ABS and brake light on 2003 Windstar. The speed control switch (located under brake master cylinder) is leaking and causes this light to be on. Replaced speed control switch but both lights are still on. Retrieved ABS code error and it is C1185 - relating to the ABS relay failure which is connected to the ABS module itself. Repair of such is very costly (Ford quoted between $800-$900; another shop quoted $700). I believe this should be part of a recall that Ford should make as it is a safety issue and a design failure (and very costly!). additional reference: www.fordwindstarrecall.info/.

- Chantilly, VA, USA

2003 Ford Windstar has electrical problems, ABS light stays on, brake light stays on and the speedometer and the odometer do not work now.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

Ford Windstar brake, ABS brake, cruise control, and speedometer/odometer electrical problems. Our van has had this issue twice now and needs to be a recall item as Ford is well aware of the issue and the major safety issues it presents! we are looking for NHTSA to press them for a resolution with so many of these vehicles on the roads and the number of events.

- Fuquay Varina, NC, USA

Brake lights and ABS lights often come on; and made the cruise control fail.

- Penfield, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Windstar. While driving the vehicle and applying the brakes there was no pressure behind it. He observed that all of the brake fluid leaked out from the speed control switch. The repairs were made by the contact. The current mileage was 86,238. The failure mileage was 85,750. Updated 4/16/08 the consumer stated the ABS warning light illuminated

- Lafayette, LA, USA

While driving the red brake and yellow ABS light appeared on the dash. A mechanic looked at the problem and noticed that the "cruise control knock off switch" was leaking brake fluid. There was also a service bulletin and recalls concerning this particular switch on multiple Ford vehicles except on my 2003 Windstar. Apparently, fires have been caused by this faulty switch. I paid for Ford to replace the switch which cost $145 (parts and labor) but that did not solve the problem of the brake light and ABS light. They indicated that the electronic control unit has failed due to the faulty switch.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

My wife was parked and started our 2003 Ford Windstar on 6 Aug 2007 when she noticed a large amount of white smoke coming from the engine compartment, she had already driven the vehicle for approximately 40 miles that morning. Thinking the engine was on fire she opened the hood, she saw the smoke coming from the electrical connection leading to the speed control pressure switch. The vehicle was immediately off and she notice the speed control pressure switch and electrical connection wire was badly charred. She attempted to restart the vehicle several times with the same result, large amounts of white smoke and strong odor of burning wire. We where lucky that it did not ignite into a fire. We are passing this information along so that everyone who needs to know will get the message. I checked and did not find a recall for this particular problem on this make and year.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

We own a 2003 Ford Windstar van. Ever since we have had the van after running at cruising speed the engine will not idle down. We have taken it to the dealer several times but they could not fix it. Being a former Ford tech. I tried to fix it my self and replaced the tps sensor with no luck. No matter where you set the idle speed the problem will come back. We have been dealing with problem for three years now and are growing very tired. Not only is this dangerous it is wearing out brakes faster. It seems to be an electronic problem where the computer will not lower the idle. I have checked the throttle cable and throttle valve and nothing is binding. I can't blame the mechanic at the dealership, I blame Ford. I hope this can be corrected before someone gets hurt. I bought this van so I would not have to worry about my wife and kids.

- Alabaster, AL, USA

While idling at a stop light with brakes activated, engine suddenly accelerated, starting car moving forward. Releasing the over drive option on the gear shift stopped the uncontrolled engine revving. This was the third occurrence of this problem. I have a visit to the dealership scheduled to investigate.

- Medina, OH, USA

2003 Ford Windstar. When driving for approximately 15 minutes if he pulls up to a stop sign and puts the vehicle in neutral the vehicle will idle at 2,000 rpms. The vehicle has been inspected four times at the dealership. It is going back to the service department this week. The vehicle has been reprogrammed once, and the idle air control sensor has been replaced. Also, found there was a gasket bulging out, holding the cruise control cable. The last time the vehicle was at dealer, they replaced throttle control sensor on July 5, 2005.

- Minooka, IL, USA

The speed gauge needle on the instrument panel moved back and forth on its own. Consumer pulled over, an D problem recurred. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic claimed problem could not be duplicated.

- Pinetops, NC, USA

While at a stop, the vehicle would try to accelerate forward even though the consumers foot was on the brake. The cause was not determined.

- Louisville, KY, USA

While starting vehicle with brakes depressed vehicle idled high, resulting in surging forward into home. Dealer replaced idle control vale.

- Rochester, NH, USA

Consumer complained about an acceleration problem. When driving at any speed the vehicle accelerated, making it very hard to maneuver once the acceleration kicked in. Applying the brake during acceleration was ineffective. The air intake control was replaced.

- Redmond, OR, USA