Questions and Answers
Windstar Clock Spring
Q. Hello Vincent, I have a 1998 Ford Windstar early model year, has 1997 engine, 3.8 liter, automatic transmission, LX model. About 6 months ago I started noticing that the ignition chime would chime even if the key was removed from the steering column when opening the drivers door.
Shortly thereafter I noticed that the door lock button would not lock the drivers door, it would lock all others but not the drivers door. I could however lock them with the door lock remote. It seems to be getting worse however, now the door lock remote will not lock the drivers door at all. The ignition chimes as soon as you remove the key from the column and open the door. The door remote will lock all other doors but the drivers, the door lock on the drivers door will lock the door but then it automatically unlocks again.
In order to lock the car I have to push down on the door lock knob, close the door then hit the door lock button on the remote. Occasionally the remote will not unlock the doors either but most of the time unlocking is fine. The Ford dealer seems to think that the problem is the Clock Spring ( I thought this was related to muffler bearings or knibbling pins but was surprised to find that there really was a clock spring device in steering column) and estimated the repair at about 4 to 5 hours and $130.00 for the spring.
What do you think? Maybe unrelated but I found that the built in feature that turns off the lights to save the battery is not working either.
Thank you for your response.
A. I'm a little confused why they would determine the clock spring or Air Bag Sliding Contact would be the cause of the problem you are experiencing, but I will not try to second guess the technicians who have actually worked on the car. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and if the new clock spring solves the problem, then that will be the proof they are correct.
According to my estimating book, the list price of the clock spring from Ford is $96.83 and the labor time is about ½ an hour, so I don't see where they are getting a four or five hour labor time.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
