Notices
Aerostar Ford Aerostar

2001 Windstar cannot read codes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 13, 2013 | 07:03 PM
  #1  
Buggie's Avatar
Buggie
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
2001 Windstar cannot read codes

Hi everyone,

I know this is an Aerostar forum but there is not Windstar specific one.

Anyways, My 2001 Windstar has been acting up recently mainly the headlights flickering every now and then, car randomly stalling out on me - after it dies, I pull over and start it up right away and the ABS light came on.

Check engine light is on (presumably due to the car stalling out) but I do not seem to be able to read the codes, the code reader is working fine on my 2001 Expedition but on the Windstar it just sites there at 'connecting to vehicle'. I've tried disconnecting the battery for 10-15 mins and this made no difference, I also checked the fuse for the port was good so now I'm not sure what to check next.

Any ideas??
Thanks
James
 

Last edited by Buggie; Nov 13, 2013 at 07:51 PM. Reason: more info
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2013 | 11:52 PM
  #2  
93nighthawk's Avatar
93nighthawk
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
I would take it to one of your local auto parts stores that do free code reading and see if theirs will pull the code.

From the sounds of it, you have some sort of electrical problem. You might want to see if they will check your battery/alternator when you pull your codes.

Another thing is to check the connections on your battery for looseness/corrosion.
 
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2013 | 09:08 AM
  #3  
KhanTyranitar's Avatar
KhanTyranitar
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
Sounds like a bad ground to me, and if the lighter socket doesn't work, there is no power to the code reader either.
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2013 | 11:07 PM
  #4  
Buggie's Avatar
Buggie
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Well, I ended up taking it in to my regular mechanic for an oil change and had him give it the once over.

He could read the codes so I guess I need to buy a new code reader.

ABS light - he is diagnosing a new ABS pump, which may also at the same time need the ABS module if he cannot separate the 2 units. I'm not concerned about this, I'm only keeping the van for a few months to get me through winter.

Check Engine light - reset and only 1 code came back for an O2 sensor - again, I'm not too concerned.

As for the engine stalling out on me. It did not do it for them so I've been doing some more testing, driving round with OD off / only in 2nd gear, these did not make a difference. It only seems to happen when under power (driving up hills / quick take offs from standing / speeding up to pass), some times I get a shudder and at the same time the headlights will dim, other times the engine will just cut out on me.

I just wish it would die on me completely or at least have the problem more than the once a day I seem to be experiencing so at least they would have a better chance of figuring things out. It's a bit unnerving to be merging into traffic, giving it some gas only to have it stall on me.....
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rtalich
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Mar 31, 2011 07:52 AM
Iceman17a
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
11
May 21, 2010 08:41 PM
cartmanea
Oregon Chapter
8
Mar 6, 2008 01:40 AM
Claus
Iowa Chapter
3
Aug 29, 2004 10:18 AM
stackclimber
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Feb 17, 2004 07:05 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:19 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE