Ford WindstarIntroduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis, the Windstar served a family's needs just fine.
I believe it's a switch or sensor in the ignition. if thats too much work or money for the sensor, i will probably put in a few more relays and make the lights shut off with the ignition relay.
The GEM module is looking for 12 volts from the headlight switch (white/black wire) on terminal 11. It's also looking for a voltage drop on the black/pink wire on terminal 3 when the key is in the lock cylinder. If it see both, it sounds the chime. My guess is a bad ign key warning switch. But easy enought to check. Run a voltage check on the black/pink wire from the GEM module when the key is in and out. If the voltage stays the same, that's your problem
__________________
I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. My blog now has over 400 in-depth repair articles, TSB's and wiring diagrams: Rick's Cool Website for DIY Auto Repair Advice
Thanks i will get to that, i gotta do it soon cause I'm gonna get stranded somewhere waiting for AAA.
Rick, you've only been here for a couple months but I am so glad you joined our family, if you will.
UPDATE: Where can I get one of those Key warning switches, is it difficult to replace, and appox. how much? Thanks!
UPDATE: PS...my dad removed the MAF sensor from my van about 1-2 years ago....idk where it is but is that a bad thing / will it affect my performance or economy in a bad way???
Last edited by Flyingjackal456; 07-21-2007 at 10:10 PM..
Reason: Add questions
Let me get this straight, your dad took the MAF sensor out of your Windstar and hasn't replaced it? Isn't your check engine light on? Will if affect your performance? You bet. Right now the engine computer is running totally off factory programming. It's not getting "real time" information from the MAF sensor, so it's fuel commands are all compromised. Why did he take it off? When is he going to put it back on?
__________________
I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. My blog now has over 400 in-depth repair articles, TSB's and wiring diagrams: Rick's Cool Website for DIY Auto Repair Advice
oh the funny thing is...the van seems to run fine, and be quite ecomical (~21mpg mixed highway/city)
I do want to find the old MAF sensor and clean it and put it on...he said it was stalling the engine (I believe in the Winter time only). it's probably just dirty.
Rick>> the Key warning switch... is it pricey of difficult to get to since it's in the steering column? I can't find my chilton *goes to fetal position*
Last edited by Flyingjackal456; 07-31-2007 at 10:52 PM..
Idk if my check enigine light is on, probably because it burnt out. and no emisions testing in PA, besides my carbon output is in specs. It is the MAF sensor and the van seems fine. Here's some pictures:
Assembled
Where the MAF should be
inside the throttle body ...is that dirty or what?
Videos of my WS's issues (Sorry for the shakes, also my camera makes a really high pitched noise of the tape drive) ...hmm Probably shouldn't be going 40 through windy backroads while taping
UPDATE: I asked my dad and he found the MAF sensor and gave it to me. I cleaned the Throttle body and the MAF sensor, put it all together, looks likes new and sounds-- well a tiny bit smoother while idling. Glad to see the site back i missed you all.
I Welcome you all the get Quicktime 7 and watch all those videos in the above post and please help with any of the issues within the above videos.
__________________
1994 Ford Taurus LX 3.0L 167,000 miles
1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L 276,000 miles
2005 Toyota Prius Package 6 1.5L 175,000 miles
2006 Toyota Sienna LE 3.3L 65,000 miles
________
This message was sent from my iPhone.
Be a moderator, be a leader, buy a Ford!
Ranked #11 for high post-count on this forum
Last edited by Flyingjackal456; 07-31-2007 at 10:47 PM..
Ball joint thump sounds like the shock tower is hitting the inner fender wheel well, Mine did this till I trimmed it.
Door chime, mine sounds the same.
Your idle groan is probably from the engine not running correctly due to the MAF being removed and having the engine just running like shit due to the computer trying to compensate.
40MPH wine sounds like tires making normal noise or just the wind, turn up the radio.
Oh and the tachometer will be smooth cause they are made with a buffer in them so they dont jump around erratic like how the engine really runs.
Shopping for new Ford can be a stressful experience especially if you don't have the right information. Our new car research center at CarEverything.com can help relieve this stress and bring the joy back to new car buying!
The Car Blog, or TCB for those who are acronymically inclined, is alive because some of today's top Web designers needed a place to drool and bitch about their motor vehicle obsessions.
Read the auto blog at Automotive.com to get the latest news and opinions, view the newest concept cars, and join discussions with auto experts from around the world.
Chime doesn't warn you of lights on 1998 WS 
Linear Mode
