Battery drains in minutes?

REBECCAMARIE6

MEMBER
2002 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

The problem started with my wipers suddenly started working on their own and would not shut off. Then #2 relay and Nader dash started clicking and my radio and headlights would go on and off with the clicking. Then my interior lights wouldn’t shut off. When the ignition is off, I can hear a small motor running behind the stereo. Now my battery drains in minutes! I tried using a battery charger to start the van, but it would not start.
The wiper cowl is broken, could moisture be getting to the fuse box under the hood?Ever since the cowl broke, when I wash my van, it runs bad. Then back to normal when dried out. And could the noise behind my radio be the actuator?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

When I wash my van, it runs bad. It is a separate question so please start a new thread. It sounds like the FEM module has gone out which is common with these cars. Here is the location so you can change it out. Also, your battery sounds like it is bad, I would use this guide to see after the battery has charged:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Here is the location of the FEM so you can change it out to fix the problem. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to make bigger)