1998 windstar! I hate it! *L* What ya think of this problem?

Question

Ok, so our 1998 Windstar has been running ok and has about 130k+ miles on it. We've replaced the transmission, battery, O2 sensors, power steering rack, and a bunch of other minor junk on it. Now, this summer, our alternator went out. So, we replaced it. After the new one was in place, the car ran great, but we lost our electric windows. Today we went to my Mom and Dad's, and my Dad had looked at the car manual, and thought he had an idea on how to fix it. He pulled open the wiring panel on the driver side door, and used a continuity device to make sure everything was connected and had power. Everything checked out ok. Next, he and my husband checked all the relay switches on the driver side area to make sure they were all in and ok. They were. Next, they checked all of the fuses under the hood. Again, everything seemed fine. They put everything back together and figured that was it, and we'd have to go without windows. Fair enough. However, when we were going to leave, the car didn't start. It wouldn't even turn over. My Dad hooked his code reading device to it, and it could not even pick up a link with the vehicle. They rechecked all of the fuses and switches to make sure everything was properly connected. My Dad also decided to disconnect the battery to see if he could even reset the computer. After everything was

reconnected, it still wouldn't start. So first, we went from no windows, to now having no car. We're a one car family. It's stressful. We don't really have the funds for a new vehicle, but if this is an expensive prob, we might have to find a way. What do you think? Computer? Electrical? Wiring? Both? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

really truly sounds like the computer. I feel bad for your problems but if you decide to get another i can ship you one tested and gauranteed with tracking and insurance for $50.00 total so you don't get sover charged for junk. I have many vehicles and parts if i can help.

Answer 2

Have you tried cleaning the battery connections? It sounds like a bad connection somewhere. Do any of the lights, accessories, ect. work, or is it completely dead? Is the battery fully charged? Sometimes leaving the key on for extended periods of time while testing everything can drain the battery.

Are all the fuses in the correct location? Sometimes there are empty slots in the fuse panel which aren't used, maybe one of the fuses was inserted into the wrong spot while they were testing? Check your owner's manual or the lid for the fuse panel to verify the correct locations. Just another thought.

Answer 3

Sad to Saw going like this in a while you're going to have enough into it to have bought a new car. Sounds like a good project car for a Good Auto-Electric Shop. Only other thing I can think of would be the ECM (Electronic/Engine Control Module) and/or ECU (Electronic control Unit) for the Transmission.