Winstar will not start sometimes

[bwagner61]

My 2003 Windstar SE has a problem of not wanting to start after short trips. This is an intermittent problem that has only occurred 2 times in the past month. Otherwise it runs great. When trying to start after a drive the van will start but run as if it is starving for fuel. Pressing the accelerator produces very little change in rpm. I just turn off the ignition and wait about 60 minutes and it fires right up and runs fine. Since this has happened only a few times and I have not been able to determine what conditions cause the failure. Any help would be appreciated.

[jayjp200]

I have same problem and I am going just nuts. Mine is a 98 windstar 3.8 lit.

[wiswind]

3 things come to mind......fuel pump relay in the relay box........or fuel pump starting to go.
You might try changing the fuel filter.......a clogged fuel filter places a additional load onto the fuel pump.

[RLH1510]

I have the 2001 Windstar and have also been experiencing the "random no-start" issue. So far I have replaced the fuel pump relay and PCM relay (both are the same relay I believe Ford part# F57B-14B192-AA). Each relay cost me around $15 from the dealer ship. Start with that first and hope you get lucky. I'm now looking at replacing the fuel pump, but no gaurantees there i'ther... One other thing, have you been experiencing any other electrical anomalies (like lights coming on/off on there own, tach stops working sometimes, etc...)?

[danielsatur]

It sounds like the engine is running in a open loop condition.
By turning off, and restart engine will bring everything to a known state. ''OK''
Suspect:
MAF/IACT sensor, or upstream HO2 sensors for Air/fuel mix control.

Some new MAF sensors have a self clean cycle prior to startup, turn the ignition key to the on pos for a few seconds, befor actual startup.

[jayjp200]

Originally Posted by jayjp200

I have same problem and I am going just nuts. Mine is a 98 windstar 3.8 lit.

Okay ...after spending $400 for no reason, I have finally located the electrical problem. The ignition switch is defective even though it never felt like it. It becomes intermittent from time to time which causes fuel pump relay to run irratic.
It is very easy to replace. Just loosen up the center bolt (7mm) and remove the connector. Now remove the 2 screws and remove the switch. Looks like the slide contacts becomes intermittant with time. Install a new one.
My windstar runs fine now.