Ford Windstar For Sale

Ford Windstar From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2008) Ford Windstar Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Production 1994–2003 Assembly Oakville, Ontario, Canada Predecessor Ford Aerostar Successor Ford Freestar Class Minivan Layout FF layout Designer Moray Callum The Ford Windstar is a minivan that was produced and sold by the Ford Motor Company from March 1994 (for the 1995 model year) to 2003. This front-wheel drive minivan would eventually replace Ford's aging rear-wheel drive Aerostar minivan. The two ran concurrently for three model years until the Aerostar's demise in 1997. For the 2004 model year, it was replaced by the Freestar. All Windstars were built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Unlike most Fords, the Windstar did not have a similar Mercury vehicle "twin", and was completely unrelated to the Mercury Villager (although the Windstar's successor the Ford Freestar did have a twin, the Mercury Monterey). Contents 1 First generation (1995–1998) 1.1 Year-by-year changes 1.2 Trim levels 1.3 Problems 1.4 IIHS Crash Test Results 2 Second generation (1999–2003) 2.1 Year-by-year changes 2.2 Trim levels 2.3 Crash Test Results 3 Yearly American sales 4 Redesign and name change 5 References [edit] First generation (1995–1998) First generation Production 1994–1998 Body style(s) 3-door minivan Platform Ford D186 platform Engine(s) 3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.8 L Essex V6 Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic AXOD Wheelbase 120.7 in (3066 mm) Length 201.2 in (5110 mm) Width 1995–96: 75.4 in (1915 mm) 1997–98: 75.8 in (1925 mm) Height 1995–96: 68.0 in (1727 mm) 1997–98 Cargo: 68.5 in (1740 mm) 1997–98: 65.6 in (1666 mm) Curb weight 3,800 lb (1,724 kg) Related Ford Taurus[1][2][3] Lincoln Continental Mercury Sable The all-new Windstar was released in March 1994, for the 1995 model year. While smaller than its predecessor, its sleek design, front-wheel drive, and better car-like handling made it more competitive with similar offerings from Chrysler and GM. The Windstar had beaten the third-generation Dodge Caravan to the market by over a year, which played a crucial role in Ford taking significant market share in the minivan market. Though its size was between the smaller front-wheel drive Mercury Villager and the larger rear-wheel drive Ford Aerostar, for its first year, it was priced above both of them. By 1997, however, the Villager's base price had surpassed the Windstar's by several hundred dollars, and top-of-the-line Villager Nautica models went for some $6,000 USD more. Among standard features were anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, seven-passenger seating, and a 3.8 L V6 engine, borrowed from the Taurus/Sable. This engine produced 155 hp (116 kW), but produced 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) of torque. For its inaugural year, the Windstar was available in base GL and high-end LX trim, as well as a cargo version called Cargo Van. [edit] Year-by-year changes 1996: A new 3.0 L 150 hp (112 kW) Vulcan V6 became standard on base GL models, while the larger 3.8 L V6's horsepower was upped to 200. The driver's seat gained an available tilt/slide feature for access to the rear from the driver's side. The only exterior change is the addition of a contrasting metal strip inside the side rub stripe (1995 models are solid plastic). 1997: A bare-bones unnamed base model was now available. A CD player became a new option on models. 1998 Ford Windstar 1998: The Windstar received minor cosmetic changes including a new grille and headlights, and the blue Ford logo on the rear liftgate was moved just above the license plate; it had previously been located in the lower right corner. In compensate for the lack of a driver's side rear sliding door, the driver's door was extended six inches (152 mm), as it was not possible to create a driver's side sliding door with the current bodyshell. Ford, at the time, claimed that a drivers-side sliding door was not noted a key feature needed by focus groups. An ultra-luxury Limited model was new. It included leather seating and faux wood interior trim. Second-generation airbags that deployed with less force were also new for 1998. [edit] Trim levels Cargo Van • 1995–1998 base • 1996–1998 GL • 1995–1998 LX • 1995–1998 3.0L • 1998 Limited • 1998 [edit] Problems 1998 United States Postal Service Ford Windstar, showing the larger driver's side door Throughout its life, the first generation Windstar developed a long list of reliability issues. The 1995 3.8 L V6 Essex engine was susceptible to