Flashing Check Engine Light

[pperrichetti]

Just returning home from a trip to Michigan and my check engine light started flashing. I have not yet checked for codes, but the engine is misfiring badly. Could it be a bad tank of gas, or must I dig deeper (original coils, wires, plugs w/94,000 miles)?

[tripletdaddy]

FYI We can respond more intelligently if we know year, engine type and size, etc of your van, I don't think it's just me, but I could be wrong.

Any loose wires? Maybe a plug went bad, bad coil for misfiring cylinders, bad wire. Vac line if running rough.

Get codes read at parts store.

[garync1]

When mine did that it was the coil.. But check wires to make sure they are not loose first.

[pperrichetti]

Sorry about that. 2001 Windstar LX w/3.8l V6. On my way to the parts store to get codes read.

[garync1]

Originally Posted by pperrichetti

Sorry about that. 2001 Windstar LX w/3.8l V6. On my way to the parts store to get codes read.

Mine too is a 2001 so I guess its the coil. If it is make sure you are careful when you unplug it. My plug part to the coil broke a clip so I have it taped for now but will need to order a new plug. Thats the wire harness plug I am typing about.

[wiswind]

It sounds like you are due for a tune-up.
Spark plugs, wires, fuel and air filters, fuel system cleaner etc.
Also, the EGR ports may need cleaning....has the TSB for the isolator bolts been done yet?

To find out if it is the EGR ports, AFTER you have the code(s) read (get the actual numeric code), remove and plug the vaccum line to the top of the EGR valve.
Take the vehicle for a drive, if the problem seems solved, then the problem is the EGR system, clogged EGR ports and/or DPFE (Delta Pressure FEedback sensor).
If the problem still persists, then the EGR system most likely is not the problem.
Sticking EGR valve is rare on the windstar.
Clogged EGR ports often causes a misfire on cylinder(s) #4 and/or #5.

Re-install the vaccum line to the EGR valve.
This test (disconnecting the EGR vaccum line) should cause a CEL and a code for insufficient EGR flow......as you have disabled the EGR system.

Fuel system cleaner will NOT clean EGR ports.
A can of Berryman's B-12 in the fuel tank would be good for cleaning the fuel injectors, which tend to build up a dirty deposite at the spray end of the injector.
The injectors themselves are quite reliable.

A P0171 and /or P0174 code(s) indicating a lean condition is usually a vaccum leak, and a common cause of this on 1999 and newer 3.8L windstars is the need for new Isolator bolts for the upper intake manifold as described in the TSB post at the top of the Windstar room.
These codes almost NEVER indicate a defective oxygen sensor as those have been VERY reliable on the windstar.
I have also gotten lean codes due to dirty fuel injectors, which is one reason I recommend the cleaner.

[rodeo02]

My 2001 LX did that last winter/early spring. Flashing CEL, (random misfire code) It was after the van sat outside for a few days and it was really damp out. I barely got it to my Ford dealer. A new set of ignition wires and spark plugs did the trick. I was around 75Kmi at the time IIRC on the original plugs and wires.

Joel

[pperrichetti]

I stay on top of all the routine maintenance and change all filters at regular interval. I was travelling to MI and back to NJ after visiting family. In the middle of nowhere, I stopped for gas at a no-name station and thought I might have got a load of bad gas, so when I got home I added the can of Berryman's.

I completed the TSB for P0171/P0174 over this past summer and the Windstar has been running great ever since. Thanks so much for this website and the help and advice to get through it. I'm glad I found it.

The only maintenance I have not completed yet were the plugs and wires. I had planned to perform during the TSB repair, but put it off.

Turned out the coil was bad.

[onerchprk]

Is the flashing cel on the 96 Windstar with the 3.8 as typical as the newer models?Right before mine starts flashing i feel a hesitation and then it starts flashing.If i put the pedal to the metal it will stop flashing.It runs smooth and doesnt seem to be running poor.Also it has 135,000 miles...

[lapin_windstar]

When you talk about the Berryman's, exactly which product do you mean? I'm going to order it now.

http://www.berrymanproducts.com/Default.aspx?tabid=140

[wiswind]

What I have used is the B-12 that they list as "Pour-in" in the title.....in a metal can.
I have gotten it in the 15oz can at AutoZone.
It is listed as Part #0116

[wiswind]

I have had the "flashing CEL" on my '96 3.8L.
The flashing is an indication that the PCM has detected a condition that could be damaging to the Catalyitic converters.
This would be a misfire.
Now, a dirty, or non-functioning fuel injector can cause this.....which would not necessarily damage a catalytic converter....but a misfire caused by loss of spark WOULD be bad, as you would have raw gasoline going from the cylinder(s) that did not have spark......into the exhaust......into the hot catalytic converter.

A loss of spark, loss of fuel to a cylinder(s), clogged EGR ports, or even a vaccum leak are common causes of misfire.

[pperrichetti]

Lapin_Windstar, I purchased the pour-in Berryman's in a 15 oz can from Advance Auto. It was the only one they carried.

[tomj76]

From what I've read, the flashing check engine light is activated when the computer senses that the timing of the crankshaft position sensor signals are uneven, indicating a misfire condition. I can see where the purpose of this would be to prevent damage to the catalytic converter. I believe my owners manual states that 'severe engine damage' may occur if the vehicle is operated under this condition.

I've seen this condition when with rough operation at idle or at highway speed. It's true that it will often be suppressed 60-90 seconds after conditions are changed such that the engine runs smoother. I've also seen the light flash when I did not feel any roughness in the engine operation.