6.2

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$30
Average Mileage:
127,250 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
  2. replace rear A/C control switch, easy to do yourself (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1996 Ford Windstar:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #8

May 212007

(reported on)

Windstar GL 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

When switching from Heat to AC for the Back it stays on heat, won't go to cool.

I pulled the panel off in the back and found the problem is with a vacuum actuated switch. They call it a motor. I replaced the motor for 13 bucks but it turns out the old one was ok. The problem is a lack of adequate vacuum.

I still need to figure out what is causing the lack of vacuum pressure. Must be either a clogged line or the switch on the dash. I don't think there's a leak because once I get the motor in the cool position it doesn't go back to the hot position. If there was a leak the spring loaded motor would fail to the hot position.

All the controls for the front that use the same type of vacuum actuated motors are working fine.

- Bob C., Martinez, CA, US

problem #7

May 232007

(reported on)

Windstar GL 3.8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 298,000 miles

My Rear Ac was Blowing Hot Air yesterday when the ac worked... Now the whole Dam Ac Stopped working. I took a peek at the Compressor and it seems to be not getting juice. Any suggestions?

- bigcarse, Bloomfield, NJ, US

problem #6

Sep 172007

(reported on)

Windstar V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 176,000 miles

not fun

- Marie A., Tullahoma, TN, US

problem #5

Jan 212007

(reported on)

Windstar LX 3.8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,000 miles

This fix is from http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic398773.htm

"This is easy and relatively cheap. If you can't get the cold air to blow out the roof and side vents and instead get only heat out of the floor vent even when you have the rear AC selected this will probably do the trick. (It did on mine.) Selector Switch in front control panel that controls rear heat and air is bad. EASY to install also. Takes 10 minutes. Pull out ashtray and remove the two screws that are now exposed. The entire trim panel will then pull lose with just a little effort, take it slow and easy and be patient. Next remove the four screws holding the HVAC control panel in place. Pull out control panel and remove one screw holding switch in place. Unplug wire harness and B/W vacuum lines. Install new switch and reverse procedure. Takes 20 minutes or less.

Order part #F68Z19986AA, cost is $14.09 plus $8.50 shipping if ordered from Millenium Ford in Seattle, Washington. I ordered the part last Friday and it got here yesterday at 5:00 PM and I had cool air blowing from the roof and side vents by 5:30 PM. Cooooooool Man.:smokin:

Part must be ordered online to get the lower price. Otherwise if you call it will be $24.88 plus shipping."

- quinton, Boomer, NC, US

problem #4

Jul 232006

(reported on)

Windstar

  • 110,000 miles

when I first bought the van the rear air was not working. The dealer paid to have it fixed, they never told me how much it cost. The repair shop said something about a hose was disconnected. Now it is not working again and there is hot air blowing from under the middle seat. I would like to try to fix it myself.

- heatherla, St. Amant, LA, US

problem #3

Mar 232006

(reported on)

Windstar GL

  • 98,000 miles

what can i say.... it's a FORD!!!!!

- jtx, Victoria, TX, US

problem #2

Jan 092006

(reported on)

Windstar LE

  • 75,000 miles

not really much to say on this.

- R Z., Dwight, IL, US

problem #1

Jul 242001

(reported on)

Windstar

  • 58,000 miles

kids are burning up in the back the front ac isn't strong enough to cool the whole van~~~!!!!

- Mario K., Miami, FL, US