1997 Ford Windstar Engine cooling Problems

“I turned the air conditioning on in the van and after about 10 minutes, turned it to the 'max AC' position. The hood started steaming so I turned the air completely off. After less than a minute, I noticed the hood was smoking so I pulled to the side of the road immediately. I turned the car off and exited the van and saw that the passenger side of the hood was on fire. I ran to the passenger side and opened the sliding door, and got my 18 month old and 4 year old out of the vehicle. After we were all a safe distance away I saw that most of the hood of the van was in flames. …”

“At a routine nys inspection, the Ford dealer advised that the head gaskets needed to be replaced. The car is 6 years old with 36k miles. Called Ford for assistance, and got profuse apologizes, and no help with a $1600.00 repair. The car is exhibiting no symptoms of any problems, and I do not have the money for the repair. For such low mileage, I think that fmc should make some attempt to assist with this complaint. They are certainly aware of the problem with the 95 & 96 windstars!!”

“I bought this 1997 Ford Windstar in march of 2003. The very next day I returned to the independent car dealer due to the check engine light was on. They said nothing was wrong and they reset the light. Within a week it was on again and this time they said it was a fluxation in the electrical current and it was making the light come on. They reset it. About 2 weeks later it is losing coolant somewhere and running rough, they check it and now it needs 2 out of 4 oxygen sensors replaced im told. …”

“At 150,000km (94,000 miles) was in for front spring recall and dealer recommended engine front gasket replacement. Immediately had this repair done ($900 cdn). Shortly after my mechanic stated that he could hear a slight knocking and predicted the engine bearing would go within the year. I started campaining with Ford based on the history of gasket failure (coolant leaks past gasket into oil causing bearing failure). Ford customer care said they need a dealer to diagnose the problem so had a dealer check it out with no problem found. …”

“I bought my 1997 Windstar used 6 months ago with 87,000 on it, I have driven only 3,000 miles and my engine blew with no warning. This was the most expensive used car I had ever owned and we did everything we could before we bought it..we checked the VIN report on carfax...we had the vehicle checked out by our own mechanic. I thought I had found a great (dream for me)vehicle. Ben satcher Ford in sc said there was no recall on this car only the 95 model and that problem had been since fixed. So I'm stuck with paying $3000 for a new engine while I still owe $6000 on my vehicle. …”