headgasket failure, as in the Taurus and Mercury Sable; however, the Windstar's problem was exacerbated by an even tighter engine bay and higher loads, the van being 700 pounds heavier. Ford extended the warranty on the headgasket to 100,000 miles on most Windstar models. The 3.0 L V6 Vulcan engine was not susceptible to headgasket failure, being a completely different engine design. The Windstar was paired with an AXOD-E/AX4S transaxle, which was prone to internal failure. The AXOD transmission suffered from cracked forward and reverse clutch pistons. These transmission failures were most susceptible with the 3.8L engine, as the transmission could not handle the extra torque and the extra vehicle weight. Windstars with the 3.0L engine could go far past 150k miles with regular maintenance. In September 2010 Ford recalled MY1998–2003 Windstars over rear axle cracking.[4] [edit] IIHS Crash Test Results The 1995-1998 Ford Windstar, which was tested as a 1996 model received a "Good" rating from the IIHS in all marks, in which the driver survives the accident without any injuries. [edit] Second generation (1999–2003) Second generation Production 1998–2003 Body style(s) 5-door minivan 3-door minivan Platform Ford V platform Engine(s) 3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.8 L Essex V6 Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic AX4S AX4N Wheelbase 120.7 in (3066 mm) Length 200.9 in (5103 mm) 2001–03 Base/LX/SE/SEL/Limited: 201.5 in (5118 mm) Width 76.6 in (1946 mm) 2001–03 Cargo: 75.2 in (1910 mm) Height 66.1 in (1679 mm) Cargo: 68.0 in (1727 mm) 1999–2000 SE/SEL: 65.8 in (1671 mm) The Windstar was completely redesigned for the 1999 model year, now featuring dual-sliding doors. The 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines were carried over from the previous generation. It was built on its own new V platform, unlike the previous generation that shared the same platform as the Ford Taurus sedans and station wagons. Among new features were front seat-mounted side airbags, dual power-sliding doors, and rear reverse sensors. From lowest to highest, 1999 Windstars were available in Cargo Van, base, LX, SE, and SEL. Dual sliding doors came standard on SE and SEL models, and were optional on the other models. SEs and SELs were equipped with 2nd row captain's chairs and adjustable head restraints , while base and LX models came with a 2-passenger 2nd row bench seat and fixed head restraints. [edit] Year-by-year changes 2000: The Limited model returned as the most luxurious model. A VCR-based rear-seat entertainment system featuring a flip-down LCD screen was a new option on SE, SEL, and Limited models. 2001–2003 Ford Windstar SE Sport 2001: Slight cosmetic changes were made to front and rear fascias for '01. LX became the base model, and a new SE Sport model joined the lineup. The smaller 3.0 L was gone, leaving the 3.8 L as the sole engine choice. Models with 2nd row bucket seats now got their own center console. Front-seat side airbags became standard on Limiteds. The chrome grille on the SE and SEL models was redesigned. The steering wheel was updated to a more modern style, with the blue Ford Logo placed in the center. 2002: Dual sliding doors became standard on all models. The 2002 Windstar was the most dependable Minivan on the market in the JD Powers dependability survey at three years in service in the 2005 survey. The Windstar beat out the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey for these honors. [5] 2003: No major changes were made in anticipation of the redesign for '04. [edit] Trim levels Cargo Van • 1999–2003 base • 1999–2000 LX • 1999–2003 SE • 1999–2003 SE Sport • 2001 SEL • 1999–2003 Limited • 2000–2003 [edit] Crash Test Results The 1999-2003 Ford Windstar received an "Acceptable" rating by the IIHS for fair structural performance, moderate injuries to the left foot, and fair dummy control. Although most redesigned vehicles outperform their predecessors to cut down insurance costs and possible injuries to the driver, this generation Windstar did not perform as well as its first generation predecessor. The NHTSA graded the minivan an overall rating of 5 stars in both the frontal and side impact tests. [edit] Yearly American sales Calendar Year Total American sales 1999[6] 213,844 2000 222,298 2001 - 2002[7] 148,875 2003 113,465 [edit] Redesign and name change For 2004, the Windstar nameplate was discontinued in favor of "Freestar" to go along with Ford's new theme of vehicles starting with the letter "F". Despite a restyled nose, front fascia, revised interior and new engine (3.9 V6 Essex), the new Freestar was built