Ford Windstar ABS failure. ABS fails due to heatsink expansion causing ABS module to fail.

- Broomfield, CO, USA

ABS and brake light come on intermittently. Pressure switch under master cylinder was leaking causing fluid loss and potential brake failure.the switch was replaced with an oem part from a reseller. The ABS light is constantly on now and a code reader indicates a bad relay and no ABS motor function. This has not been repaired due to cost of parts and labor involved.

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

On our 2001 Ford Windstar: ABS deactivation switch on the brake master cylinder leaked to the point of blowing fuse #10. Having replaced the fuse twice, I discovered the leak and replaced the switch. The brake fluid in the reservoir was very low, that being the consequence of the leak and the "cry wolf" indication on the brake light being on all the time. The connector to the switch was burned - I replaced it. The danger for us was the brake light "on all the time" was not mentally connected to a leak and loss of fluid because it went off when I replaced the fuse (until the third fuse failure -at that point, the brake light was legitimate but we were in "cry wolf" mode). The old parts are available for inspection.

- East Wenatchee, WA, USA

My 2001 Ford Windstar has an issue with the ABS and brake warning lights. They both come on during warm weather. I have had this problem checked and it has been determined that the ABS electronic control module is failing.. this is a common problem that I have read about on the web. Ford should address this issue with a recall.

- Magna, UT, USA

Anti-lock brake (ABS) warning light comes on during warm summer months and ABS system is disabled. Light goes off starting in the fall and stays mainly off until late spring.

- Durham, NC, USA

The yellow ABS light and the red brake light come on at same time and stay on till vehicle is turned off. This is a constant problem.

- Kenner, LA, USA

The brake pressure differential deactivation switch is leaking onto the power connectors and dripping on surrounding parts.. the ABS light comes on intermittently, and the brake light comes on from time to time. Brake fluid must be added about every 2000 miles.

- Union, KY, USA

In my 2001 Ford Windstar the pressure actuated sensor attached directly below the master cylinder leaked all over everything below it(after replacing the master myself and everything in that area was clean I figured the problem was taken care of, but less than a week went by and my wife lost her brakes again.thankful that she had the smarts to take proper precautions.(that was the third time )so now that it was clean I could identify the source of the problem(the sensor leaking)I went everywhere to find the part (using the # off of the defunct original)no one had it.went to drew Ford explaining the problem, they said I would have to pay for the part(ok it was 25 bucks) the thing about it is that it was a part that was designed to accommodate the problem and of course a new part #(which is why I could not find it, it was recalled everywhere) added to that the brake and ABS lights on the dash have been on for quite a time our mechanic couldn't fix the problem. When I replaced the part the lights went off for a day and a half but are back on constantly. My wife and kids are planning a trip and I wanted to make sure that there are going to be no problems. There is no more fluid leaking, but I am concerned about what I have discovered on the internet. The best site is www.fordwindstarrecall.info.

- Spring Valley, CA, USA

I have a 2001 Ford Windstar with ABS, brake, cruise control problems. About 2 years ago I started to get the brake and ABS lights illuminating. I took it to a local Ford dealership and they said my ABS module needed to be replaced. I asked for pricing and they said it would be $450 just for the part. I declined and asked them to disable the ABS system. The dealership service representative informed me there was a recall on other Ford vehicles with the same ABS switch leaking and that there was a recall on those vehicles but not on the Windstar. Recently the vehicle developed a leak. I have been adding brake fluid on the average of a pint a week. I decided to do some research online to fix the problem and came across www.fordwindstarrecall.info which directed me to this site. I am extremely concerned this problem could start a fire and will be repairing the vehicle soon.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

Ford Windstar brake, ABS brake, cruise control problems: Brake light stays on, ABS light intermittent, cruise control inoperative. ABS system disconnected by Ford dealership to prevent fire. Vehicle has developed a brake fluid leak and I have not isolated it as of yet. Since seeing an online recall on the system, I will get it repaired tomorrow.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

Both ABS and brake lights activated on the display panel. No accident resulting yet.

- Folsom, PA, USA

ABS amber light, and red brake light have been coming on. Loss of brake fluid through the brake pressure differential switch and code C1185 ABS main relay failure code. Non-functional cruise control.

- Lancaster, OH, USA

C1185 code. ABS and brake light on intermittently. Sometimes right away. Sometimes after a long time driving.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Trac active comes on, gear mesh sound for a few seconds, stops, ABS light and trac off light comes on and stays on.

- Arbuckle, CA, USA

Periodic illumination of the dashboard warning lights for the ABS and the brakes, especially during summer months, but down here in the South, also during warmer winter days. According to the Ford manual, this indicates a problem with the ABS control module. In looking further, I found that the master cylinder is leaking into the brake pressure differential deactivation switch. The wires are wet with fluid, leading all the way down to the ABS control module. The approximate incident date is the first occurance, but I have had the lights come on ever since buying the van, used, in the spring of last year.

- Apex, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving 30 mph, the contact noticed that the ABS failed and the brake indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop, but a technician could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the manufacturer and stated that no compensation would be provided because there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 115,847 and current mileage was 115,884.

- Cleveland , OH, USA

Intermittent brake and ABS lights. Both lights come on with great frequency. Replaced leaking brake switch on master cylinder but still have problem. Ford dealer says I need a new ABS controller $1,0000.

- Ventura, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. When the contact first purchased the vehicle, it shut off. The rings in the engine had to be replaced. She also heard a rumbling sound when the brake pedal was depressed. An auto repair shop stated that the brakes were operating normally; however, after much complaining, the contact had the front brakes replaced. The windshield wipers stopped working after a new windshield was installed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the motor was found to be the cause of the failure. The motor was replaced. A couple of months later, the vehicle began leaking antifreeze and was towed to a repair shop. The contact was informed that the fuel injection hoses were leaking. The leak was repaired. Three weeks later, the vehicle would buck and shut off. She was informed that the catalytic converter was completely destroyed. Lastly, the contact noticed an issue with the rear of the vehicle. It would fishtail or wobble while driving various speeds. The dealer stated that the vehicle was no longer included in the factory warranty. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 74,056 and failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

- Manchester, NH, USA

There have been a number of complaints about the Ford 2001 Windstar brake (pressure deactivation) switch leaking and causing loss of primary braking on www.carstats.com/safetystation.asp. see ODI case numbers 10247281, 10246739, 10245833, 10245178, 10245147, 10243519. As time progresses there seems to be more and more complaints about this braking system. Have you looked into this" potential problem" I myself have encountered unanticipated momentary loss of braking with my 2001 Ford Windstar. I have had one of my wheel cylinder actuators replaced.

- Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Windstar. While driving various speeds, the traction control, ABS, and service warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The traction and ABS became inoperative. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that water entered the computer module and they reset the codes. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. He took the vehicle to the dealer again and had the front wheel speed sensor replaced. After the repair, the failure codes appeared again and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician replaced the ABS power relay. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer again in reference to the failure and they stated that he needed to repair the ABS module at the cost of $800. The vehicle has not been repaired again. The failure mileage was 115,000 and current mileage was 119,000.

- Harwich, MA, USA