2000 ford windstar stalls after startup

[prendy]

"i own a 2000 ford windstar and just did a tune up(plugs,wires,fuel filter pcv valve and air filter) i test drove it and it was perfect. my wife took van out and said the idle was erratic and would stall. i changed the fuel filter again and still no change. i also looked in the repair manual and noticed that i didn't properly relearn the computer, but when i tried to do that the van stalls out when i put the ac on or put the vehicle in gear, and yes the check engine light is on and i dont have a code for you. any suggestions on what you might think it is. also there is no way that i put the wires in wrong as i did them one at a time. thanks"

[Ed_Strong]

First thing I would suggest is to retrace your steps when you did the tune-up! Could've been a vacuum hose that came loose, undone or broke under stress, same would apply for a spark plug wire.
If you have an Auto Zone or Advance Auto parts store, they will read the codes for you free of charge, and then you can post back with the codes and someone will be glad to assist to help you decipher if your problem is electrical, vacuum or something else.
This may sound lame, but did you make sure the plug to the MAF sensor connector was secured when you replaced the Air Filter? It might have come undone aswell.
Also have a look at your IAC valve it may need a flush clean... check it out HERE!

Hope it helps or at least is a start...

[Kashey]

Read codes. You can get a cheap ECC code reader of ebay.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=obd+code+reader&category0= &submitSearch=Search

[prendy]

hello again, well since my initial post i have changed the iac valve, fuel pump relay and was frustrated enough to bring it to a mechanic he said it was the 02 senser and $160 later i'm getting same problem but know it only stalls when put in drive or reverse. the mechanic did mention about the TSB for this vehicle which is changing the valve cover and some bolts and seals. could this be my problem has anyone had this issue and the cause being that techinical service bulliten? thanks,chris

[wiswind]

That would be on the site that Ed Strong posted a link to.
Most likely, if you get the codes read....you will have P0171 and/or P0174, which is the oxygen sensors reporting a lean condition......almost never caused by oxygen sensors......almost always caused by a vaccum leak.
The TSB replaces the bolts along with the "isolators" that hold the upper intake manifold down.
The problem was, the original isolators, a thick washer, broke down due to exposure to the oil......and caused the bolts to not hold down the upper intake manifold as tight as they should.....permiting a vaccum leak.
The site in the link is excellent......and will tell you exactly what needs to be done.