'98 Windstar

[jhs6306]

My windstar just started acting weird. It has quick a couple of times while at a stop sigh and when backing up. It feels like it wants to jump forward while driving. My husband insist it's the torch converter because his old E150 did that once it got over 300,000 miles. The trans fluid looks great. It jumps or lumges in short jerks while driving. Thank you for any suggestions.

[Blue Bowtie]

That would be "torque converter", and that is a possibility. However, that may not account for the apparent stalling. Is the "CHECK ENGINE" light illuminated?

[jhs6306]

No, the check engine light has never came on. Could it be the Transmission Range Selector AKA Neutral Safety Switch? I read a few threads and that looked like a possibility. I just can't afford to fix it if it is the torch converter. Thanks for replying.

[wiswind]

I am wondering if it is possibly relative to the Idle Air Control (IAC).
IF this is happening when your foot is off of the accellerator, then this is really a good place to check.
The IAC is located on top of the upper intake manifold.....next to the throttle body. It has an electrical connection, and is held in place by to little bolts.
You remove the bolts, remove the IAC, and spray some penetrating oil (seafoam, etc) inside to clean and lubricate the little screw in there.

The IAC is what controls the engine speed when your foot is not on the accellerator. It can stick...and cause stalling, and overshoots in engine speed.

The other factor is the A/C compressor kicking in, which will cause a small increase in engine speed, and the vehicle to want to jerk forward. I seem to notice it more in cold weather as the A/C kicks in and out much more in cold weather. The A/C on my '96 still engages whenever I have ANY selection other than OFF or VENT on the heater air control.