in the same factory as the Windstar and suffered the same problems. The redesign and new name did not help Freestar sales. The Freestar was pulled from the market after the 2007 model year as it was replaced with the new Ford Flex Crossover. The Freestar was not available in all wheel drive. [edit] References Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford Windstar ^ Author: Bill Russ. "New Car Review 1995 FORD WINDSTAR GL MINIVAN". Publication: The Auto Channel. Date Retrieved 8/19/06. [1] ^ Author: John Lowell. "Light trucks: the hottest segment - light truck market trends and new products for 1994 - Industry Overview". Publication: Look Smart. Date Retrieved 8/27/06. [2] ^ "4-Wheel Drive / Offroading" on about.com ^ "Ford Recalls 1998-2003 Windstar Over Rear Axle Cracking". Edmunds. 2010-08-30. http://www.insideline.com/ford/windstar/ford-recalls-1998-2003-windstar-over-rear-axle-cracking.html. Retrieved 2010-10-08.  ^ http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pdf/2005089.pdf ^ "Ford Motor Company Sets New Full Year U.S. Sales Record". Theautochannel.com. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/20010103/press033466.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28.  ^ "Ford's F-Series Truck Caps 22nd Year in a Row as America's Best-Selling Vehicle With a December Sales Record". Theautochannel.com. 2004-11-17. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/01/05/175829.html. 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ZIP code: Go Cancel Cars.com Buy a Car Sell a Car Research a Car Car Finance Information Car Shopping Advice Home > Ford > Windstar Ford Windstar 2003 Ford Windstar Shop for the Windstar Search Listings: Used KBB $5,225 - $6,475 MPG City: 17; Highway: 23 4.4 out of 5 8 consumer reviews Ford's minivan got a face-lift for 2002. For that reason, only modest changes have come for 2003, including new aero mirrors and thicker side windows. All models get painted front and rear fascias. Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability system will become available later in 2003. Research the Windstar Photos & Colors Reviews Safety & Recalls Other Ford Windstar Model Years Search:Used 2002 Ford Windstar Summary Photos & Colors Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 2001 Ford Windstar Summary Photos & Colors Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 2000 Ford Windstar Summary Photos & Colors Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 1999 Ford Windstar Summary Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 1998 Ford Windstar Summary Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 1997 Ford Windstar Summary Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 1996 Ford Windstar Summary Reviews Safety & Recalls Search:Used 1995 Ford Windstar Summary Reviews Safety & Recalls Other Ford Models Aerostar Aspire Bronco Bronco II Club Wagon Contour Crown Victoria E150 E250 E350 E350 Super Duty Edge Escape Escape Hybrid Escort Excursion Expedition Expedition EL Explorer Explorer Sport Explorer Sport Trac F150 F250 F350 F450 Festiva Fiesta Five Hundred Flex Focus Freestar Freestyle Fusion Fusion Hybrid GT Mustang Probe Ranger Taurus Taurus X Tempo Thunderbird Transit Connect ZX2 Find a Ford Windstar Near You Shop for cars in your area. 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NHTSA proposes mandatory backup cameras by 2014 Officially Official: 2012 Audi A6 grows up, borrows a page from A8 ←→ Official: Ford Windstar recalled over rear axle risk by Steven J. Ewing (RSS feed) on Aug 27th 2010 at 2:30PM Back in May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started investigating cases of rear axles breaking in late model Ford Windstar minivans after receiving hundreds of complaints from owners. Over three months later, an official recall has just been announced that covers 575,000 1998-2003 Windstars sold in "Salt Belt" states – places where road salt is used to melt away snow and ice during the winter months. Road salt can accelerate corrosion on the rear axle, which can cause the axle beam to break completely. Ford says that only a small number of reported cases involve instances of the rear axle beams actually snapping, even though NHTSA supposedly received over 200 complaints from owners. Still, Ford will be notifying owners of this potential hazard starting on September 27, and naturally, the problem will be fixed free of charge. Interestingly enough, this recall does not mention anything about the Windstar's front subframes – another easily corroded area that triggered a second NHTSA investigation in late July. More than 900,000 vehicles could