2001 Windstar - Rough start, sometimes will not start at all

[shannonc]

I have a 2001 Windstar with approximately 61,000 miles. Lately it has had some difficulty starting. Some times it starts right up with no problems. Then other times the engine turns over and it sounds like it wants to start...but it does not quite make it. When this happens the car feels like it is rough idling. It might take ten or fifteen tries before it starts, and it usually always starts. However recently I could not get it to start at all. I let it sit for a day, climbed in the driver seat, put in the key and the engine started right up without any hesitation.

Once the van starts there is no problems, it runs great it is just getting it started that is the problem. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[12Ounce]

You can test for spark, test for fuel ... and then go from there. Not a bad plan.

Or you could first replace the fuel pump relay and the PCM power relay. Cost you about $20. About a 50/50 chance of solving your problems. Look in the glove box manual for their location. If this doesn't fix you up ... then you can start the more exhaustive search.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

You can test for spark, test for fuel ... and then go from there. Not a bad plan.

Or you could first replace the fuel pump relay and the PCM power relay. Cost you about $20. About a 50/50 chance of solving your problems. Look in the glove box manual for their location. If this doesn't fix you up ... then you can start the more exhaustive search.

Would that be a good idea too for him to check the IAC valve ? I had this kind of problem not long time ago, and while this valve was working, I had to clean the little shaft inside because it was sticking when moving inside of the body. This is a very fast and easy job to do also and this could maybe cure his problem.

[12Ounce]

Nothing wrong with clearing the IAC off the list of easy-to-fix-things. Plug cables are another.

It's just that those annoying little relays are a new item (beginning in '99) that folks are not familiar with.

[phil-l]

Personally, I'd start with the IAC. The IAC in my 2000 Winstar got balky at about this mileage, causing difficult starts. A quick cleaning was all it took.

12Ounce - My van hasn't (yet) had any problems with relays. When did you first have relay problems? Were the relays dealer-only items?

Of course, 61K miles is also a good time to look through the maintenance schedule and make sure all regularly replaced items are up-to-date.

[12Ounce]

Phil-l,
When did relay problems start for me ?? Its a guess ... perhaps @ 70k miles or so. The relays are avail elsewhere, but I find Ford the least expensive so far. Could be related to water exposure ... do drive in the wet a bit ... but have never washed the engine.

The Freestar has the same/similar relay layout ... but the relays are definitely a different series ... and they may have been changed before the Freestar, I don't know.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

Phil-l,
When did relay problems start for me ?? Its a guess ... perhaps @ 70k miles or so. The relays are avail elsewhere, but I find Ford the least expensive so far. Could be related to water exposure ... do drive in the wet a bit ... but have never washed the engine.

The Freestar has the same/similar relay layout ... but the relays are definitely a different series ... and they may have been changed before the Freestar, I don't know.

Well I have never got any problems with these relays however according to a few of your posts you have ever changed them a few times so as my 2001 Windstar has more than 100K miles, I have changed ECM and Fuel pump relays and keep the old one as a spare.

[idrahaje]

My wifes 2001 Windstar had internitante start problem. Took it to the shop a couple of times, changed the fuel filter, tuneup still had starting problems. Took it over to a friends for assistance rep[lacing the serpintine belt and had him watch as I tried starting. Luckily, it didn't start and my friend said he saw a spark coming from a wire harness going to the Oxygen sensors. This sensor is mounted below the oil dipstick and a little to the left. and the harness rubs on the chassie causing the intermitant starting problems. I put electrical tepe on the wires and since then my wife says she has not has starting problems.