Ford Windstar

That is normal as there is a parking "gear" and that has to hold the vehicle in place when on a hill. There is a lot of pressure on that gear - you are releasing the pressure therefore the large "cluck" when on a hill. Best way to not cause this is put the emergency brake on when parking - release the brake to set the e-brake and then place the van in park to not put the pressure on the transmission.

1. First, disconnect the battery.

2. Pop the air bag fuse

3. Have breakfast or lunch to kill a few minutes.

4. Now, it is hard to see but behind the steering wheel is the plastic cover, The bottom section, about 3" by 4" doesn't pop out rather, it swings. The edge closest to the horn swings back towards the pedals.

5. Now you can see the wire connectors, pop up the little latch things on each and unplug both of them.

6. The plastic cover on the back of the steering wheel is flexible enough for you to now use a #10 wrench to remove the 4 short bolts that hold the steeering wheel on. That's it.

Here's 2 things I would check:

# Fuel filter # Fuel shutoff/inertia/emergency shutoff switch

Under the upper intake (the plastic one) there are egr ports one for each cly, they will stop up with carbon causing the least stopped up one to get too much egr circulation thus leaning out that cly causing a miss usually on a cruise. Clean out all 6 ports with whatever you have that will fit the hole.

I am not a mechanic but have dealt with old cars most of my life. It has been my experience that a starter does not just die right away. It "drags" or does not have that clean, robust spinning sound you associate with a car which starts normally, say within 3 seconds after you turn the key. In the past I have found usually it is the starter bendix or the starter solonoid. From my understanding, the bendix is a gear like device which enables the starter to engage the engine. The solonoid is like a switch that turns on the starting equipment. There are so many things that can go wrong with a car electrical system that I suggest you find a really GOOD starter shop. Too many times even competent mechanics use trial and error and you really need some theoretical understandng of electronics to make a proper diagnosis. Geoff

ANSWER: It is the check engine light. It starts out a yellow meaning that there is some thing going on and have it looked at soon. If by chance the little engine light is red, this means do not drive your vehicle until you have it serviced. There are many things that could cause this to happen from fueling the vehicle with it running , a sensor not functining properly, or a major engine problem. It is not to be taken litely if it is red, you could severly damage the engine if you ignore it.

dead battery or bad starter.

The code P1405 on a Ford means: PFE Sensor Circuit Upstream Hose. This code is usually caused by a faulty engine light.

According to the 2000 Ford Windstar Owner Guide :

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If you have the 3.0 liter " Vulcan " V6 engine it either came from the factory

with the Motorcraft BXT - 59 battery or the optional BXT-65-750

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The 3.8 , V6 had either the BXT-65-650 or the optional BXT-65-750

sell the junker!

You can not get heat from cold water, The engine has to run long enough to get the water in the engine HOT. That is were you get heat from HOT WATER-- Coolent

I would remove the starter and take it to a local auto parts store that offers free testing.

Sure sounds like there is a dead-short inside.

See "Related Questions" below for more about removing/installing a Windstar starter

Replacing an alternator on a Windstar is one of the easier jobs since it sits right at the top of the engine.

The short story is: 2 wire connections, serpentine belt and 3 mounting bolts*

Estimating time... For a professional or seasoned backyard/driveway mechanic, less than an hour.

*See "Related Questions" below for more specific detailed instructions and information.

My 2001 speedometer reads too fast... Here's what I figure is happening:

I use the smaller of the recommended tire size (per the Owners Manual) - but the speedometer thinks I have the larger ones and calculates the speed accordingly.

So when my speedometer says I'm going 78 mph, I'm actually only going 75 - I figure that has saved me from a few tickets in PA & Ohio.

If your speedometer is way off, a transmission shop may be able to help you with what should be a relatively inexpensive fix.

Coil / ignition packs do not require routine replacement - use them until they fail.

A key symptom is engine misfiring, maybe getting worse during damp/wet weather. Tough to see the backside of the engine where the coil mounts, but look at it at night to check for stray electrical shorting - could be coming from where the plug wires attach to the coil, or a cracked coil housing.

NOTE: Misfires are NOT ALWAYS caused by a cracked coil - plug wires and various other factors contribute to misfiring too.

See "Related Questions" below for more

Your worst nightmare.

The GEM in a ford windstar is located up inside the dash, above and to the left of the gas pedal. it's held in with a single bolt.

everyone should have a manual for their vehicle, and the local library should have a SHOP manual available in the reference section--make copies of the right info and read up..you'll be a pro in no time ...good luck:)

Yes, everyone should have a manual. However, as the engine for this vehicle is a custom made Cadillac NorthStar engine, they DO NOT make a manual for this car. You may buy bits and pieces of information. I have gotten to know my GM/Cadillac dealer and they can be helpful. The right contact can print off diagrams that may be needed if you choose to do it yourself.

Yes

Facing the engine from the front of the vehicle, the battery is located in the right, front corner.

According to the 2002 Ford Windstar Owner Guide :

( 98.4 liters / 26.0 U.S. gallons )

Yes

But there are far superior products available to repair the headgasket with!

i tried it on my 1992 Chevy cavalier head gasket. it was leaking on the right front side as most 2.2's of this year do. i used it twice, but didn't work for me. i usually use K & W block seaker which works, but was told by the owner of the junk yard i got 2 leaky engines from it worked.... Next time i'd recommend K & W block sealer which does work and this is from experience ....