Windstar dies upon deceleration (sp?)

[mlbrown]

I have a 98 Ford Windstar with 120,000 miles on it. It seems as if it's falling apart. I've got a cracked master cylinder, breaks which are noisy and often spongy (from master cylinder?) and for the past couple of months, the engine dies when I am driving at low speeds...such as when I'm stopping at a light, or am backing up. This strikes me as very dangerous, as I drive in rush hour traffic, and sometimes my car dies in the middle of it. I've had it with the van! Any suggestions? And money is soooo tight right now, I'm scared of the cost...any one have cost ideas? THANKS!

[irish30]

There is a sensor on top of the throttle body that is called an idle air control valve, or IAC. This sensor controls the air flow to the intake when the throttle plate is closed or open a little. It maintains your idle. It sounds like the IAC is going. You can take it off and clean it with carb cleaner, but I wouldn't piss around, I would replace it. May cost about $100.00 new. Or $20.00 at your favorite scrap yard.

[fdunford]

IAC is my guess also.

[Mikebox]

Yep, sounds like the IAC. Ours went out at 34,000 miles. Had it replaced under warranty..I think the part was charged to warranty at about $100 from the dealer. It is an easy r&r. I wouldn't bother with cleaning the old one.

[Goofster57]

I have a 1999 Windstar that I think has the same problem. Anyone know how difficult it is to replace the IAC your self? And where is it located? Thanks in advance for the assist.

[rrules]

Originally Posted by mlbrown

I have a 98 Ford Windstar with 120,000 miles on it. It seems as if it's falling apart. I've got a cracked master cylinder, breaks which are noisy and often spongy (from master cylinder?) and for the past couple of months, the engine dies when I am driving at low speeds...such as when I'm stopping at a light, or am backing up. This strikes me as very dangerous, as I drive in rush hour traffic, and sometimes my car dies in the middle of it. I've had it with the van! Any suggestions? And money is soooo tight right now, I'm scared of the cost...any one have cost ideas? THANKS!

I have a similar problem with my 1999 with 110,000 miles on it. Mine seems to choke or stall when I am cornering on a ramp getting off the highway, especially when the tank is below 1/4. Could it be the same thing?