Ford
Windstar
1998
179,000 miles
3.8L engine
While driving, I turned the climate control switch clockwise to direct heat to the dash/footwell position. After a couple of seconds there was a noticeable affect on the engine (like the compressor coming on). The engine then died. I turned off the heat blower and repositioned the climate control to the 12 o'clock or "off" position. I was able to restart the engine but noticed a strong "burn" smell. (smelled more like and electric motor burn smell than wiring or engine). Tried repeating the problem and discovered that it involved turning the climate switch ONLY to clockwise positions (dash/footwell, dash/windshield, windshield only). In the off or counterclockwise position (dash only or AC settings) problem did not repeat. When turning the climate control to clockwise position as initially, two seconds later the engine immediately seems to step-down, like a load is being placed on it. The blower fans (front & back) seem to be unaffected since they work fine when the climate control is on dash only--plenty of heat (did not try A/C). Obviously something is fried or seized, but what and at what cost to repair??
Windstar
1998
179,000 miles
3.8L engine
While driving, I turned the climate control switch clockwise to direct heat to the dash/footwell position. After a couple of seconds there was a noticeable affect on the engine (like the compressor coming on). The engine then died. I turned off the heat blower and repositioned the climate control to the 12 o'clock or "off" position. I was able to restart the engine but noticed a strong "burn" smell. (smelled more like and electric motor burn smell than wiring or engine). Tried repeating the problem and discovered that it involved turning the climate switch ONLY to clockwise positions (dash/footwell, dash/windshield, windshield only). In the off or counterclockwise position (dash only or AC settings) problem did not repeat. When turning the climate control to clockwise position as initially, two seconds later the engine immediately seems to step-down, like a load is being placed on it. The blower fans (front & back) seem to be unaffected since they work fine when the climate control is on dash only--plenty of heat (did not try A/C). Obviously something is fried or seized, but what and at what cost to repair??
Feb 26, 2007 at 2:14 AM