 69000 miles).

Speedometer now wavers after the van kicked into passing gear while it was set in cruise control.

RF electric door lock has been replaced (1)

and needs to be replaced again as well as the rear gate door. Makes a terrible buzz.

Continuous problems with door ajar alarm, dealer replaced one, I've replaced two more, bad switch inside the door.

Bushing for the rear wiper motor corroded so bad the wiper would not move. Drilled a small hole along the wiper shaft and lubed with WD 40.

Right rear brake drum dust shield rusted away, allowing road dirt and water/salt spray to eat up the brake parts.

ABS system, many problems with speed sensors, @ $45.00 a pop Have been replacing them myself.

Did you get your notice from Ford about your extended warranty on the coil springs? They said they would replace them at no cost to us, or would reimburse you if you have already replaced them. They used every thing but the word "recall" in their notice. I received mine last week. I also have had many problems with the door ajar and locks.

I am fed up with the faulty door ajar warnings which keeps the lights on inside van. This "feature" drains my battery, which I've had to change. As a result, I've permanently disconnected the rear door ajar sensors.

The rear wiper motor bushing has seized due to corrosion. The rear wiper motor also has a shorted capacitor from 12 Volts to chassis negative ground.

Transmission sensor for switching gears replaced.

I have the same problem with the door sensors, driver side door and the rear hatch, I am wondering is it hard to replace these since the dealer wanted $400.00 to replace them?

On another site I found that you can fix the door sensors yourself. You can clean the side door contacts with a fine abrasive such as sand paper or steel wool. The front and rear door sensors are inside the doors and all you have to do is spray WD-40 into the latch area and the mechanical sensor will stop sticking and should work. Hope this helps. Andy - Wausau.