CarComplaints.com Notes: The Freestar was introduced in 2004, but it was essentially just a rebranded Windstar. While there was a redesign of the interior and exterior, the Freestar still inherited some of the design flaws of its predecessor.
2004 Ford Freestar, bought new in 2004. Same ongoing problems for years. Replaced first transmission in 2011 under torque converter recall (lost power while driving); 2nd transmission in 2013, rough idle, wouldn't go into gear; 3rd transmission same thing--rough idle, won't go into gear--rebuilt transmission.
Just happened again in December 14, rough idle, no engagement. Shop told me needs transmission again--but this time I just let it sit for three days. Yes--wet PCM board. Open it up and let it dry--and miraculously car ran fine and transmission was good. If I had taken it back to Ford dealer they would have replaced transmission. I'm fairly confident they did not rebuild transmission last time--as they just let PCM dry out and charged me $2600.
As with all other Freestar owners--lots of check engine lights coming on/off, traction control off light, etc. PCM board was sealed up per TSB a few years ago--but probably not well enough. These things always happen after rain of course. Every time I get a problem with car (today car won't start--no click, good battery, good alternator) and have to assume its PCM related and not something typical like solenoid or starter or neutral safety switch.
Yes, car is old now but I've maintained the heck out if--and it looks great. It even runs great when I don't have these issues. Plenty deep $$$ into this car so want to keep it. Ford must recall and replace the PCM board and admit issue. Dangerous--yes--as every time this happens I'm driving and have to pull over quickly. Its far more than a "customer satisfaction" issue.
I have loved my Freestar but within the last month it has done this twice. The first time, I was going to the bank and the car would go about 1 house length and die (battery light came on.) Started up several times and same thing happened about 4 times when it finally died completely. AAA came to help me and the same thing happened to him. We finally had it towed to a FORD DEALER and they 'checked it out.' They could not fix it.
I went to pick it up and they had not fixed but I was able to get home without stalling.
Then the next Friday I took my husband who recently had a stroke to rehab and all the way home it stopped and started and chugged along, stalled sometimes, dying.
I need it fixed it is the only car my husband can get in right now. What is wrong with it so I can get it fixed?
- peters7669,
Mentor, OH, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2004 Ford Freestar, bought new in 2004. Same ongoing problems for years. Replaced first transmission in 2011 under torque converter recall (lost power while driving); 2nd transmission in 2013, rough idle, wouldn't go into gear; 3rd transmission same thing--rough idle, won't go into gear--rebuilt transmission.
Just happened again in December 14, rough idle, no engagement. Shop told me needs transmission again--but this time I just let it sit for three days. Yes--wet PCM board. Open it up and let it dry--and miraculously car ran fine and transmission was good. If I had taken it back to Ford dealer they would have replaced transmission. I'm fairly confident they did not rebuild transmission last time--as they just let PCM dry out and charged me $2600.
As with all other Freestar owners--lots of check engine lights coming on/off, traction control off light, etc. PCM board was sealed up per TSB a few years ago--but probably not well enough. These things always happen after rain of course. Every time I get a problem with car (today car won't start--no click, good battery, good alternator) and have to assume its PCM related and not something typical like solenoid or starter or neutral safety switch.
Yes, car is old now but I've maintained the heck out if--and it looks great. It even runs great when I don't have these issues. Plenty deep $$$ into this car so want to keep it. Ford must recall and replace the PCM board and admit issue. Dangerous--yes--as every time this happens I'm driving and have to pull over quickly. Its far more than a "customer satisfaction" issue.
- Jim N., Lexington, MA, US