2000 SEL 3.8L Part identification

Hello! My name is Damian and it's my first day here as a registered user :)

I am a college student and have been lucky enough to have my folks donate their old Windstar to me :).

I've started tinkering around and trying to learn the various components of a car and how it works so please don't yell if i sound like i have no idea what I'm talking about.

On the left hand side in the engine just behind the alternator i noticed some kind of a box, right behind that box there is a small metal rod that seems to be disconnected. From what it looks like, there should be 2 rods connected to this box (one on either side of the box, but i only seem to have 1).

Can someone please let me in on what this box is called and what it does? I'm guessing it's some sort of actuator.

In the included attachments I've highlighted the box in red and the rod in yellow (sorry for the dirty engine, i don't know if this is some sort of a gasket issue but i haven't had any CEL light come on for as long as I've had this car)

Hello and welcome to the forum dude!

That's the IMRC actuator and linkages (metallic rods) coming off are a common problem with windstars, hopefully a more experienced users will give a better description of what it does but as far as I know it helps regulate "something" inside of the cylinders, something like an IAC valve, if the linkages come off your van should display a CEL and most likely will run rough under acceleration.

Regards,

Oscar.

Hello! My name is Damian and it's my first day here as a registered user :)

I am a college student and have been lucky enough to have my folks donate their old Windstar to me :).

I've started tinkering around and trying to learn the various components of a car and how it works so please don't yell if i sound like i have no idea what I'm talking about.

On the left hand side in the engine just behind the alternator i noticed some kind of a box, right behind that box there is a small metal rod that seems to be disconnected. From what it looks like, there should be 2 rods connected to this box (one on either side of the box, but i only seem to have 1).

Can someone please let me in on what this box is called and what it does? I'm guessing it's some sort of actuator.

In the included attachments I've highlighted the box in red and the rod in yellow (sorry for the dirty engine, i don't know if this is some sort of a gasket issue but i haven't had any CEL light come on for as long as I've had this car)
Additional informations on this forum: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=764861&highlight=imrc
And you can also make some search here with " IMRC ".

Thank you so much :). Before posting here i tried numerous different ways to describe what i was looking for in Google search to no avail. At least now i know what it's called. I'm somewhat bummed that I'm missing the other "linkage rod" and am hoping to track down a ford part number so i can fix it myself.


Hello and welcome to the forum dude!

That's the IMRC actuator and linkages (metallic rods) coming off are a common problem with windstars, hopefully a more experienced users will give a better description of what it does but as far as I know it helps regulate "something" inside of the cylinders, something like an IAC valve, if the linkages come off your van should display a CEL and most likely will run rough under acceleration.

Regards,

Oscar.

Yes!!! Thank you so much!

I know it is suggested in the rules to search the forum before posting, but its difficult doing a search if you don't even know what the component is called. Thanks for being patient with me.

Additional informations on this forum: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=764861&highlight=imrc
And you can also make some search here with " IMRC ".

Here is a video that will help you understand the IMRC,remember this is a 98 (which are vacuum operated) and yours is electronic, little different but same operation.

http://realfixesrealfast.com/realfixesrealfast.com/Codes/Pages/Windstar_MIRC_Codes.html

Welcome to the forum.
There is NO problem with questions being asked that have been already answered......every forum that I have been going on has the same questions being asked.
It is tough doing a search when you don't know what you are searching for.
My main focus in participating in this and other forums is to help others with their vehicles and to learn more about how to take care of my own.
The exchange of information is what is important.

The IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control) is a way to boost performance when the motor is running at higher RPMs, like when passing another vehicle.
The computer (FORD documentation calls it Power Control Module, PCM) will send a signal to open the extra port for each cylinder when the motor RPM gets over a certain RPM, AND some other specifications are met.
This permits more air to enter the cylinders under hard accelleration conditions.

Having these extra ports open at lower RPMs is NOT good.....and the motor will not run as well with these extra ports open at lower RPMs.
It is not that the motor is damaged with the extra ports open.....it just does not run as well....and fuel economy will also be lower.

One thing that I STRONGLY suggest, as you are in a area that has salt on the roads in winter.......is that you have your windstar checked at your local FORD dealership as per the recall that has been issue for the rear axle and front subframe (if you have not already done so).
The inspection and repair (if they can get the parts) is free, as it is a recall program.

Hello and thank you guys for all the wonderful help. I just got back from the scrapyard and scored myself the linkage rods for the IMRC and am going to try and install them today.

As for the recall, the local Ford dealership did an amazing job checking out and reinforcing the rear axle. :)

I'll post pics when i'm done

All the best!

Welcome to the forum.
There is NO problem with questions being asked that have been already answered......every forum that I have been going on has the same questions being asked.
It is tough doing a search when you don't know what you are searching for.
My main focus in participating in this and other forums is to help others with their vehicles and to learn more about how to take care of my own.
The exchange of information is what is important.

The IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control) is a way to boost performance when the motor is running at higher RPMs, like when passing another vehicle.
The computer (FORD documentation calls it Power Control Module, PCM) will send a signal to open the extra port for each cylinder when the motor RPM gets over a certain RPM, AND some other specifications are met.
This permits more air to enter the cylinders under hard accelleration conditions.

Having these extra ports open at lower RPMs is NOT good.....and the motor will not run as well with these extra ports open at lower RPMs.
It is not that the motor is damaged with the extra ports open.....it just does not run as well....and fuel economy will also be lower.

One thing that I STRONGLY suggest, as you are in a area that has salt on the roads in winter.......is that you have your windstar checked at your local FORD dealership as per the recall that has been issue for the rear axle and front subframe (if you have not already done so).
The inspection and repair (if they can get the parts) is free, as it is a recall program.

The install took some time since everything is packed in so tight, here is a picture of the linkage rods installed. It's nice that everything went smooth.