Strange Squealing noise

I've got a 2000 Windstar, not very fond of it either. Anyway, before the car heats up to operating temp, and sometimes soon after, I'll hear a loud squealing sound and the engine will cut off. It only does this when at idel and only shortly after you start up the engine (up to 20 min after start up). I've got three codes coming from the obd, all of which are related to the HO2 sensors. Has anyone heard of this or might know about what would cause this?

If the codes are P0171 and/or P0174....most likely cause is a vaccum leak.
Do you need to add coolant?.....if so, you could have a coolant leak into the engine....
Another thing to check is the serpentine belt....and all the pulleys.
Sometimes the shaft for the Camshaft Position Sensor can loose lubrication and seize up.....causing a squeal.

I believe others on this forum and other Fords on AF here have had a squeal with the camshaft position sensor (CPS) causing engine problems. It is used by the engine computer to syncronize and sequence the fuel injectors, so that may be consistent with your problem as it won't supply gas to the engine cylinders if it doesn't know which to send it. It wasn't very clear if everyone with this problem had any codes specifically for thisl. I imagine because the CPS may not actually be broken or is still sending signals, just that what it is sending may not be a clean or accurate enough signal to have things work as they should.

have a look at this youtube on the same problem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGOe0WXnYeE

from what I read there it was.....

This sound your hearing is your cam synchronizer bearing going bad! The van stalls because the bearing locks up and the cam sensor looses its signal! If the check engine light is on? you will retrieve a code P0340 using a scan tool! so the parts you will need is a camshaft synchronizer and cam sensor! the best place to get this from is the dealer! If your asking how I know wat the problem is? I worked at a for dealership for 5 years! And also I have 2 98' Ford windstars also!


and he replied.......

andrew4378 (5 months ago) Show Hide 0 Marked as spam Reply | Spam Yes! your right it was the camshaft synchronizer what a madding experience. I was actually dramatize by my own auto mobile even my main mechanic told me my car was a car from hell because he couldn't figure out the problem. Needless, to say I change him and went to PEPboys and their mechanic found the problem "Thank God"



sounds like that could be your problem

hope it helps
fred

I just had to say you were right on. I had the same squeal. OBDII said is was a cps low voltage or something like that. Replace the CPS and still squealed. I had to do some running so I decided to put some fuel injector cleaner in and do my 120 mile drive. (2 cans STP). Next morn I check and still had a slight squeal. Took the CPS off and sprayed a few blasts of PB Blaster down in the Synchronizer (using that little straw thing on the nozzle). No more squeal. Picked up a can of White Lithium Grease spray just in case the PB Blaster didn't keep it squeal free. Try that before I get the 65 dollar synchronizer. Just wanted to say thanks and you saved me from the irritant squeal....