1. The Obvious Checks (Easy & Free):
* Check the coolant level: Open the coolant reservoir (when the engine is cool!) and check the level. Low coolant means the system can't transfer heat effectively. If low, add 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Never open a hot radiator cap!
* Check the heater control: Make sure the fan is on and set to a warm or hot setting. Try different fan speeds. Is the heater control itself working? (Does the fan blow at all, even cold air?) If the fan doesn't work at all on any setting, the blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself might be the culprit.
* Check the blend door: This door controls the mix of hot and cold air. Listen carefully while adjusting the temperature control. You should hear a motor or actuator moving the blend door. If you hear nothing, or a grinding sound, the blend door actuator might be faulty.
* Check for air in the cooling system: If you recently added coolant, air pockets can prevent proper circulation. Run the engine with the heater on high, and periodically squeeze the upper radiator hose gently to help purge air from the system.
2. More Involved Checks (May Require Tools & Some Mechanical Knowledge):
* Thermostat: A stuck closed thermostat prevents coolant from circulating to the heater core. This is a relatively easy repair, but you'll need to drain some coolant.
* Heater Core: The heater core is a small radiator inside the car that warms the air. If it's clogged, leaking, or broken, it won't heat the air. This is a more involved repair, often requiring dashboard disassembly. Symptoms of a bad heater core include a sweet smell (antifreeze) in the car or leaking under the dashboard.
* Water Pump: A faulty water pump won't circulate coolant effectively, leading to poor heating. This is a more significant repair.
* Coolant Temperature Sensor: A faulty sensor might cause the engine computer to not signal the coolant to be routed to the heater core. A scan tool can help diagnose this.
* Blower Motor Resistor: This component controls fan speeds. If it's failed, you may have no fan or only one speed. It's usually relatively easy to replace.
* Blower Motor: The motor itself could be failing. This is another potential cause of no fan at all.
3. Getting Professional Help:
If you're not comfortable performing these checks or repairs, take your Windstar to a mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem accurately. Diagnosing a heating problem can be tricky, and replacing parts unnecessarily is costly.
Before you start any repairs:
* Consult a repair manual: A repair manual specific to your 2000 Ford Windstar will provide detailed instructions and diagrams.
* Safety first: Always work on a cool engine. Be aware of hot coolant and moving parts.
By systematically checking these components, you should be able to narrow down the cause of the no-heat problem in your Windstar. Remember, if you are unsure about any step, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.
