Faulty ABS sensor in 2003 Ford Windstar. Both the ABS and brake lights on the dashboard starting coming on this past summer. I had it checked at Firestone, automasters and the Ford dealership. I was told they were all getting a C1185 error code and that the sensor needed to be replaced before they could figure out the problem. The cost at the dealership was $495 for the sensor and another $500 to install. While checking another recall from Ford, I stumbled upon a website [www.fordwindstarrecall.info/#problem2] that mentioned that others have had the same problem and that the problem could start a vehicle fire. It suggested two solutions: 1) replace the ECM unit and wait for it to happen again at your expense, so save your receipts. Always buy Ford parts if there is a chance you will be reimbursed. Also a Ford dealership may be the way to go here. 2) deactivate the ECM high power by removing fuses 101 and 102 so that the ABS is always off and not intermittent. And wait for Ford to listen to us through your report to the NHTSA.gov. I am sending this to add to anyone else who has brought this issue to your attention in the hopes it can be repaired properly and that Ford covers some, if not all the costs.

- Yalesville, CT, USA

2003 Ford Windstar mini van, the ABS brake cruise control light and electrical problems in my minivan. Headlights. When is going to recall and fix the ABS brake light system. The yellow ABS brake light is on and will not turn off. When will Ford call re call on to fix ABS lighting system in these mini van, do we have to wait until something van get caught on fire or dies.

- Warwick, NY, USA

ABS and brake light usually stay on although there is no problem with the system. Bought used as Ford certified preowned and cannot diagnose the problem. At times the light will go out for a short period of time but no noticeable pattern has been established. The light problem has been ongoing for at least 3 years.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

Just another day of driving down the street on the bumpy road. When I finally pass the construction area to the newly paved road to come to a stop at the light, car started to skid locked up the front wheel. Whole van shack. Then the ABS and brake light came on. It was a life or death experience for me! now the ABS and brake light lid up on the regular bases. Help!!

- Oak Harbor, WA, USA

Braking distance suddenly increased. ABS and brake light goes on and off. Interior lights blink on and off. Asked Ford dealer about recall of sdcs switch and ABS light and was told that my van was not on the recall list so it would cost to have it looked at. I am single mother of 4 kids. I have looked about this problem on the internet involving other 2003 Ford Windstar and this seems to be a very common complaint. Please do something about this.

- Meredosia, IL, USA

Every time I drive my van, and the temperature is over 75 degrees outside the ABS and brake light on my dash come on, and stay on.

- Floresville, TX, USA

Owner of 03 Ford Windstar. Problem notice on the 2nd day of owning the car back in July 2010. After parked the car on driveway, noticed the parking brake light on. Soon after, the ABS light came on. Took the car in for a total service of oil, coolant, brake, tranny fluid change. And had the ABS light checked up. The technician informed me about the ABS ECM board could be bad. Without any other vehicle, I had to drive it to airport right after the auto shop. On the way to airport, the ABS and brake light came on again. Causing me taking my eyes off the road, trying to release the hand brake, while driving 65mph on highway swerve from lane to lane. It was very scary! I had to Focus on whether the brake light had to do with actual brake, release accel pedal, no noticeable deceleration. Checked the 101 and 102 fuse, both good. So I'm pretty sure the ABS ECM circuit board had to do with it. Today the ABS and parking brake continues to come on and stay on. Every now and then it doesn't light on. Please help me and many others who are facing the same problems!!

- Oak Harbor, WA, USA

The ABS brake light comes on very often. (for about 2 years now) the electrical lights blink on & off alot. (started around 2005). Worried if there will be an electrical fire. The approximate incident date goes back years, so I just put in today's date.

- Aberdeen, NJ, USA

2003 Windstar intermittent ABS light and brake light. Both lights will turn on while normal driving. Mostly happens during summer months. Different wheel sensor failure codes displayed.

- Mebane, NC, USA

I had all four tires replaced & 1/2 hr. After, while driving, the ABS & brake lights came on. After that the lights came on sporadically. The more often I drove, the more often they came on but would not always stay on. Sometimes they didn't come on at all - other times they would come on & off 2 -3 times during 1 trip. They now stay on all the time. I have taken the car to 4 different repair shops & none are able to find the problem. All tell me I still have standard brakes but not ABS. Why"??????" with winter coming I would like my ABS back.

