I have been chasing an intermittent starting problem on my 95 Windstar for the last several weeks with no success and was wondering if anyone has encountered something similar. Symptom - When I turn the key to start, nothing happens. No solenoid click or starter engagement. Usually occurs when attempting to restart the engine while it is still warm, but also occasionally does the same thing after setting for a day or so. So far, I have replaced the ignition switch and the neutral safety switch (located on the top of the tranny). The van apparently had an alarm at one point, but was removed prior to my acquiring it. There is a jumper on the end of a plug near the fuse box, that I replaced, but that didn't fix it either. I have checked the starter interrupt relay and it seems fine. The problem has never lasted long enough for me to pinpoint it. Once I start to troubleshoot it, it will start working again. The starter and solenoid are fine and I have been able to determine that when the problem occurs, there is not any 12v at the solenoid. Any thoughts? This thing is driving me crazy! Thanks, Bob Garrett 95 Windstar Kansas City Bob Garrett Senior RF Engineer Sprint - Access & Transport Solutions Development (ATSD) 6220 Sprint Parkway Overland Park, KS 66251 MS: KSOPHD0504-5D358 robert.g.garrett@... ofc: 913-794-2458 pcs: 913-579-5430
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I have had the same symtoms in a 88 chevy beretta 2.8L GT. It wound up being the crank position sensor. I am not sure if the ford incorperates this sensor or not but it sounds exactly like my problem was as well. Worth checking into I assume. Good luck, Russ in Southern CA

I have the same problem on 96 windstreplaced starter, neutral switch, couple relays. Still the problem. After spending $300 + on the experts I went to a Hardware store, bought a $8 push button switch, 10ft of wire. I popped the button in the dash wired it from the starter and to the +side of the battery. Now, when the damn thing refuses to start (3-4 times a week) I turn the key to on position and push the button. Works absolutely ar. Mechanic every time. I know I have not repaired the problem, yet this bypass has been working fine for months. For what it's worth. TKelly

I have the same problem on 96 windstreplaced starter, neutral switch, couple relays. Still the problem. After spending $300 + on the experts I went to a Hardware store, bought a $8 push button switch, 10ft of wire. I popped the button in the dash wired it from the starter and to the +side of the battery. Now, when the damn thing refuses to start (3-4 times a week) I turn the key to on position and push the button. Works absolutely ar. Mechanic every time. I know I have not repaired the problem, yet this bypass has been working fine for months. For what it's worth. TKelly

TKelly,

I just sat down and read your e-mail after doing exactly what you described! I thought that would work and based on your experience, it sounds like it will.

 

Does your windstar have an alarm? If not, do you know if it ever had one? My 95 had one at one time, but it is no longer there. I replaced a jumper that I found on a plug, that seemed to be loose, but it didn’t fix the problem. In addition, I have replaced the ignition switch and the neutral switch. It sounds like we have the same problem. I think I could track it down if it would stay bad long enough, but every time I start to troubleshoot it, it starts working again.

 

Russ,

I’m not sure about the crank position sensor. I would think that a problem there would generate a code in the computer, but a scan with my OBD-II tool doesn’t show any stored codes. I will check the wiring diagrams again, though.

 

Thanks for the information,

 

Bob Garrett

 

 

TKelly, I have not tried this as I did not have any problem with my 2 Windstars yet. I have a Shop Manual on CD (from eBay for $2) and I do recall that there is a sequence that you could disable the alarm by programming the vehicle. I have a 98 Windstar Limited that did have anti-theft at one time and it seems that it was disconnected before I bought it. I am an electronics technician and troubleshooting is my specialty. From what it seems like intermittent problem, the computer does disable the vehicle from starting if the anti-theft alarm is activated. Since the anti-theft has been disconnected, it seems that the computer somehow sees that the alarm has been activated and would not allow the engine to start. If you have remote door lock, maybe try to unlock the doors using the remote and see if this disable the alarm. I have seen that the door ajar light came on and did not go out until several hours later (this occured when the weather was in the 90 degrees during the summer). There may be a problem with the computer that senses a false condition which did not occur and set its code to "on" state. The shop manual does show the sequences to disable or enable the anti-theft system apart from the normal remote key switch which is to unlock or lock the doors. I just do not have the time to go back and search for the instructions in the manual as it took me some time to find what I was looking for and I do remember reading this section on anti-theft module. Maybe this information might help in locating the problem. It would be handy to have the sequences printed out when the next time the problem occurs and try this one to see if the problem goes away. You may need to enable the anti-theft first and then disable it or you could disable the anti-theft first. Try both ways as it should jog the computer's memory. Rob in NC