1999 Ford E150 Air Only Blows Out The Defroster Vents

This 1999 Ford E150 van came in with the complaint that the a/c would only blow out of the defroster. The mode actuators in this vehicle are vacuum controlled so checking vacuum is the first point in the diagnostic routine. There is a vacuum hose splice connector under the hood on the passenger side of … Continue reading “1999 Ford E150 Air Only Blows Out The Defroster Vents”

1998 Ford Windstar, Alternator Does Not Charge

This 1998 Ford Windstar with the 3.8 liter engine came in with the complaint that the alternator would not charge. The alternator had been replaced twice and still nothing. Imagine that? I confirmed that the alternator was not charging and then moved onto circuit tests. The main battery lead at the alternator must have battery … Continue reading “1998 Ford Windstar, Alternator Does Not Charge”

1999 Mercury Villager Turn Signals Do Not Work, Flasher Buzzes

This 1999 Mercury Villager came in with the complaint that the turns signals would not work. The owner had replaced the turn signal flasher twice and stated that now all it does is buzz when the turns signals are activated. The first thing to check was the turn signal fuse and it was okay. The … Continue reading “1999 Mercury Villager Turn Signals Do Not Work, Flasher Buzzes”

2008 E350 Ford Van, Battery Drain

This 2008 Ford E350 van belongs to one of the local utility companies and the battery will go completely dead if it sits for more that two days. The standard routine, I connected my trusty Fluke meter in series with the battery negative post and terminal. There is a significant drain present as you can … Continue reading “2008 E350 Ford Van, Battery Drain”

2001 Ford Windstar, Alternator Burnt Up, Cooling Fans Run At High Speed, Part 2

The vehicle’s original alternator failed in July of last year. The customer had an extended warranty and the warranty company paid the bill, less the deductible. I had personally checked the system and installed a replacement alternator at that time. I offer a 12 month, 12,000 mile parts warranty and a 90 day labor warranty. … Continue reading “2001 Ford Windstar, Alternator Burnt Up, Cooling Fans Run At High Speed, Part 2”

2001 Ford Windstar, Alternator Burnt Up, Cooling Fans Run At High Speed

This 2001 Ford Windstar came in with the complaint that the alternator was not charging. Simple enough I charged the battery, checked and changed the faulty alternator assembly. The alternator is easy to change but the belt is a bit difficult and requires two people unless you already have the vehicle up in the air. … Continue reading “2001 Ford Windstar, Alternator Burnt Up, Cooling Fans Run At High Speed”

2000 Ford Windstar, Changing The Driver’s Power Window

This 2000 Ford Windstar came in with a driver’s power window inop.  I did  a quick test and found that the motor was bad. The quick test consists of turning the key on with the engine off. Then move the switch for the window in question up and down. While doing this look at the … Continue reading “2000 Ford Windstar, Changing The Driver’s Power Window”

2003 E350 Super Duty Van, Turn Signals and Blower Inoperative

This 2003 E350 Van came in with the complaint that sometimes the turn signals and blower motor do not work. The customer also stated that the brake and abs lights would come on along with a buzzer. I questioned the driver and found out it happens mainly in the mornings and more so when it … Continue reading “2003 E350 Super Duty Van, Turn Signals and Blower Inoperative”

1991 Ford E150 Battery Goes Dead Overnight

This 1991 Ford E150 van came in with the complaint that the battery will go dead overnight unless the customer disconnects the battery or leaves a battery charger hooked to the battery. The first thing I had to do was to check for a battery drain. There are several ways to do this and I … Continue reading “1991 Ford E150 Battery Goes Dead Overnight”

1998 Ford Windstar Power Mirrors Do Not Work In All Directions

This is a very common problem on most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products with power mirrors. A vehicle will come in with a complaint of the power mirror does not work in one or two direction. The simplest test is to see if both mirrors react in the same manner. If they do I go … Continue reading “1998 Ford Windstar Power Mirrors Do Not Work In All Directions”