- Cheektowaga, NY, USA

2003 Ford Windstar the side doors have not worked right from the time we bought this van. Took it back to dealer, said it's contacts are dirty. Still didn't fix doors they don't work right to this day now the ABS brake light keeps coming on! the rear axel are cracking and recalled. The Windstar should be recalled complete!

- Success, MO, USA

The ABS and brake light kep coming on each day as I drive. When I turn off the ignition and turn the van back on the ABS and brake lite is out. I can be driving and not apply the brakes and the ABS and brake lite come on for no reason. I have taken it to the shop and they advise me to keep driving it. There is not brake problem. Then why does it come on"I had brake pads and rotors replaced. It still comes on???????why??"some days it does not come on and other it does come on again. I am concerned!~!~!!!!

- North Bend, OH, USA

ABS sometimes works and other times does not. After brake service at dealership, they take no responsibility for this known problem. Result is ABS does not always work. Brake light on after brake service. (brake light (red) 15 amp fuse #10 blowing out ABS brake light (yellow).

- Dewitt, MI, USA

ABS brakes and brake light on all the time bad modules.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

2003 Ford Windstar ECM failure causing ABS system malfunction. Recall of a related symptom in October 2009 did not fix this current issue.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

2003 Windstar brakes turn on squeal without warning. ABS system reports a problem. So far only at low speeds and also appears to happen in the warmer weather. Returned car to dealer who had no clue as to the problem.

- Laflin, PA, USA

We are having continuous issues with brakes on 2003 Ford Windstar. After 4 visits to Ford dealer, brakes still squeak and braking distance suddenly increased, despite my payment for these services. Now the brake lights continuously come on and the rear brake light goes out. Dealer says I now need to pay $999 to replace the ABS module. I understand this is most likely due to the scds, which is in recall status. Regardless of the cause, it's obviously pandemic as I see the public uniting to complain of these dangers. I drive my children in this van and now concerned about their safety and the quality of Ford's cars or at minimum their concern of public safety if no action is taken on the ABS. I am repeatedly told that driving without a working ABS module is safe, but the scds was not even checked. Let's not wait until mortality rates increase to act on this!

- Fall City, WA, USA

Braking distance suddenly increased. Ford Windstar 2003 has ABS and brake lights coming on intermittently on dash for over a year now. Worse in the hot summer.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

My 2003 Windstar has been showing its ABS warning light and brake light dash indicators go on after anywhere from 5 miles to 30 miles after you turn on the van. This has been going on for about a week and a half. I had the brakes suddenly go straight to the floorwhen I was braking and then come up. I had a automotive shop look at it and the informed me that the rear brakes were not engaging at all and all the braking was being done by the front discs. I took it to a Ford dealership after being turned down for service by two auto shops due to liability. They informed me that I needed to replace the electric module that controls the ABS brakes. They informed me that was why the brake pedal was going intermittently soft and that the front brakes were intermittent engaging without my touching the brake pedal. They also told me that there were no current recalls on Windstar and that the cost of replacing the unit is $1200 including the $100 for the diagnostic. I am disturbed that there are 50 complaints for 2003 Windstar you have listed on your site regarding the same problem. I am even more concerned that we are down to (1) car and that the safety of my 4yr. Old grandson (who lives with us), my wife, myself and other frequent passengers are at risk. This is a hefty repair bill that I am sure I can't afford and don't know how I am going to pay for.

- Palos Heights, IL, USA

Driving my 2003 Ford Windstar periodically the ABS light will come on then go off, after approx 25 to 30 miles of driving I will lose my pressure in my brake pedal and there is very little brakes. If you shut van off let it sit it will be fine until U drive again another 20 to 30 miles, also it will come on after 5 to 10 miles of driving and will not go off until van is shutoff, then at times the ABS light wont come on until more miles are driven, I brought the vehicle to a repair shop and a code C1185 came up, I took to Ford due to the fact it is a safety issue and they said its not warrantied, in a post on computer it states that code C1185 should be warrantied under Ford, this is very disappointing as a Ford owner and the safety of my family, due to the fact the van is excellent cond and the only prob is this, im scared to have it looked at due to the fact I prob couldn't afford to have it fixed.

- Maybrook , NY, USA