Tuneup for 98 Windstar 3.8L

So my windstar has finally hit 90,000 Mile and I still have not gotten a tuneup.

The real reason why I am interested in getting a tuneup is because it doesn't idle well when doing a cold start. The needle moves erractically moves up and down, until you change to drive, than everything is fine. But nevertheless it is still due for a tuneup.

I'm told there are 3 spark plugs in the front, 3 in the back. The wiring will also need to changes. So will many filters. I believe Distributor cap is also recommended. So far the only decent estimate I have gotten is $260 (labor+parts) just for spark plugs and wiring. The dealer says around $800 for full tuneup.

I don't know if this a good estimate. I don't know what's the exact shopping list to make when doing a tuneup. The other thing is they say tuneup on this windstar is quite labor intensive as 3 of the spark plugs are quite hard to reach. Does anyone have a picture pointing out where I should look for all the spark plugs, or atleast the front ones? And what exactly should a tuneup involved.

Hi
For your idle problem, look at previous posts on the idle air controller IAC.

The spark plugs in front should be readily visible. The ones in back are very difficult to see, and difficult to change although many DIY's do it. The problem is simply that the rears are hard to get at. Other than that it is very basic work.

Regarding the distributor cap: you do not have one. These vehicles have distributor-less ignition. You have a coil pack where all the spark plug leads attach, the camshaft position sensor for timing and the powertrain control module for brains.

Just a few thoughts.

Your rear spark plugs are best accessed from UNDER the car. Put the font up....on ramps is best and most secure.
Engine MUST be cool (you will be hugging a catalytic converter to do these plugs)
Slide under the car......
Slide back until you are looking up.....just ahead of the firewall.......In other words....when you think you are back far enough....move back some more....the bottom of the firewall should be at about your forehead.
You will now be able to get at the rear plugs.

You WILL want to use DOUBLE PLATINUM plugs.
Autozone carries them for just under $5 (US) each.
Motorcraft Stock Code #686 is how they had them stocked for my '96.
Do not use Bosch plugs...as they are not double platinum. Only the center electrode is platinum.
The windstar needs platinum center and side electrode as one side of the engine has a positive spark....and the other side has a negative spark.
Autolite also makes a double platinum plug.

You will want to replace the air filter.
I would also spray some non-residue electronic cleaner to clean the MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor).....there is a screen (make sure it is clear of any stuff) an you will see a plastic piece with a hole in it....spray the cleaner ito the hole.....there is a corresponding hole on the other side of the plastic piece.

Run some high quality fuel system cleaner through....I recommend Redline Fuel System Cleaner.....put the whole bottle in to treat a full tank of gasoline. If you have not done this before....you may have to do this several times.

The fuel filter is under the car.....just in front of the driver side rear tire.....on the inside of the frame member. Is tricky to change.....YOU MUST release the fuel pressure before removing the fuel line....there is a special tool that you will need to release one end of the fuel line......should cost about $10 for a set of various sizes....."fuel line release" Plastic sleeve things that you slide up inside the fuel line to release the clips. Also used for air conditioning lines and transmission cooling lines. My set told me to use the 3/8" size for Ford 5/16" lines.
Follow instructions that you can find at Autozone.com under vehicle specific repair guides.
If you change the fuel filter....I would recommend that you do it AFTER running the fuel system cleaner......So if you work stuff loose.....you will change it out with the filter....and then start off with a nice clean one for the winter.

Be on the lookout for any vacuum leaks as these drive the computer contols crazy.

The IAC (Idle Air Control) is located on top of the upper intake manifold.....next to the throttle body.
Instructions on this can be found at the autozone website as well.

If you don't want to go from the bottom, you can also get to the plugs from the top side by removing the cowl-- the plastic between the windshield and the hood. It consists of the plastic upper and a steel lower section which housese the windshield wiper motor. There is one connector on the right as you look into the engine bay that controls the wiper motor and a plastic line that carries the windshield wiper fluid on the left-- it is fragile, so you want to pay attention to it as you lift the plastic upper, it runs through a grommet through a hole in the lower. You will have to remove the wipers first, and removing the radio antenna helps as well.

Once the cowling is out, you have quite a bit of room to reach in the back and remove those plugs. Be careful of the vacuum lines, they are brittle, hard plastic and do break easily.

Buy and replace your PCV valve as well. It is relatively inexpensive.