new to me 98

Wife just got a 98 Windstar, 3.0 engine with 195k on it given to her by daughter and son in law. This vehicle has spent it's live in Florida and Virginia. ( I will be getting all the service records for the vehicle) I have read wiswind's general info thread, great info wiswind. The power steering does have a slight whine to it which I will do the fluid change on to see it helps.

Service engine soon light was on so I read the codes and got the P0446, which I cleared and will watch to see if it returns. I will also check the vacuum lines and such at the canister when i can. I have been reading some of the threads here but most seem to be directed towards the 3.8 engine.

Any advice is appreciated regarding problems to watch out for to help keep repair cost to a minimal. If this vehicle equals the service our 94 Villager has given us I will be very satisfied with it.


Thank you in advance.

The 3.0L motor has a reputation of being a great motor.
However, there are very few windstars with that motor as compared to the 3.8L.
I think it is something like only 6%.
For this reason, some parts may be more expensive, due to volume (number sold), for parts that are not shared with other FORD vehicles.

I would recommend that the transmission fluid be changed, only a fluid exchange is needed.
Also the coolant and brake fluid.
Also make sure that the fuel filter has been changed recently as well as the air filter.

Thanks wiswind, do you know if the 3.0 is the same as the vulcan 3.0 in the taurus?