2000 Windstar Stalling

[dandehouse]

We own a 2000 Ford Windstar SEL. Four times now my wife has been sitting at idle and the engine has shut-off. Has now happend to me once as well. We turn the ignition off and try to restart but the engine would just misfire. After about 15 minutes we try again and the van has started, except today. Took it to ProCare about two months ago for this problem and we're told we needed a new alternator and battery. We had the repairs done but the problem has now happened twice more. Any suggestions on what is causing this problem? Thank you.

[DRW1000]

Did you ever have a problem cranking the engine? If not I am curious about the battery and alternator suggestion.

Do you have any codes? (is CEL on)? If so get the codes read and come back.

A well repsected member of this forum would probably recommend you check the fuel pump relay. (so check that too)

[dandehouse]

Thanks for the response.

Although the battery had never failed, the cranking power was diminishing. Battery was about 5-1/2 years old. As for the alternator, mechanic claimed the diagnostic tests showed it was not sufficiently powering the electronics (for lack of a better word) and charging the battery.

How to I obtain the codes/turn on the CEL?

Talked to ProCare last night. They did mention the fuel pump but mentioned a blown fuse. Perhaps they meant the relay. They are supposed to recheck systems this morning and let me know their diagnosis.

Again, thanks for you help.

[12Ounce]

It can be tricky to determine and to eliminate (not merely start "part swapping") exactly a root problem such as this.

I would start by measuring the overnight "at-rest & cold" battery voltage ... must be 12.5 volts or better. At engine dle, the battery voltage should be 14 volts or better.

If anything causes the engine speed to drop a sufficient amount, the alternator may no longer have the rpm to put out 14 volts ... when this happens, the battery must maintain all the control circuitry including several relays.

Some times a new relay will "stay in" better than an old one during a voltage dip ... and; yes, the fuel pump and the PCM power relays are critical ones. (Tho I ain't a "respected" member .... unless age gets you respect... LOL).

So, if you can, begin by measuring the voltages.