1999 Ford Windstart doesnot start


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Old 11-15-08, 06:30 AM
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1999 Ford Windstart doesnot start

1999 Ford windstart doesnot start,no dashboard light. When i turn the key nothing happens.
Suddenly all the interior lights were turning on/off while dirving so I pulled over and then it stopped. Now I cannot turnon...
Any help on where to start will be appreciated...
 
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Old 11-15-08, 06:45 AM
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Possible you have an alternator problem. Low voltage would cause fluctuating lights and gauges, although generally when the voltage drops below running minimums you would still have enough voltage for interior lights, etc.

I would first check all battery connections for security/corrosion and the battery itself for charge. At a minimum you will need a voltmeter.
 
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Old 11-15-08, 06:59 AM
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I take the string of events went like this....
While driving the interior lights were going off and on.
(Could be a short)
You pulled over and the car stopped and all electrical power stopped.
(Could be a fusible link burnt to protect the car)
Now the car has no sign of any power. Dash lights dont work or interior lights dont work etc.

Are these assumptions on my part correct as far as the facts go?
If not please set me straight.

I would start by looking and smelling around the wires from the positive post on the battery.
The smaller red wire should have a flexible feel to it and a "tab" attached to it. I dont know that vehicle so it may not be by the battery post so dont go nuts trying to find it.
Wiggle that flexible wire with ALL ELECTRICAL LOADS OFF and see if the wire is broken inside.

This is only one possible reason
Please listen to other posters and consider safety first when working with electrical problems. Fire is always a possibility
 
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Old 11-15-08, 07:43 AM
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Yes the Events are correct..

Thanks Frankie and the_tow_guy very much for prompt reply.
The events are exactly what you mentioned Frankie. So I will start looking at Battery wire, and then check the alternator. Is that correct.
How would I know between battery and alternator that which one is bad....
 
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Old 11-15-08, 07:49 AM
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Both can be removed and taken to most any Auto parts store for testing.
 
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Old 11-15-08, 08:12 AM
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Thanks Gunguy45.. need instruction for alternator

I am ok with removing battery and taking to Auto Parts store... But need instructions on removing the alternator... If someone can help .. that will be great.. Ford Windstar 99.
 
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Old 11-15-08, 11:51 AM
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Old 11-15-08, 08:58 PM
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Hmmm, very interesting....

My "98 Wind-no-start did a similar thing.

While driving to church last summer the clock and radio lights went out and A/C went off then the windows wouldn't go up or down and the motor started crapping out.
I nursed it to church and called my buddy to pick us up.
I suspected a bad battery since it was 5 years old.
Even got a good output voltage reading on the alt.
Put in a new battery but it crapped out the next day.
I WAS the altenator.
I had it tested at Advance and it was bad.
The altenator is EASY!
It's right on top. All you have to do is remove the serpentine belt, mount bolts and connections.........DONE!
Don't forget to disconnect the battery first!
 
 

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