95 start\stall *Fixed*

[John Del]

Back in December, I had a problem with my 95 that would start as normal, and immediately die, like it had no fuel or a bad pump. Fuel pressure was fine, and disconnecting the MAF sensor allowed the van to not only start, but run normally! Reconnecting the MAF sensore would kill it.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t770969.html



Replacing the sensor with a known good one didn't fix it, so I ended up runnin the van for several weeks with the sensor disconnected until I had more time to investigate. I pulled the entire air snorkel out, and removed the MAF sensor from it. I found a piece of leaf stuck in the small air tube that diverts a portion of the incoming air across the MAF sensor elements. With the sensor seeing little air movement, the computer dialed back the fuel to match. Cleaning it out fixed the van, the check engine light went out, and everthing was fine.

Unfortunately, the transmission blew about 6 weeks ago. More specifically, the differential came apart. It started with a severe vibration at about 20 mph, and went away at higher speeds. Soon after it was making crunching noises like a bad CV joint (which I hoped it was). One day it went bang as I pulled into my driveway, and started leaking. I waited too long, and the case was damaged at the output shaft. I searched junkyards and ebay for a good transmission, but couldn't find one I trusted. I ended up having it rebuilt at a local transmission shop that I used before, and they rebuilt the transmission using a used case they had, for $1300 out the door including all hard parts, labor (including r & r), and tax.

The odd thing is that while this is the second Windstar I've had, this rebuilt transmission is the first one that shifts like a transmission should. No crappy first to second slip\slide. Anyway, van runs like new, and I'm hoping for 2 to 3 more years.

Thanks for everyone who offered advice.

John Del