2000 3.8 Crank Position Problem???

[12ringer74]

My wife's 2000 Windstar 3.8 has stalled on her twice...both times at idle, in gear. Yesterday, gave a one time "bump" (I'm guessing a dead miss) going down road under a load...never shut down. When it has stalled at idle, it cranks right back up. No codes thrown up yet....

I'm guessing crank position sensor may be going out...
Any ideas?????????????????

[phil-l]

Well - I'd expect a code for a persistent crank position sensor problem.

Stalling at idle is traditionally an IAC (Idle Air Control) valve problem. Have you cleaned it? Good info here:

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar02.html

A miss while under load is a different beast. Let's start simple: Are plugs and wires up to date?

Later update: Some similar symptoms discussed here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=891660

[12ringer74]

Has not been a persistant problem...twice in two or three weeks.....no codes
Changed plugs in December when I put on intake gaskets...171 &174 codes .

Has only done the under load miss one time...litterally one "BUMP".
Just ordered the part...$23 bucks here in town. Be here in the Morn.

[CnlK]

My 2000 windstar would "buck" while under load and stall at idle occasionally.
When stalling became more frequent I tried cleaning the MAF. This made an
improvement, eventually I replaced the MAF and problem has not reoccured.
Again, no CEL or codes were ever set.

[12Ounce]

.. also contacts on the PCM power relay and/or the fuel pump relay may be getting pitted.

[wiswind]

As you have ordered the CPS, there are 2 small bolts on the TOP of the sensor.
Those are the ONLY bolts you should touch......and then the electrical connection.
This will get the part changed without moving the alignment.
The bolts down on the side should not be touched, as they will change the alignment of the CPS, and then you will have to get it back into the correct position.
I have seen posts where people have had difficulty getting the alignment correct, so it is best to not mess with it.

Of course, inspect the part that spins inside the sensor to make sure that it is not damaged, as well as inspecting the connector for dirt, damage.

While we are mentioning the fuel pump and PCM relays.......it reminds me of the fuel filter.
If it has not been changed in a while, it could be causing the fuel pump to work harder......