Questions and Answers

Ford Windstar Overheating Q. Hi, I have a 1995 Ford Windstar, automatic transmission, A/C, P/S, 3.8 liter, 156,000 miles, FI, ABS, C/C. The engine (due to head gasket) was replaced 2½ years ago with 128,000 miles on it with a rebuilt one. I had all the usual stuff replaced when the engine was out. No problems at all until a couple of weeks ago when my wife was driving it.

The antifreeze bubbled out of the overflow tank.When I got to her, I noticed the upper hose was collapsed, I replaced the hose and thermostat, it happened again, this time I was driving it. I noticed the lower radiator hose was cold, the upper hot. After a few minutes, the upper hose collapsed again.

This time I noticed that the YELLOW ABS light came on and the RED BRAKE LIGHT came on after about a mile of driving and overheated after about five miles of driving. My wife mentioned that the same two lights came on for her as well. Some days we drive it, and everything is fine. Other days, if we notice the lights come on, we go get the other car.

Any possible CONNECTOR, IGNITION SWITCH (rather sloppy and loose), or PC BOARD connections that may be intermittent or loosing a ground, or any other suggestions? I feel if I drive it to a garage without any ideas, they will get me for another engine.

Thanks,
Jim

A. Before I do anything else, I would put in another thermostat and a new radiator cap. Use Ford parts, not aftermarket. When you put in the thermostat pay attention to the orientation. It can be put in backwards.

If this doesn't take care of it, then we have to face the possibility of a blown head gasket. How the ABS and Brake light figure into this, I don't know. Both are totally separate.