have been affected by this, and we assume that NHTSA's findings did not warrant a full recall. Still, this rear axle issue will be the eleventh recall placed on the Windstar, a model that was only built for a total of nine years. [Source: Associated Press via Google] Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, FordTags: ford, ford recall, Ford Windstar, ford windstar axles, Ford Windstar Recall, FordRecall, FordWindstar, FordWindstarAxles, FordWindstarRecall, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministration, NHTSA, nhtsa recall, NhtsaRecall, Windstar, Windstar Axles, windstar recall, WindstarAxles, WindstarRecall Print this Email this Comments (32) Tweet '); })(document); Ford 2010 Ford Ford Convertibles Ford Hybrids Ford SUVs Ford Trucks Ford Escape Ford Explorer Ford F150 Ford F250 Ford Fiesta Ford Focus Ford Fusion Ford Mustang Ford Ranger Ford Shelby GT500 Ford Taurus Used Ford for Sale Powered by AOL Autos Related From AutoblogBrabus brings the girth with Mercedes SLS Widestar9 days agoFord launches naming contest for V6 Mustang, winner gets free two-year lease19 days agoReport: Recalled Ford Windstar minivans piling up at dealers28 days ago Related Articles From Our PartnersHonda May Be Investigated for 2005 Accord Hybrid Accident19 days ago Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)50.8891800824%1Invisible 2:37PM (8/27/2010)Are any still actually running?Reply ↓↑report2rg25 3:05PM (8/27/2010)actually my roommate's windstar is running! It has 160,000 miles, a new transmission, the heat switch is on a pull string, and he carved out the trunk door to fit some speakers in there... it's time is near ↓↑report84.6456692913%3Phil L. 3:07PM (8/27/2010)Quite a few, actually.Yes, the Windstar showed up on the most-popular-cash-for-clunkers list - but there were a ton of them out there and many are still on the road. Don't forget that, in its day, the Windstar scored well in safety testing and was reasonably priced - which led to some very good sales years.The later Windstars (99+) did pretty well if maintained properly (the early years had notable weaknesses). In spite of its often-poorly-rated drivetrain, my '00 Windstar has been happily doing family hauling - as well as utility trailer and popup camper towing - duties with minimal fuss. Frequent fluid changes avoid many of the horror stories you can find on-line.My Windstar lives in MD. We don't use as much salt as some states - but I note that the Mid-Atlantic states are specifically listed in the AP article. I've been aware of the issue and have periodically looked closely at my axle. No problem - and minimal corrosion elsewhere on the van. That said, I'll be happy to let the dealer take a closer look at it. ↓↑report56.7749160134%4RandyMarsh980 2:37PM (8/27/2010)Wait 575,000 people bought Windstars?Reply ↓↑report69.2307692308%5John P 2:39PM (8/27/2010)yeah, was gonna say, there aren't many on the road left to fix.Reply ↓↑report69.2608695652%6That One Person 10:13PM (8/27/2010)Come around here...they are everywhere. My grandparents bought two later models an 01 and 03...the 01 would still be running if some moron kid didn't decide to roll up the driver's side like a sardine can. The 03 is still running strong and I've told my grandmother about the issue. ↓↑report31.8931893189%7Sea Urchin 2:56PM (8/27/2010)Is it a solid rear axle?Reply ↓↑report84.6456692913%8Phil L. 3:09PM (8/27/2010)Yes, it's a solid rear axle that's formed by flattening a steel tube into an upside-down "U" shape, and then welding suspension attachment assemblies on each end. The problem is that water can get inside of the welded assembly - and it then sits there and rusts. ↓↑report75%9zoomzoom 3:01PM (8/27/2010)whoa whoa whoa, 2 minivan-related entries in one day? what is this, vanblog.com?Reply ↓↑report69.0627843494%10jpcar 3:06PM (8/27/2010)I'm pretty sure a van is still classified as an automobile, hence "Auto-blog". ↓↑report11Chris 3:05PM (8/27/2010)What about people who already made the repair?Reply ↓↑report31.8931893189%12Sea Urchin 3:08PM (8/27/2010)They can calm themselves by saying, "Well at least i didn't buy an Aztek" ↓↑report84.6456692913%13Phil L. 3:52PM (8/27/2010)From an NY Times article I saw elsewhere on this topic:"...the recall will be for the rear axle and Ford will reimburse consumers who have already paid for the repair." ↓↑report54.2435424354%14ant14 3:08PM (8/27/2010)And whats funny is, at THAT time, this one of the better products because there wasn't much competition. And to add, the Ford Freestar that morphed from this in I believe 04-05, was rated higher in reliability by JDPowers in long term