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I also have a 99 Windstar. I have the same problem from time to time. Your problem is with the IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL) Solenoid. I have cleaned mine to unstick it but it only works short term, depending on how well it can be cleaned. But if you just buy a new one this will fix your problem long term. The IAC is not really a motor, it is a magnetic solenoid. The fat end of the IAC contains a coil of wire similar to that of a relay, just bigger. The magnetic field of the coil moves a valve back and forth, much like the way a speaker works. The skinny end of the IAC contains this valve. The valve builds up dirt and carbon, which causes the valve to stick. The magnetic field of the coil is not strong enough to move the valve when it sticks. Once it sticks, it can just as easily unstick by itself by the vibration of the motor or the motion of the van on the road. Once it unsticks, the car may start fine for days or weeks until it happens again. This is why it is intermittent.
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