2000 Windstar engine problems

hecticmom · #1 02-11-2005, 07:19 PM

Okay, I have been lurking around these boards all day trying to figure out this problem and seeing if anyone else is experiencing this.

I have a 2000 Windstar with 63,000 miles, 3.8 engine. After the engine is warm it doesn't want to idle, at stop signs or lights it likes to die on me. Also, while I am driving down the road, at no specific speed the engine chugs. The rpm flactuates while it is chugging. It is like a jerking and sometimes it is very subtle, and other times it is like something pulled back on the engine real hard. We have had a major tune-up done (spark plugs changed and all fuel oils, etc.), we also had the idle intake valve replaced, and we had the repair guy put it on the diagnostic computer, but no code showed up. The check engine light is not on which makes it even more harder to figure out the problem. Today the repair guy noticed the exhaust smoke is coming out black, which means it is running rich. He thought he had something there, but when he looked at the possible problem he came up with nothing. The weird thing is, sometimes it doesn't happen everyday, I get lucky maybe one or two days out of the week.

I have been told that it could be an intake leak in the hose, fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump going bad, or the mass air flow sensor. Naturally I don't want to go replacing all of those parts since they are expensive. I had been dealing with this problem for about 6 months and it is getting worse.

Does anyone have any idea? Oh, please don't use abbrevations, I am a ding-bat when it comes to vehicles.

Thanks for your help in advance.

12Ounce · #2 02-11-2005, 08:36 PM

Possibly the "fuel pump relay" ... see your local glove box manual (road side emergencies section) for more info.

road_rascal · #3 02-13-2005, 10:28 AM

It's possible that the PCM needs to be reprogrammed. I had the same surging/ funky idle situation in my '01. The check engine light never came on. Even the Ford techs had a tough time figuring out this one. On the repair receipt it says that their diagnostic equipment only picked up a problem under a rolling idle, which basically stated to reprogram the PCM (they ran a ton of other diagnostic tests which all passed). They even replaced the IAC with a new one, which didn't help, and then but the old on back on. After the PCM was reprogrammed the van hasn't hiccuped since.

WindstarDad · #4 03-13-2005, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hecticmom

Okay, I have been lurking around these boards all day trying to figure out this problem and seeing if anyone else is experiencing this.

I have a 2000 Windstar with 63,000 miles, 3.8 engine. After the engine is warm it doesn't want to idle, at stop signs or lights it likes to die on me. Also, while I am driving down the road, at no specific speed the engine chugs. The rpm flactuates while it is chugging. It is like a jerking and sometimes it is very subtle, and other times it is like something pulled back on the engine real hard. We have had a major tune-up done (spark plugs changed and all fuel oils, etc.), we also had the idle intake valve replaced, and we had the repair guy put it on the diagnostic computer, but no code showed up. The check engine light is not on which makes it even more harder to figure out the problem. Today the repair guy noticed the exhaust smoke is coming out black, which means it is running rich. He thought he had something there, but when he looked at the possible problem he came up with nothing. The weird thing is, sometimes it doesn't happen everyday, I get lucky maybe one or two days out of the week.
I have been told that it could be an intake leak in the hose, fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump going bad, or the mass air flow sensor. Naturally I don't want to go replacing all of those parts since they are expensive. I had been dealing with this problem for about 6 months and it is getting worse.

Does anyone have any idea? Oh, please don't use abbrevations, I am a ding-bat when it comes to vehicles.

Thanks for your help in advance.

This is exactly whats happening to our van. No check engine lights. Mechanic cant get any error codes. Cant duplicate problem when we take it in a leave with them for a day or so. Is starting to happen more frequently however. We havent experienced the chugging or jerking(yet), but the idle fluctuates up and down quite abit while at stops or coming to stops. Seems to be pointing to lean fuel mixture or something. I am very curious what you may have finally figured out with your vehicle. Any info would be great so as to not have to start throwing all kinds of parts at it if its not necessary. Please respond if possible

WindstarDad

hecticmom · #5 03-13-2005, 09:42 PM

WindstarDad...Well after driving it for awhile longer, the check engine light finally came on, and we found out that it was the Mass Air Flow Sensor (a $200 part). The van got to the point where it would not stay running even when I slowed down. I almost caused several accidents, and had to do what I call some "creative driving." It got to the point to where I was driving it like a stick shift, but instead of the clutch, I was keeping one foot on the brake, and one on the accelerator.

The whole mess continued on for about 6-9 months and continued to get worse. We were so relieved to have the CEL come on and the problem fixed. We spent well over $400.00 trying to have the problem diagnosed and giving the van a full tune-up before finding out that it was the Mass Air Flow sensor.

WindstarDad · #6 03-13-2005, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hecticmom

WindstarDad...Well after driving it for awhile longer, the check engine light finally came on, and we found out that it was the Mass Air Flow Sensor (a $200 part). The van got to the point where it would not stay running even when I slowed down. I almost caused several accidents, and had to do what I call some "creative driving." It got to the point to where I was driving it like a stick shift, but instead of the clutch, I was keeping one foot on the brake, and one on the accelerator.

The whole mess continued on for about 6-9 months and continued to get worse. We were so relieved to have the CEL come on and the problem fixed. We spent well over $400.00 trying to have the problem diagnosed and giving the van a full tune-up before finding out that it was the Mass Air Flow sensor.

Thank you so much for replying. Iwas going to start with a new fuel filter and pcv valve tommorrow to see what happens. I've done a little research on getting a MAFS. Seems to be about $150 from local Autozone. Says there is a core return value of about $80 also. I read a post in the windstar threads from someone who had taken pics of the the whole MAFS replacement procedure, but I cant find it now. Do you or anyone else out there happen to know where and who posted that info? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank again! This is a great site.

Sincerely,

WindstarDad

hecticmom · #7 03-14-2005, 08:29 AM

WindstarDad...The MAFS just sits right on top. It took my husband about 10 minutes to change it. Real simple, just ask the guys/girls at Autozone or Advance Auto for a little direction.

hecticmom

Jeremystar · #8 09-24-2006, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hecticmom

WindstarDad...The MAFS just sits right on top. It took my husband about 10 minutes to change it. Real simple, just ask the guys/girls at Autozone or Advance Auto for a little direction.

hecticmom

The Mass airflow sensor is in the hose that connects the air filter to the intake...also had to use a tamperproof torque screwdriver to get it out..so be prepered ... still not hard...this is my second time to fix my vechices from info from the internet....thanks to people like you guys...

scraphappyusa · #9 10-08-2006, 05:16 PM

Hi...I'm new here...searching for answers to my latest troubles with my van...this sounds just like what is happening with mine...only, no one has mentioned that the battery light would come on right before it would stall? Has been going on for a looooong time, gradually has gotten worse...could never solve the problem, but, every time I brought it into the dealer they would find something else wrong...wondering if everything else has been symptoms of this problem? The CEL came on yesterday while I was out doing errands...

appreciate any help...

thanks,
Kim

Millermagic · #10 10-09-2006, 01:43 PM

The battery light coming on before it stalls kinda looks tward a bad alternator. It could be in such bad shape that at idle speeds it can't make enough juice to run the engine.

fivevs · #11 10-09-2006, 11:43 PM

If you open up your hood and look at your engine.About 1/3 of the way (right to left) you will see a small piece of 1/4 inch hose with an L shaped plastic fitting facing towards the back of your vehicle. Check this fitting and hosing for any vacuum leaks. This will cause your van to run pretty bad, even though you do not get the check engine light to come on. I had a pretty bad time with ours. It's quite simple to fix if in fact this is your problem.

Good Luck

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