when changing gears van hesitates

When driving the van and when it changes gears it hesitates a bit. Also when in idle it sometimes seems like its going to stall. The engine light is on and havent checked it out yet. Maybe it has something to do with the problem. 2001 Windstar.

There are several possible causes of these symptoms.

Don't guess - stop by an AutoZone (well, in the US); they'll hook a scanner up to your car (for free!) and tell you what error codes are causing the check engine light.

Post the codes back here - we'll be glad to help (and make sure to get the actual numeric codes, not their text description of the problem).

There are several possible causes of these symptoms.

Don't guess - stop by an AutoZone (well, in the US); they'll hook a scanner up to your car (for free!) and tell you what error codes are causing the check engine light.

Post the codes back here - we'll be glad to help (and make sure to get the actual numeric codes, not their text description of the problem).
Thanks Phil. I live in Canada so I will have to find a place that will do that. There is a place here but they want $20.00. As soon as I find out I will post the codes. Thanks again.

Let us know what the codes are.

Sounds like there's an opportunity for a Canadian auto parts chain to offer free OBDII scanning as a business-builder.

Note that there are cheap, basic scanners out there; see this thread:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=488463

Thanks Phil. I live in Canada so I will have to find a place that will do that. There is a place here but they want $20.00. As soon as I find out I will post the codes. Thanks again.

darrbonn,

A short while back Mr Transmission was advertising (at least in the Toronto area) that they will read the codes for free. They never really specified whether it was transmission codes only but the ad sounded like they were refering to the CEL. If not $20 does not sound too bad. You can also buy a code reader. Princess Auto had one for under $100 IIRC.

Just remember to get the actual code number from them and not their interpretation.

BTW...It certainly could be related to your problem.

darrbonn,

If the "hesistation" during upshifting feels most like the vehicle simply does not accelerate for a moment (during the upshift), I can assure you that that is both normal and intentional on the part of Ford. It is called "tip in retard", the Powertrain Control Module (PCM - computer) deliberately retards engine timing during upshifts. The harder you press on the go pedal, the MORE of a retard you get. The reduces available engine torque during shifting, making for a smoother SHIFT, and reducing wear on the transmission.

I actually like this feature, but I can very much understand why others would not.

If the "hesistation" during upshifting feels most like the vehicle simply does not accelerate for a moment (during the upshift), I can assure you that that is both normal and intentional on the part of Ford.

Yes.... But I'm presuming this hesitation is a new behavior for the van, not seen in past. The tip-in-retard explanation only makes sense for a new driver of the van (and doesn't address the idle problem).

darrbonn - Is the hesitation a new problem?

Yes.... But I'm presuming this hesitation is a new behavior for the van, not seen in past. The tip-in-retard explanation only makes sense for a new driver of the van (and doesn't address the idle problem).

darrbonn - Is the hesitation a new problem?
Thanks for responding. It is a new problem. I've had the van for over a year and I just noticed this recently. Im not sure if it did it before but I just recently noticed it. Maybe because the engine light is on also.

darrbonn -

Thanks for clarifying. Please let us know what code is causing the check engine light!

darrbonn -

Thanks for clarifying. Please let us know what code is causing the check engine light!
I got the code checked today and it was 401 . There defenition was exhaust gas recirculation flow insufficient detected. Dont know if this would be the cause of the hesitation, like its going to stall when I idle. Or the slight hesitation when its changing gears. Thanks

I got the code checked today and it was 401 . There defenition was exhaust gas recirculation flow insufficient detected. Dont know if this would be the cause of the hesitation, like its going to stall when I idle. Or the slight hesitation when its changing gears. Thanks

I did a Google search and came up with this for code P0401:

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/generic/p0401-insufficient-exhaust-gas-recirculation-flow-egr.php

Regards
Dan