check engine light...

[sunfire_stud_2001]

Ok I know the check engine light is a hell of a pest when it comes to these Windstars. Mine is a '97. Well just like anyone else, I had the van checked by a mechanic and he said its the "fuel chip" malfunctioning. He also said it would $250.00 to replace. I don't believe him. Any ideas?

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by sunfire_stud_2001

Ok I know the check engine light is a hell of a pest when it comes to these Windstars. Mine is a '97. Well just like anyone else, I had the van checked by a mechanic and he said its the "fuel chip" malfunctioning. He also said it would $250.00 to replace. I don't believe him. Any ideas?

Ask him for the specific error codes that are showing up then it will be easier to give advice.

[sunfire_stud_2001]

Ok, I went to AutoZone this time and they did a similar test. Error code: 340 Camshaft Position Sensor is what showed up. The part is 30 bucks and super easy to get to. The tech there even showed me how to get to the sensor. Before I go about doing this, does this sound legit??

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by sunfire_stud_2001

Ok, I went to AutoZone this time and they did a similar test. Error code: 340 Camshaft Position Sensor is what showed up. The part is 30 bucks and super easy to get to. The tech there even showed me how to get to the sensor. Before I go about doing this, does this sound legit??

Autozone is a good place to go to get the error codes but I never put much stock in them for advice on what to do to fix a specific error code. For any error code they normally advice just to replace the part as many mechanics do, but many times that is not the actual problem. For example, Nissan Pathfinders get a phantom knock sensor error code with other EVAP codes, they recommended I replace my knock sensor for $200 for the part with a ton of labor since it's under the intake manifold. I've also had them recommend I get my transmission overhauled because of A/T error codes that ended up being a 5 minute adjustment of my throttle position sensor.

Since this part is cheap and easy to replace you can swap it out and see if you get the problem resolved, but you can also test the sensor easily with a multimeter first. For a 2000 you just check the voltage from the middle two pins while the engine is idling, you might look into an ALLDATA.COM subscription for the specific steps for your van.

[tarheel4eva]

hi, im neww to all this! i also have a 97 with the check engine light on. After ten mintues it blinks at me After some searching i found that the coil has a loose wire that cam off w/ out any force. ive tighten it down, but after ten minutes of driving it blinks again and feels like one of the cylinders isnt firing. The clip that is on the plug which connects to the coil is gone. I figure w/ all the vibration in the engine it wiggles off. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing?

[windrunner]

Originally Posted by tarheel4eva

hi, im neww to all this! i also have a 97 with the check engine light on. After ten mintues it blinks at me After some searching i found that the coil has a loose wire that cam off w/ out any force. ive tighten it down, but after ten minutes of driving it blinks again and feels like one of the cylinders isnt firing. The clip that is on the plug which connects to the coil is gone. I figure w/ all the vibration in the engine it wiggles off. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing?

Haven't had the blinking CE light on my '99; mine's on constantly. However, the owner's manual makes it sound much more critical that you get the cause of the blinking light fixed as it is probably due to something that will eventually cause major engine failure (heads, pistons, etc.) because of the effect the problem has on how it mixes and burns the fuel.

[mehtools57]

Originally Posted by windrunner

Haven't had the blinking CE light on my '99; mine's on constantly. However, the owner's manual makes it sound much more critical that you get the cause of the blinking light fixed as it is probably due to something that will eventually cause major engine failure (heads, pistons, etc.) because of the effect the problem has on how it mixes and burns the fuel.

My '99 has had the light on also. Took to dealer twice. During regular oil change I checked the air filter, it was way past due to be changed. I changed it and light went off. Error code was stating left & right manifolds running lean 70 and 74 if my memory is correct.