2000 Ford Windstar

[Tango29]

Hey guys, my sister has a 2000 ford windstar 6 cyl and the other day she drove to church everything was fine, when she tried to leave the van would not start the next day they went to get it and it started. this has happen several more times, sometimes it starts sometimes it will not. She also said it has been running a little ruff and now the engine light is on.

any thoughts ? I was thinking Throttle position sensor but I am not sure I was hoping you guys with a bit more skill then me could throw out a few ideas its at the point now she doesnt want to drive it in fear that it will leave her and the kids stranded some where.

thanks
Brian

[12Ounce]

I'm assuming the engine would crank but not run?

If that is the case, you might try changing the fuel pump relay (fuse box near the battery...look in glove box manual for info) as a starting point.

If this is your first trip into that fuse box, you might remove (1-at-a-time) each component and lubricate each base receptacle with some silicon connector grease. Just a good maintenance practice.

You should get a free code scan from AutoZone if possible.

[Tango29]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

I'm assuming the engine would crank but not run?

If that is the case, you might try changing the fuel pump relay

The funny thing is the engine will run....some times it will start and run some times it will not start at all, I thought about the fuel pump relay but I figured if it was bad it would not run at all.

I figure there are three things you need for a vehicle to run fuel, air, power, here is what I have ruled out

Fuel pump/relay - if it was either of the two it would not run at all I think?
Battery - has been replaced with in the last two months and the lights work.
Air filter/intake - clear so it appears there is no air restriction.

So I am kind of leaning toward a sensor of some sort, originally I thought TPS but now I am leaning toward the crankshaft position sensor because If the computer is not sure of the position of the crankshaft there will be no command to fire the ignition or injectors but the engine will still turn.

What do you all think? I could be way off I have yet to even look at it, I have just been talking to my sister over the phone.

12Ounce....thanks for the reply, I think I might try to get it to AutoZone for the free test, do you happen to have a reference sheet so I can see what the codes mean........I am a Jeep man myself I have worked on my own and several others, but this will be my first stab at a WIndstar

Thanks,
Brian

[DRW1000]

Do get the codes. It is an essential starting point. Post them here and we can decode them. When I have a minute I can provide you with a link to a listing of the codes too.

[Dngrsone]

Relays can and will act intermittant before total failure. Corroded wiring can cause this kind of problem, for instance. When is the last time your sister had the fuel filter replaced?

[12Ounce]

Originally Posted by Dngrsone

Relays can and will act intermittant before total failure. Corroded wiring can cause this kind of problem, for instance. When is the last time your sister had the fuel filter replaced?

.
Dngrsone is on target with the "intermittant" comment. They can be very flacky.

I must hold the record for replacing relays in my '99 SEL. Must be something in the water! Many different relays have failed and have been replaced. Most frequent: a/c clutch relay, then wiper relays, then fuel pump relay, then starter interrupt relay, ...
I see on the Freestar the relays are a different design. Someone else must have had problems also.

[CareMyCars]

My 1996 Windstar had similar problem three days ago as described in Tango29’s post dated Dec. 13, 2004.

After I stopped the engine for about five minutes, I tried to start the car but it wouldn’t work. The starter made only short noise each time I turned the key but engine wouldn’t crank. The battery was fine; 12 volts. The weather was warm; 45 Fahrenheit. The car started about fours later without any problem.

I wonder what Tango29 found out about their problem and how they fixed it?

Any comments from other members?

Thanks,