dependability, over the Oddysey or Sienna. I know, shocking but true.Reply ↓↑report84.6456692913%15Phil L. 3:21PM (8/27/2010)Too true.People forget that the Windstar did a good job hitting their niche in the day. When I was looking at minivans (I have an '00 Windstar), the Chrysler minivans had added the second sliding door - but also lost their top crash safety rating - which is a big deal in the minivan market. Chrysler was still recovering from some bad transmission years at that time, too.The Toyota Sienna of the time was too small for many families - and they were pricey. The "old" Honda Odyssey just didn't cut it as a real minivan. The "new" Odyssey was awesome - but they were hard to get and dealers were charging premiums I couldn't afford. GM minivans of the era didn't even make our list.Another item, specific to my situation at the time (3 kids then still in safety seats and a big dog): Only the Windstar offered 4 LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) safety seat positions, which allowed me to remove one middle row seat to make room for the St. Bernard - and still have all three kids in LATCH safety seats. Ford really did work out the bugs by the time the Windstar turned into the Freestar (in an uninspired fit of corporate alphabet gamesmanship). I think they came to the conclusion that the only way they could hang on to market share was heavy discounting (Odyssey and Sienna were particularly good at this point; even Chrysler had improved dramatically). They decided it made more sense to get out of that market. ↓↑report61.8421052632%16Shin Ra 3:30PM (8/27/2010)Funny how you mention that "The Toyota Sienna of the time was too small for many families," cause the current version sure fixed that problem according the Sienna review a couple posts down... ↓↑report75.0806575511%17Judy Zik 1:08AM (8/28/2010)I am driving one of the last Freestars ever made. It is a 2007 model and my third Windstar. I have driven it from coast to coast here in Canada and through our brutal winters. It is a solid dependable van. No repairs needed yet. As in none, zero, ziltch. It has hard plastics and a pretty utilitarian interior. It also has the same V6 as the F-150 of that year :) So it laughs at hills even when loaded. My sister paid twice as much for her Honda Odyssey which has not been entirely trouble free. The Freestar was a good solid dependable no frills Full length Minivan at a no frills price. Even the Windstars were actually pretty good if cared for properly. People seem to forget that things like transmission fluid and coolant need to be changed on a regular schedule. They also neglect to read the manual and realize that the power steering on these vans does not take standard Power Steering Fluid! Even the repair shops will make that mistake if you don't tell them! My uncle is still driving my 2003 Windstar. I will have to let him know about the recall. They salt the roads here in Ontario like nowhere else I have ever seen. We bought my 98 used. I drove it until it got to the point where it was eventually going to need a new exhaust to pass emissions that year. That and the brake job it would eventually need were going to cost more than the van was worth and my husband didn't think I should be pushing my luck taking a van with 300,000kms on long trips. So we drove it to the scrap yard. The power locks and the rear wiper weren't working right (typical of those old Windstars) but otherwise it was fine. Even the Air Conditioning still worked the day we scraped it.11 recalls over the coarse of a 14 year model life is actually not that bad. We are not talking about 11 recalls on one specific model. Considering that there were 3 Generations of Windstar/Freestar. The original Focus had a ridiculous number of recalls in it's first year. ↓↑report79.2116973935%18kumar 3:42PM (8/27/2010)So what is this....working through the backlog of cases that should've been investigated years ago? First Jeep, now Ford for the models that have been out of production 5+ years.Reply ↓↑report54.6574287914%19Awjvail 8:25PM (8/27/2010)What about the Freestar? Wasn't it just a refresh model?Reply ↓↑report75.0806575511%20Judy Zik 1:57AM (8/28/2010)New Transmission, engine, suspension and interior. The floor pan is even changed due to the fold in the floor seats. Ironically if Ford hadn't tried to rebrand it and sell it as a new vehicle it might not have had the backlash because their was quite a bit changed. ↓↑report | 1 | 2 | Most Recent | Next 20 Comments Featured Breaking Popular Quick Spin: 2011 Subaru Forester Quick Spin: 2011 Ford Flex Titanium Quick Spin: 2011 Dodge Avenger Autoblog Podcast #207: Fun CR-Z, Lincoln's new designer, the return of the Dodge Viper Quick Spin: Audi Quattro Concept View all Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012 Wards announces 10 best engines Spy Shots: Are you the 2012 Volkswagen NMS? NHTSA proposes mandatory backup cameras by 2014 Officially Official: 2012 Audi A6 grows up, borrows a page from A8 View all Bugatti looking for a student intern to drive Veyrons, fetch dry cleaning Video: Moscow motorcyclist's crazy high-speed commute Audi R18 Le Mans prototype unveiled with full roof, epic LEDs Quick Spin: 2011 Subaru Forester Spy Shots: Mazda prepping smaller CX-5 crossover? 