I discovered burnt wiring near the master cylinder on my 1996 Ford Windstar. I took the van to the local Ford dealer, paradise Ford in cocoa Florida, they told me that the sensor/switch, that is attached to the bottom of the master cylinder, had malfuntioned and shorted out causing the wire and connector to burn until the wire was no longer connected to the sensor/switch.

- Merritt Island, FL, USA

This is a second or follow-up for my earlier complaint filed on the day of teh incident. I just found additional information and wanted to append this to my complaint. First complaint was about the total loss of braking in my 1996 Ford Windstar with 4 wheel discs and ABS. With a dual braking system the rupture of a brake line should not cause total brake loss but this failure did cause just that. If the electrical power was not on some pedal was evident. Once electrical power was on the pedal went to the floor. Since the ruptured brake line was in the rear and the front brakes still had fluid and do most of the braking I would have expected to retain some stopping capability. I purchased the 4 wheel disc system to gain a safer and more secure vehicle. If the additonal of ABS 4 wheel braking results in the loss of the dual master cylinder function, which is more critical, I think this option is less safe. The new information is the fact that other Ford Windstar have a recall for improperly installed brake lines which are subject to rust through and rupture. Ford tells me that my VIN is not in that group. I do not know if this is correct but the sumptoms sound identical. All the other brake lines in my car were in excellent shape save for the one to the rear brakes which ruptured and caused the loss of the fluid in the rear system. The front system retained fluid but did not pressurize the brakes. I assuem this failure was caused by the ABS but I can not be sure if that is the actual cause. Ford indciates that my need to replace the brake line is not the same as the existing recall. I am requesting that you investigate if the brake line problem with the Windstar product is larger that originally thought. My car also is supposed to have the master cylinder signage updated on a recall. Ford indicates my was done but I do not see any of the expected markings. Perhaps these were applied and have fallen off or I could be looking in the wrong place.

- Plainview, NY, USA

Master brake cylinder replaced for 3rd time. Brake pedal would slowly go to the floor. 1st replacement before 25000 miles. 2nd replacement at 43282 miles by baytlefield Ford 8980 matthas ave, manassas, va. 22110. 3rd replacement at 87808 miles by battlefield Ford. This van was purchased by me as a "reacquired vehicle" with brake master cylinder being one of the reported concerns. **dimsii IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768024

- Haymarket, VA, USA

Consumer states, while driving vehicle noticed a black smoke and flame under the hood. The master cylinder was causing the burning and damaging wire. Dealer has been notified.

- Dayton, OH, USA

No description given. Nlm

- Wells, ME, USA

Head gasket leaking, master cylinder froze up and caused smoke and damage to brake system on 3 wheels, ABS light kept coming on, in for repairs on several occasions and light was disconnected by dealer, engine light on: O2 sensor replaced, speedometer failed to register speeds, driverside window goes down while driving, replaced by dealer, door open light turns on randomly, sliding door fails to lock with electric locks. What is going to be next?

- Eyota, MN, USA

Tried to stop vehicle due to traffic ahead and the vehicles brakes did not engage causing me to drive into the rear end of the vehicle stopped ahead of me.

- Kunkletown, PA, USA

There is a leakage within master cyclinder. Also, ABS light is on and light won't go off. Dealer is aware of the problem.

- Lincoln, MT, USA