Serious starting problem/no code info

[jzbeaver]

1998 Windstar 3.8 Engine

Yesterday my Windstar would not start, after being driven normally for 3-4 miles. It is not a battery or starter problem, as the battery had plenty of juice, and the starter turned over normally. But it seems to be an electrical problem:

After checking under the hood for loose or frayed wires, and finding none,
I hooked up my small code tester-- but I got an error message, to the effect
that it could not retrieve any information. At the same time, and apparently consistent with this message, the check engine light which had been on for a few weeks, disappeared. ( I had been getting the common P171 and 174 "running lean" codes on it, but nothing else, but had not done anything about the problem, but also have not had any starting problems before this).

Any ideas about what my be causing this-- or how to troubleshoot without
access to any codes that may have been triggered?

[discnik]

Your P0171 & P0174 Lean codes are from the grommets around the lower intake mounting bolts deteriorating and causing a vacuum leak. Check with your Ford Dealer. There is a TSB on this. If you go back through the posts on windstars you should also find a link for the list of parts required and step by step procedure to fix it. Sorry I am on my home computer the info is on my shop's computer.

[jzbeaver]

Thanks, discnik for the code info; if you are able to forward the info from your other computer, I would appreciate it very much.
In the meantime, after having my car towed to a nearby service place, they
were able to get the car started by re-seating some of the relays under the dashboard. But a few hours after I drove home, the problem recurred. One
additional clue now is that while the code reader powers up from the car (I removed its battery), it cannot communicate with the control module.

[98harleydude]

We had the same problem with the TOO LEAN CODES on our 99 Winstar. Had to take it to the shop . It was a Mfg. problem but it was too long to make Ford pay for the problem . They had to replace som ebolts & gaskets around the intake Man. Ford sent out a service notice about the problem but guess who gets the bill ?
Once they fixed the problem the check eng. light went out & it ran fine . Good luck . Jim