I am thinking of buying a used 93 Aerostar. It is the 4.0L, 6cyl engine with 97k miles( cross country). It has been parked mostly for the last few months. I'm told it had some major coolant/ac work done. Not sure what exactly. Also I saw a water pump replacement receipt. I am taking it to a mechanic to check it out tomorrow before I buy it.

Last night, when I got the van, on my way home I stopped for dinner. When I was ready to leave, I started up the van and several lights remained lit. The ABS, the Check OIL and the Parking Brake. Turned the ignition off and on again. Same thing. I triple checked the parking brake was not engaged. It was not. SO I drove home, 2 minutes away. On the way, I discover the Fan for the heater is not working anymore and the turn signals aren't working work either. The radio and head lights were working though. Got home and parked. Turned the ignition on and off again. The dashboard lights now all go off. Everything is fine, turn signal works, and fan. Drove it this morning, everything is ok. WHat could be wrong? We parked on a steep incline when we stopped for dinner. COuld this have triggered something?

The other issue: A couple days ago when I first looked at the van, the power steering fluid was all but gone and so was making horrific groaning noise. We added fluid. Most of the noise almost instantly went away and steering was much better. But I think I still hear slight groan, still 2 days later. I had put a piece of card board under it after putting the fluid, and the next morning there was fluid leaks, but not a whole lot. DO i need replace power steering pump?

ALL help appreciated!

 

The power steering usually always 'talks' on a Ford. But should only be a minor noise. A way to help alleviate this is to flush the system, after the leaks are repaired of course. As far as the lights this could simply be from sitting for a long period. BUT pull the codes to make sure. The oil light means low oil level.

 

Thanks for the reply.

But: The van was driven since Saturday, and the lights problem didn't surface till yesterday Monday, when I took possession of the van in order to take it to a mechanic for inspection.

I stopped for dinner at a restaurant, and when I went to leave, the lights problem surfaced. I had been on the highway, and tested the cruise control. It worked fine. And van ran fine on the highway at 70 mph. And all electronics were working, heater fan, radio, lights, turn signals.

 

Sometimes when the ignition switch is worn you can get some odd behavior. I've had lots of warning lights stay on before and just wiggle the switch and everything goes back to normal. If it happens again try it.

 

I have a 93 aerostar. I lost heater fan, turning lights, and other things. Had to replace the ing.switch under colom. probly a white plastic box half to threequarter inch by maybe three inch long , has apeg coming out of it to hook on something. if this is problem
not hard to replace.

 

You guys, this Forum and the Internet are GREAT!

I will keep this in mind. Van is now at the mechanic for inspection.
I drove it around yesterday and there was no repetition of the problem. I figured I wouldn't be able to duplicate this.

Is the part expensive?

ANother question:

How does the van hold up in a collision? Any Safety problems?