Market Position:
Family minivan positioned to compete with domestic and import segment players like the Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, home mechanics, and professional automotive repair shops.
Competitive Analysis:
The Windstar competed in a crowded minivan segment known for practicality, passenger capacity, and family-oriented features. Ford's offering emphasized a comfortable ride and available V6 power.
Key Features:
Spacious interior, sliding rear doors (standard on most trims), optional all-wheel drive (introduced later in its lifecycle, though not explicitly confirmed for 2000-2001 in this data), comfortable ride, robust V6 engine options.
Interior Flexibility:
Configurable seating arrangements for up to seven passengers, fold-flat rear seats.
Systems Covered:
General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System, Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Suspension, Periodic Lubrication, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioning, Engine Control System, Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential/Drive, Axle
Engine Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.
Transmission Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including band adjustments, clutch pack replacement, and valve body service.
Brake System Components:
Service and repair of front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (depending on configuration), parking brake system, and ABS components.
Electrical System Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, diagnostic flowcharts for electrical faults, and repair of starter, alternator, lighting, and accessory circuits.
Suspension And Steering:
Repair and replacement of front MacPherson struts, rear twist-beam axle (or independent rear suspension on some models), control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, power steering system, and steering column.
Emission Control Systems:
Information on catalytic converter, EGR valve, oxygen sensors, and emission control module.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair procedures, disassembly, troubleshooting, electrical diagnostics, maintenance, component replacement, system overhauls.
Engine Timing Belt Replacement:
Detailed procedure for checking and replacing the timing belt (if applicable) or timing chain, including component alignment.
Fuel System Diagnosis And Repair:
Service for fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel tank, including diagnostic procedures.
HVAC System Service:
Refrigerant handling, diagnosis of AC compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and heater core, as well as climate control module service.
Chassis And Body Repair:
Information on body panel alignment, door mechanisms, liftgate operation, interior trim removal and installation, and chassis component replacement.
Restraint System Service:
Procedures related to airbags, seatbelt systems, and their associated sensors and control modules.
Diagnostic Charts:
Troubleshooting charts and electrical diagnostic flowcharts provided.
Technical Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for both DIYers and experienced mechanics, covering from basic maintenance to advanced repairs.
Illustration Count:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations to aid in procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil type and viscosity).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Engine Oil Specification:
API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 approved: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (refer to owner's manual for exact recommendation based on climate).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Mercon V Automatic Transmission Fluid
Coolant Specification:
Ford Premium All Season Engine Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Mercon/Dexron II or equivalent
Known Issues:
Head gasket leaks (particularly on the 3.8L engine), transmission solenoid issues, suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods), occasional power window motor failures, HVAC blend door actuator problems.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts, leading to vibrations and knocking noises.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and premature failure of exhaust components, especially in areas with road salt.