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Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Trademarks | AOL A-Z HELP | Advertise With Us || '; if (typeof quantSegs !== "undefined" && quantSegs.length > 0) { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%QC%', quantSegs); } else { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%QC%', ""); } if (typeof segQS!== "undefined" && segQS.length > 0) { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%RSI%', segQS); } else { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%RSI%', ""); } document.write(adUrl); Family Food Health Home Money Style More '; if (typeof quantSegs !== "undefined" && quantSegs.length > 0) { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%QC%', quantSegs); } else { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%QC%', ""); } if (typeof segQS!== "undefined" && segQS.length > 0) { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%RSI%', segQS); } else { adUrl = adUrl.replace('%RSI%', ""); } document.write(adUrl); Home » Cars » Owning A Car » Car Owners Manuals » How to Find a Ford Windstar Owners Manual Top 5 To Try How to Change an Air Filter on a 2000 Ford Windstar How to Change the Brake Lights in a Ford Windstar How to Look Up Ford Windstar DTC Code P1744 How do I Find a Tow Hitch for a 2003 LX Ford Windstar? How to Install a Radio in a Ford Windstar Related Topics What Replaced The Ford Windstar Ford Windstar Owners Manual Car Owners Manual Owners Manuals more » How to Find a Ford Windstar Owners Manual By chameleon, eHow Member User-Submitted Article A Ford Windstar Owners Manual is one of the handiest books to have on hand if you own a Ford Windstar. Many auto makers have decided to make owners manuals for their vehicles available online rather than including the full Owners Manual in paper form. It's also not uncommon to buy a used Ford Windstar without an owners manual. If you need a owners manual for a Ford Windstar, here's how to get one. Difficulty: Easy Instructions Things You'll Need: An Internet connection Adobe Acrobat Reader 1 Right-click on the link in the resources section below. Select "Open Link in Another Tab". This will open the Ford Fleet Owner's Manual Download website in another tab so that you can refer to these instructions. 2 Select the year your Ford Windstar was made from the first drop-down box. As long as your Ford Windstar's model year is 1996 or later, you can download the Owner's Manual for free. 3 Select Ford in the second drop-down box on the Ford owner's manual site. 4 Select Windstar in the Model drop-down box, then click Submit. This will take you to a download page where you can download important documents pertaining to maintenance and warranty for your Ford Windstar. Depending on the year, there may be one or more Owner's Manuals, as well as a Scheduled Maintenance Guide and a file with Warranty information for your Ford Windstar. 5 Click on Ford Windstar Owner's Manual to download the Owner's Manual for your Ford Windstar. Tips & Warnings Bookmark the Ford Windstar Owner's Manual by right-clicking on the link in the Search page and clicking on Bookmark This Link. That will allow you to go straight to the Owner's Manual whenever you want. Save a copy of the Ford Windstar Owner's Manual on your computer by right-clicking on the link and clicking on Save This Link As... If your Ford Windstar is older than a 1996, you may have to search for a paper copy on eBay or another site. Resources https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owners_manuals/default.asp print email favorite share flag Comments Post a Comment sunshine11219 said on 2/3/2009 Good advice. So many times when you buy a used car they almost always forget to give you the owners manual. bar10dr98 said on 2/3/2009 Great info! CWilliams said on 2/3/2009 Wow great information on getting an owners manual. +5 and recommended for the article. Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile Word Verification* Comment print email favorite share Related Ads Related Articles & Videos How to Change an Air Filter on a 2000 Ford Windstar How to Change the Brake Lights in a Ford Windstar How to Look Up Ford Windstar DTC Code P1744 How do I Find a Tow Hitch for a 2003 LX Ford Windstar? How to Install a Radio in a Ford Windstar How to Identify Automotive Fuses How to Replace a Car Owner's Manual How to Use a Microwave Owner's Manual How to Find Out What Type of Memory a Computer Needs Using the Owner's Manual Correctly to Clean an Oven More Others Also Viewed Gift Suggestions for 1969 Camaro Owners How to Sign over a Car Title to Multiple Owners in Texas How to Replace Car Speakers in a Toyota How to Obtain Cheap Car Insurance How Does a Repossessed Car Get Retrieved by the Owners? Home† † Article Sitemap † Sitemap How Tos Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use † and Privacy Policy †. en-US† requires javascript Partner Sites Answerbag Livestrong eHow_eHow Cars || Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In Browse Sections Home Technology Auto Tech & Repair Auto Inspection/Maintenance Ford Windstar Rusting Subframe an Increasingly Unsafe Condition Sep 28, 2010 Felicia A. Williams Ford Motor Company - Ford Owners of high-mileage Ford Windstars that are operated in the "Salt-Belt" may find themselves facing a rather expensive repair. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has been receiving an increasing number of complaints regarding the popular minivan. It appears that high-mileage Windstars model years 1999 through 2003 show a high rate of subframe corrosion. The subframe, located at the front underside of the Windstar, is supposed to help keep the engine and other integral parts of the Windstar in place and stable. If it were to become compromised and break, the results could be deadly. What Causes Ford Windstar Subframe Rust The factors that lead to the subframe rust include high-mileage (in excess of 100,000 odometer miles) and winter driving conditions. The use of salt on the roads to improve winter driving conditions is the very same element that speeds the corrosion of the sub frame. According to the national Highway safety administration, of the 87 complaints received prior to July of 2010, 85 of them were from drivers in the salt belt. Because of the large number of complaints effective July 20 in 2010 day NHTSA has launched an investigation to the problem (NHTSA Action Number: PE10026). Ford Windstar Subframe Corrosion Hazards The Ford Windstar rusting sub frame clearly poses a safety hazard. According to NHTSA's Ford Windstar Action Number PE10026, "...several complainants indicated detachment of the drive axle (half shaft) from the transmission, which may occur when a lower control arm mount separates and causes the wheel to pull free from the drive axle." The action further states that "Several complaints indicated there were no warnings prior to any of the aforementioned failures." This is clearly a dangerous condition that must be addressed. What Do Ford Windstar Owners Do? If you have a high-mileage Windstar of the model years affected with the rusting subframe issue, take your vehicle to a mechanic, have it put on a lift and inspect the subframe. The area of the sub frame most affected by the corrosion is located on the passenger side where it attaches to the lower control arm. Read on Canadian Used Car History Reports Automotive Repair: Isolated Defect or Manufacturer Recall Covered Repairs After New Car Warranty If you find that your car is affected, file a complaint with the NHTSA. Visit their site and complete the complaint form. You'll need to have your vehicle make, model and VIN. Provide the NHTSA with a description of the problem. Ford's Response to the Subframe Corrosion So far there is no official word from Ford regarding the Windstar's rusting sub frame problem. Hopefully, as Windstar owners make their voices heard by reporting the problem through the NHTSA, it will be moved from an "Action" to a "Recall." Only time will tell how the NHTSA investigation proceeds and whether or not Ford will be forced to recall and repair this growing problem. If this issue becomes a recall, Ford is responsible for fixing the problem. If it does not, look to spend in excess of $1,000 to purchase a new subframe and at least 4 to 5 hours of billable mechanic time to install it. This is by no means an inexpensive fix. Additional Reading: Don't Pay Full Price for a Windstar Sub Frame Canadian Used Car History Reports Copyright Felicia A. Williams. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication. 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