I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, when it's parked and in drive it idles normal, then will idle low and eventually die. The check engine light was on so we took it to the shop and they said it was the cam positioning sensor, we replaced it and the check engine light came off but we're still having the same problem. We checked for vacuume leaks and the air filter and found no problem. We replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter, IAC valve and mass air flow sensor. We have no idea where to go from here, your help is greatly appreciated.

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, when it's parked and in drive it idles normal, then will idle low and eventually die. The check engine light was on so we took it to the shop and they said it was the cam positioning sensor, we replaced it and the check engine light came off but we're still having the same problem. We checked for vacuume leaks and the air filter and found no problem. We replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter, IAC valve and mass air flow sensor. We have no idea where to go from here, your help is greatly appreciated.

Hello

Welcome to A/F's!

Does your van die when it's hot out? Does it start up right away? Has the fuel psi been checked? I wonder if your fuel pump is failing?

Post back

Regards

Dan

Hello

Welcome to A/F's!

Does your van die when it's hot out? Does it start up right away? Has the fuel psi been checked? I wonder if your fuel pump is failing?

Post back

Regards

Dan
It dies whether it's hot or cold outside and it does always start right away. We haven't checked the fuel psi because it seems to be a idle problem and not fuel. It only dies when it's parked and in gear, never when we're driving.

It could be a low fuel pressure problem or an IAC (Idle Air Control) valve messing up on you. That is if the CEL is still not coming on.

We replaced the IAC and since it's only at an idle and not driving it wouldn't be a fuel pressure issue.

Does the van die when in park or only when the van is put in gear and the brake is being used. Perhaps you have a small vaccuum leak in the brake booster. Block the wheels, disconect and cap off the booster vaccuum and see if the van does not stall when in gear with the brake pressed.

Does the van die when in park or only when the van is put in gear and the brake is being used. Perhaps you have a small vaccuum leak in the brake booster. Block the wheels, disconect and cap off the booster vaccuum and see if the van does not stall when in gear with the brake pressed.
The van only dies while in gear not normally in park although when it's in park the idle is still not steady, it will still go up and down. It wouldn't be the brake booster because it will die whether the brake is pressed or we have it in gear with the emergency brake on.

Check your fuel pressure regulator. These same symptoms happenned on my 99 because the U shaped vacuum hose was coming loose from the upper intake manifold.