Starter Ground ******** 98 Windstar

Jump starting is one of the unwise things to do with a fully computerised vehicle due to the danger of causing a damaging voltage surge. These days jumper cables are available fitted with an anti-surge device to reduce but not eliminate the chance of such a thing happening.

That your engine is cranking but not starting might be coincidence or the electronics might have been damaged. Only systematic checking will be able to determine what is wrong, I suggest the immobiliser is first on the list.

Your problem sounds exactly like my problem on my 2000 windstar. I dont know if I did anything but on mine electrical power has been restored. The reason I say I don't know if I did anything is everything fuses, relays, fuse links, etc all checked out okay. I noticed on mine a strange thing I have voltage on my ground ( it sparks whenever I disconnect reconnect any ground wire. In fact I think this is what caused my power to come back on line when I was doing just that with the ground connections. I then found that my van turns over nicely with the new battery I installed. I have fire on the cylinders I checked. I even can start my van now holding down manually the relay that controls the fuel pump. I now think all of these odd things are resulting from the computer(PCM). If you think we can help each other further please feel free to email me at [email protected].

Check all motor and trans mounts

Check drive axles for play and wear

Replace the alternator,the diodes in the alternator are failing.

I have similar problem with my 2009 G6. Almost positive mine is caused by the torque converter partially unlocking and locking. Mine is worst on level ground at about 50 mph. GM dealer says it is with in specs. I say they just don't want to fix it.

I'd have to go outside and look at mine later. it is often located between the radiator and the front of the bumper... in that area.

I'll let you exactly when i go outside.

What exactly is the problem you are having with the horn ?

Robert

When in doubt, with ALL Windstar "mystery engine/power train problems, make sure all of the GROUND STRAP connections are clean & tight. Especially the starter ground strap. Sounds silly, but if you've got intermittent "juice" the computer will go out of it's mind and you'll have all kinds of strange results! (See my solution under 1998 Windstar > "Surging while driving")

I think the ford 350 might be a loose ground wire. This can cause the erraticness within the gauges.

The windstar is a faulty sensor switch on the brakes master cylinder. It leaks brake fluid into the wires that are connected to it causeing a short circuit and resulting in a blown fuse that powers the AC, cruise control, odometer, speedometer and the ABS light to remain on. This issue can also cause a fire. This fire can occur even when the car is off. To fix the problem go to this URL - http://www.fordwindstarrecall.info/

DO NOT waste your money on tranny solutions!!! I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. About 2 years ago I started noticing a strange almost shaking, jerking serge type of activity when I would get into the "mid-range" (30-50) on the speedometer. I took it to a very trusted mechanic. After about $2000 and several different "tranny solutions", I thought the problem was fixed until about two week later when it suddenly jerked and sputtered AGAIN!! Don't waste your money on tranny issues. (by the way.. my van has also recently had a new tranny put into it and it STILL HAPPENS)