1996 Ford Windstar Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

“Dt: windshield on passenger's side was hit by a turkey and the turkey came in the cab of van. Caller was injured. Windshield shattered and glass went everywhere. The turkey came in through a big hole. Caller wanted to know if windshield was made of safety glass. Insurance company took the van, and caller had not yet heard from insurance company. Caller has not talked to dealer or manufacturer.”

“Problem: power seat wiring short circuit from engine compartment main fuse and relay panel, 60 amp fuse repeatedly blows. Problem was first intermittent, then after second fuse change change, short circuit became continuous. Wiring is shorted out between the main fuse panel and the power seat connector. Power seat itself has no electrical problem. Model has a NHTSA recall history: 1995: wiring-harness insulation can abrade on a brace between instrument panel and cowl, resulting in short-circuit and possible fire.”

“The speedometer starts moving erratically once speeds of 25 MPH are reached. Also, sometimes, the windshield wipers will only work on high speed. I have contacted the dealer, and am told it will be $500.00 for the speedometer. I feel this, as well as the problems with the wipers is a serious safety issue. I've read several complaints on this site about problems with speedometers on 1996 windstars, and I think Ford should be responsible for repairs, not me.”

“I don't know if this is the right place or not. But I paid the Ford dealer ship $60.00 to tell me why my power window would only work part of the time, and they said it was my motor which they wanted $353.00 for. So I told them I didn't think it was so I went home and worked on it myself and found out it was only sticking at the top. I went back on the 24th of march to try to get my money back, because to me this is complete fraud on their part. Well, I talked with the service manager (mark kisch) and he was very rude, and refused to return my money. …”

“The premature failure of the 3.8l engine head gasket was first noticed by myself during a routine inspection of my fluid levels and engine compartment. What I noticed was what appeared to be a coolant leak around the head gaskets. Under more constant supervision my wife and I observed other symptoms which include a more constant drop in the coolant level and a loss of heat when the heating system was operating. These symptoms seemed seriuos so we decided not to drive the vehicle until it has been serviced. …”