Intro
As a licensed Auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen my good share of Windstars that refuse to start. And I can assure you, I understand how irritating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing at all!
But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to guide you through the most usual reasons why your Ford Windstar won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll find out how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide useful troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my 20 years’ of first-hand experience, so you can get your Ford Windstar starting and driving again as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Windstar Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s important to initially comprehend the issue. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Windstar won’t start”, this could be due to various issues being wrong with your car. Perhaps the engine is not firing up at all, potentially it is turning over partially but then not starting, or perhaps it’s making a clicking noise when you try to start the engine, however ultimately nothing happens. Each of these scenarios can point to different problems with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Windstar Won’t Start
There are numerous reasons that a Windstar won’t start. These problems usually consist of a weak or dead vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system complications, in addition to electrical or wiring failures. Every one of these problems can manifest as various symptoms and require different solutions to identify and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Windstar That Won’t Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in discovering the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise however your Ford still won’t start, it is often a sign that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system of your car.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Windstar Won’t Start
The initial step to finding a solution to the issue is figuring out the root cause of that issue, so let’s look into the most typical factors why your Windstar can’t start.
Ford Windstar Battery Issues
In most instances, the most common reason why your Ford Windstar fails to start is, in many cases down to a bad battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you need to recharge your car’s battery or change it. The car’s battery provides the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Windstar. Signs of a weak or dead battery issue in a Windstar, can be things like the car being slow to crank the engine, dim or weak headlights, or a lit-up battery alert light on your car’s dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Ford Windstar Alternator Problems
The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A defective alternator can easily stop your Ford Windstar from starting as it will not be able to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained fairly quickly until it’s dead and you don’t realize it until you get in your Windstar and it won’t start. Signs that your Windstars alternator may be faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Ford Windstar Starter Motor Failures
The starter motor manages turning the engine over (cranking) when you start up your Ford. If the starter motor is failing in some way then the engine will not crank, and your Windstar can’t start. You can find out if your starter motor has an issue or not often by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound during the startup, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Windstar Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Windstar uses a combustion engine, and because of this to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Windstar problems are part of a faulty fuel system, this might be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be getting the fuel it requires to get the vehicle started. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Ford Windstar Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Windstars rely greatly on electronics, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially have an issue. Even in an older Ford Windstar, you can still have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a damaged sensor, and more. These can be some of the various electrical explanations as to why your vehicle won’t start. Signs of a wiring or electrical problem can differ vastly however can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Windstar can start but only intermittently or some alert lights are lit up on the dashboard. To correctly identify and fix these kinds of problems, you will require the skills of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have figured out what the reason for your car failing to start is. The next step is of course to try and fix it. Here are some suggestions for the common issues we’ve covered previously.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Windstar
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the problem, then the first thing you ought to do is inspect the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and securely connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Windstar’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the Ford Windstar, it will probably deplete quickly once again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be changed for a new one. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Ford model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Ford Windstar, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Windstar’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a Do it all mobile mechanic.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Windstar
If the alternator is what you think is the reason, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of your car’s battery. It’s likely the result of a problem with your car’s alternator if you notice that your Ford Windstar dies right away when you disconnect the positive terminal. However, be warned this test can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing, and may harm the delicate electronic parts in your Ford Windstar, so in this case best to speak with a reliable mechanic local to you or online, prior to ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Windstar
It’s most likely a problem with your starter motor if you hear the clicking sound but the engine doesn’t crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Complications in a Ford Windstar
If you suspect the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the vehicle. You should be able to hear a humming sound for a few seconds. If you are not able to hear this noise, then it may be there is an issue with the fuel pump. If you notice your Ford is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it could possibly be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively repair. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Windstar
If you think it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system issue, first examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Windstar starts after this, then it was an effective, easy and inexpensive repair! If the car doesn’t start, even intermittently, it could be because there is an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be a damaged sensor. These problems can be extremely complex and a reliable car mechanic is most likely needed to identify and repair it. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you prevent any Ford Windstar starting troubles again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Ford Windstar:
Routine maintenance of your Ford Windstar is crucial to prevent future problems. This consists of things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning up the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and of course having your vehicle examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. You can consult a mechanic locally or online if you are uncertain or needing further clarity about the regular maintenance jobs required for your particular automobile.
Drive Your Ford Windstar Frequently:
If you happen to leave your Ford Windstar in the driveway for long periods of time without driving it, the battery can run out of charge as it’s not being charged up by the engine being in use. Try to drive your vehicle frequently to keep the battery full of juice. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Ford for a while. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging to the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you observe anything weird like uncommon sounds, changes in driving and performance, or warning lights are now visible on your Ford Windstars dashboard, don’t just disregard them and get on with your day. These can be early signs of an issue and are best being resolved ASAP before they end up being bigger problems later. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be dealt with.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want a specialist Ford mechanic on hand assisting and advising you, or you’ve attempted to resolve it by yourself, however regardless of your best efforts your Ford can’t start, then chatting with a Ford mechanic online can be an excellent option. It certainly beats googling things like “my Ford wont start but clicks” all day and still getting no where.
Advantages of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous benefits. You can get professional Ford mechanic guidance 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially beneficial if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are much more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get responses quickly, which is terrific if you’re in a hurry, need a second opinion, or you just prefer having a professional Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with accredited professional mechanics who can supply instant assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Tourneo Custom won’t start or it’s your Windstar that you’re having issues with, we’ve got the mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics limitless questions, and even upload images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them by means of online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic online will help you identify the issue, advise you on what are the best options for your specific situation and even assist you through easy maintenance and repair work every step of the way.
So feel free to try out our Ford mechanic advice free service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To summarize, when your Ford Windstar can’t start, it will likely be a total bummer and an enormous hassle. However, understanding what may be causing the issues, having the ability to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a big help. Remember that regular upkeep is essential for preventing the majority of car problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Windstar will not start?
First off, do not panic. Try to identify any signs that might show an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the problem is likely one of the main causes talked about in this guide. If you can’t find the issue yourself, you will require the help of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford Windstar won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery problem in a Windstar consist of the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and securely connected. It might be best to simply change it if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Windstar not starting issues?
In order to ensure this inconvenience never occurs once again, routine upkeep is key. This includes things like oil changes, checking the battery and cleaning its terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Ford Windstar inspected by a mechanic regularly. It’s also a great idea to drive the vehicle routinely so the battery remains charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Windstar won’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can provide instant expert Ford mechanic assistance and guidance, without you needing to leave your house. If your Ford Windstar can’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially useful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Windstar fails to start?
We connect you with licensed expert Ford mechanics who can supply recommendations on your particular scenario. You can inform them about your vehicle issues, ask unlimited questions, and even upload images and videos so you can properly demonstrate the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
