i have a 2000 windstar while coming home from a family outing last week when the radio and all light in the dash including heater all shut off the radio flashed LOW BAT a few times after pulling over and sitting on the side of the road for a minute it all returned back on we made about another 40 miles to the next exit and to a gas station where i turned it off the battery was dead after getting a jump we managed to go another 40 miles toa auto store where they ran a load test on the starter and checked to alternator all was good at time of test we ended up making about 60 miles more befor we was on the side of the road battery dead again at the local auto store they said the alt. was not putting out enough so i replaced it and also purchased a new battery that was a week ago or so now the new battery is dead and all the same issues have returned i could really use some help on what to check next thanks for any help guys

 

Wires. I would check any wires to and from the battery and alternator, starter and anything I can get at. Make sure all ground connections are good and free of corrosion.
Inspect all insulation for chafing etc. Make sure the alternator belt is good and properly tensioned.
O'Reilly's checked my alternator on the bench. They performed 2 tests at once: alternator and voltage regulator.

Good luck!

 

When you replaced the alternator, did you make sure it was properly grounded to the chassis? It may be something that you simply overlooked. hmmm good luck

 

I believe the PCM controls the charging rate of the alternator on this car. It would pay to have the system checked with the proper equipment .

 

Did you ever figure out what it was that caused this? Our van has done the exact thing this week. We replaced the alternator and battery on Wednesday and here is it Friday getting towed again as it was dead and wouldn't take a jump. Any help would be great!

 

no i have not i replaced the alt bat checked all wires, fuse,fusel inks links and replaced the pcm and i ahve not solved the issue yet

 

Lip and Garcia: you may have to give hanky's suggestion a closer look.

 

my 1999 winstar is blowing the fuse for the fuel pump.the fuse is in the power distrubution box under the hood.do i need to change the box,the fuel pump or blow the van up!

 

If you have your owner's manual check where the inertia switch is located. One you find it let me know and I will suggest something for you to try that may assist with determining where the problem causing the fuse to blow is located.