1999 Windstar - manifold

[garis]

My engine light went on and vehicle is running rough. Dealer reset PCM and reports that the upper and Mid section of the intake manifold need to be resealed. I find it hard to believe that the manifold needs to be resealed.


Is this a common issue for a vehicle with only 60K on the odometer?

[adbradley]

Yep, I had to do mine at 55k. Not a bad job for and afternoon and less than $200 in parts. The dealer will soak you for at least $500...

[garis]

how hard a job is it?

I don't want to fork over $500 to the dealer but it appears that the manifold is backed up against the fire wall and hard to get to. How long did it take and how hard was it to get the job done?

[Windywoes]

Originally Posted by garis

how hard a job is it?

I don't want to fork over $500 to the dealer but it appears that the manifold is backed up against the fire wall and hard to get to. How long did it take and how hard was it to get the job done?

For some background info on this issue check TSB 03-16-1 at All Data.

[adbradley]

The manifold is actually right on the front of the engine. There is a plastic cowl that extends out from the firewall that give the illusion of less space. Do a search on the site for intake manifold or codes 171 & 174. You will find lots of good information. There is also a current discussion on this topic. I have included the link below...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=165812

[garis]

AB thank you for the info, it appears that this is a long standing problem with ford and the Windstar.
couldn't locate the TSB, additionally, some have been fortunate to have Ford pick up the bill, i'll be going there today to start the process

do you have a link for the TSB, just in case?

[adbradley]

Try the link below. It has an excellent outline of the procedure (with pictures). Links to the TSB are at the bottom...

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

[garis]

Originally Posted by adbradley

Try the link below. It has an excellent outline of the procedure (with pictures). Links to the TSB are at the bottom...

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html

AB thank you for sending the TSB link and all of the information you provided. I went to the dealer and spoke to the service manger armed with the fault code, TSB number and the information that several individuals on the Windstar chat room from around the country have been gotten the issue repaired with a nominal fee (~$50). We had a bit of a discussion and the final result was that he agreed to repair the vechicle for a cost to me of $50 and the remaining $400+ will be shared between the dealer and Ford. It appears that Ford has acknowledged the issue and when informed you can get the job covered. My car is a 99 with no service warranty.

So, thank you again for your assistance.