I have a problem that does not happen ALL THE TIME

[robert1980]

My 98 windstar cuts out when starting sometimes, idling rough to the point where it wants to die. Ford says it might be the fuel pump. anyone else have this problem please e-mail me at [email protected]

[jspence35]

probably an iac valve sticking; tap it with a screw driver but while someone cranks vehicle: its a silver metal valve on top of intake

[pryornfld]

Originally Posted by robert1980

My 98 windstar cuts out when starting sometimes, idling rough to the point where it wants to die. Ford says it might be the fuel pump. anyone else have this problem please e-mail me at [email protected]

I had a similar problem with my 96 windstar, and it turned out to be a vacuum leak. I would back out of the driveway, it would stall, I would be stopped at a red light, it would stall. One of the hoses near the IAC had a hole, when cold it would be closed, but as it warmed it opened right up.DO you have a CEL on or flashing?

[martymoose32]

I have the same problem on my '96 Windstar. I have found that, once I get on the highway, if I floor the accelerator pedal a few times, the engine will idle fine. Only works a short time, though.

[JenCel]

It could be that you need to clean the IAC valve. I had a code for the Intake Air COntrol System malfunction, I went to go buy a new one, and the guy asked if I had cleaned it. Well I got some carb cleaner (or alcohol he said works too) and gasket paper to cut a new one (there wasn't even one on there when I took it off) and after soakng and siping withthe q-tip for a few hours, I put it back on and a little difference on the rough idling. Try that maybe?

[PaulNT]

I am having a similar problem with my 1996 Windstar 3.8 it idles fine when cold, but after turning off hot engine and restarting, that's when idle problems occur. I have to fight with it to get out of the parking lot, but then it runs fine out on the highway... Weird...

[BCMedic]

Originally Posted by PaulNT

I am having a similar problem with my 1996 Windstar 3.8 it idles fine when cold, but after turning off hot engine and restarting, that's when idle problems occur. I have to fight with it to get out of the parking lot, but then it runs fine out on the highway... Weird...

Paul
You may have a hot or heat soak issue. How hot does it run when it's warmed up, where is the needle?
One of our regulars cougarman had a similar issue and I beleve he fixed it with new upper and lower intake gaskets.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=388339

[PaulNT]

Originally Posted by BCMedic

Paul
You may have a hot or heat soak issue. How hot does it run when it's warmed up, where is the needle?
One of our regulars cougarman had a similar issue and I beleve he fixed it with new upper and lower intake gaskets.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=388339

Yes, thanks. I've never had a vehicle like this where everything is so crammed in there... Could be, like you say, heat building while it's parked. The temp gauge gets up to slightly more than halfway to HOT, so I think it's normal.... Although with cool weather in Minnesota, you'd think it would stay on the cool end of the scale. Hate to see what will happen this summer.... Perhaps I can try parking it with the hood propped open all the way, and see if it runs bad after shopping for groceries. Thanks again for the input... PaulNT