2003 Ford Windstar, ABS Light and Power Surges.

by Katz
(Ontario, Canada)

I just spent $1.200 having repairs done on my 2003 Windstar. I had the front sway bars replaced on both sides, front wheel bearings replaced on both sides and the power steering fluid motor replaced.

The power steering fluid motor was cracked and was seized to the frame and they had one heck of a time getting it off.

Anyway, as soon as I left the lot and put the brake on for the first time the brakes crunched (like the do when you are sliding on ice in the winter) and the ABS light came on and stayed on. The only time it goes out is when I turn my vehicle off, but it goes on the first time I brake again.

Also when I put my cruise control on, the van surges forward and then slows down (as much as 10 kmh per surge) . For instance if I put it on cruise at 100 kmh (62mph) it will surge and drag between 110 kmh and 90 kmh but does not stay steady at 100 kmh like it used to. Also I notice while it is surging and dragging the rpm meter is also going up and down.

These two problems were not there before I had the other repairs done. I know I have to take it back in to be fixed but would like some idea what the problems are and if (in your opinion) these were caused by something they did during their repairs.

Thanks for your help!!

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. I know it is very frustrating when you take your car for repairs and you have problems as soon as you drive off the lot.

The first thing you should do is take your car back to the shop that did the work. It definitely sounds like something that they did wrong. and here is why:

Each wheel has speed sensors that are built into the wheel bearings. These speed sensors tell the cars computer how fast each wheel is turning. They are also used for ABS braking...if the computer sees that the wheels are sliding then it will activate the ABS system. These sensors are also used for the cruise control system. This is how the cruise control computer knows how fast the car is going.

As you can see, if the speed sensors are not working properly then it can cause all of the problems that you are having. Most likely the shop either did not get the wheel bearings installed correctly, or they could have even gotten the wrong parts. Either way they need to repair this problem and they need to do it at no charge to you.

I hope this has helped. Good luck with getting your car repaired for good.