98 Windstar stalls when driving

Just the other day, out of the blue our 98 Windstar began stalling while driving. It starts right back up, but will stall out again in 2-5 minutes. We took to the dealership and of course, they couldn't get it to do this. They said they got a code "232" which they say is fuel pump but they were not sure this was the cause or would even fix the problem and in fact said they would not guarantee it would fix it.

We brought it home and it did stop doing this for a day, although it would hesitate and catch itself, but it is now acting up very badly again. Does anyone have any ideas before I take it to get looked at somewhere else and get charged diagnostic fees again? Merry Christmas!

Punkin;

Look at the other threads related to stalling, 24 and 33, etc. They al deal pretty much with the same problem of dirty egr valvle/system.

Good Luck and MXS your self.

We've been having the same problem,did you figure out what yours
was? Our service engine light comes on to,and that started about
the same time it started stalling.
Also have a problem with the light coming on showing that
there's a door open,and everything is shut. Could that
just be a short somewhere?
If anyone can help? Thank you.

Our 98 Windstar (3.8l) is doing the same thing. While driving it will either lose power or stall altogether, sometimes you can put it in neutral and restart it, other times you have to pull over, stop, put it in park and then restart it. We took it to our machanic and he replaced the fuel filter (yes, I am not mechanically inclined :lol: ), it went one day without problems and then started to act up again. We then took it in to the dealer and had the codes read (diagnostic,'s cost $70 where I live) he said that cylinder 1 was misfiring and we needed to change our plugs and wires, so we did that.... Once again it ran fine for 1 day, then started again. So we took it back to the dealer... this time he did anouther diagnostic and changed the transmittion oil and replaced the Fuel pump relay... Again we had the same effect, 1 day - good, then problems. So one more trip to the dealer and anouther diagnostic, and he says that the code is reading fuel pump. So far I've spend just over $800.00 including the $210.00 in diagnostics (the fuel pump, with labor is going to cost about $550.00).


Before I pay to have the fuel pump changed can anyone please tell me if they know what is wrong with my Van and how I can Fix it :banghead:

I had the same problem. I took the car to the dealer and had the fuel system cleaned. The car ran fine for about two weeks. Now it hesitates sometimes when it is first started. The fuel cleaning did help.

I put on a new fuel filter last year.

One basic thing to check for stalling at idle is the Idle Air Control (IAC).
This sits on top of the upper intake manifold....by the throttle body.
The PCM uses the IAC to control idle speed when your foot is off the accellerator.
Remove the 2 small bolts that hold it on, unplug the electrical connection....and spray some Seafoam Deep Creep or even WD-40 into it.....while holding it so that the fluid will run out.
This will flush the dirt out....and leave a oily residue to lubricate.