Ford Windstar Power Sliding Door problems

jambar · 01-11-2012, 08:43 PM

I have a 2001 Windstar Limited with the wonderful power sliding door. My wife loves them to death but right now both of them have issues. Neither one when told to close will latch. the door will go all the way to the jam but will not activate the latching mechanism.

Anybody have any ideas or a solution from previous experience???

Graybeard · 01-14-2012, 07:11 AM

I would clean and lube the spring loaded contacts at the front of the door, for a start.

I would also turn off the automatic and open and close the door slowly to look for binding. This would also be a good time to inspect and lube the rollers.

jambar · 01-15-2012, 08:36 PM

I have already done all of those things. Even taken apart the latch actuator and lubed it. it works much better now but the door still closes all the way but will not latch and reopens.

Someplace else mentioned replacing the rear power module, but they also were having many other problems. the only common on was the ABS Traction control Light comes on after hitting the first bump of the day.

Graybeard · 01-16-2012, 06:10 AM

The REM is located behind the jack. You have to remove the jack bracket to see it. I would rate that unit as very unlikely to be the cause.

It's daunting to tear out the interior panels, but that's what I would do to see what's going on.

As for the ABS light, I would change out the master cyl brake pressure switch.

You really need the Ford manuals for your year Windy. Used ones are on Ebay. Manuals on disks are most likely illegal copies. If they would steal from Ford, they would not be afraid to steal from you, and may have spyware, etc., included.

jambar · 01-23-2012, 08:04 PM

I assume the master cylinder brake pressure switch is located some where on the master cylinder.

Why would this cause the light to come on?

Graybeard · 01-23-2012, 08:48 PM

Yes, the brake pressure switch is located on the forward end of the master cyl. It is a normally closed switch, and they are noted for going intermittent, causing the logic to trip if it thinks it sees brake pressure but no pedal applied. There's another switch on the pedal arm.

Graybeard · 01-23-2012, 10:34 PM

BTW, you are aware of the recall for that brake pressure switch?

jambar · 01-24-2012, 08:24 PM

I am if that is one that was recalled 2 or 3 years ago, yes they replaced it free of charge.

To test it, being that it is closed, it should test 0 or near 0 ohms. I will do this sometime this week.

Thanks for your help.

Graybeard · 01-24-2012, 10:43 PM

The recall for the brake pressure switch did not apply to the Monty I bought with 80K miles 2 1/2 years ago, but the Advance Trac fail light would come on within a mile or so, and the CC would not engage. I changed that switch, and no fails since. Maybe the ABS fail light came on also; I don't remember. Is your CC working when the ABS fail light is on?