 2002 windstar 3.8 l
Yes, I'm new here and like to say HELLO to everyone. As a former automobile engineer (now retired), I'm still very much interested in the topic of car problems. However, when I was actively working, there were no electronics in most cars (except perhaps radios) and, there were much less troubles. Whatever breakdowns there were, they could usually easily be diagnosed and fixed.
I recently purchased a '02 Windstar SE. It's basically a nice vehicle, but it didn't take long to become very disgusted and annoyed with all that crummy electronic garbage they put into these cars. To have an extra coded KEY programmed for the vehicle costs around $ 100.00 and is only available from Ford dealers, I find this ridiculous. This, as well as all the the other "theft alarm" related devices should only be made available as EXTRAS and should not be pushed on to consumers, that do not need or want them.
The most annoying problems I have with this car are the DOOR ADJAR light, the constantly flashing THEFT light, and the INTERIOR LIGHTS, that never turn OFF. Also, the insane noise from chirping horns (false alarms), bells and chimes dinging , can drive people crazy. Not to mention, running down the battery.
I already spent countless hours to check out and to attempt repairs for these problems. Reading many other Windstar owner's comments with similar problems on the internet, and studying diagrams and repair instructions in owner's manuals and and even Ford shop manuals, I still have not been able to eliminate most of those troubles.
Following the advice from some people in different forums, I simply disassembled all the doors (my van has 5, - 2 front, and 2 sliding doors plus tailgate.) I tried to clean those little switches, spray them with carb.cleaner and silicone. Despite that, nothing worked. I then cut the wires from all the door switches, except for the sliding doors, where people had suggested to cut and connect the upper and lower wires together. The 'door adjar' light is still coming on and the interior lights won't turn off.
In order to avoid discharging the battery over night, I even installed a simple ON-OFF switch, connected to the fuse panel (#1). Now, at least, it's easy to turn the int.lights off (or on) without pulling the fuse. This, b.t.w. does NOT cut off the power to the door locks.
Apparently, it is not possible for the owner of those cars to turn off or eliminate that "SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System". I'm not sure, if or how that blinking "THEFT" light can be turned off, but I feel it is also draining the battery by about 5-10 volts in 24 hrs.
There are a few more unpleasant designs and devices integrated into the construction of this vehicle, which is clearly reflected in those numerous complaints from consumers.
Now, if anyone out there has any other good ideas, that could help me with the major problems mentioned above, I sure would like to hear them. Please keep in mind, that not all Windstars are the same. There are definite changes between production years, even the colors in the wiring diagrams can change several times, even within the same production year.
Greetings and Thanks to all of you. | 
