These four codes came up during my emissions test. One seems to indicate possibly faulty wires or compression. Is there anything specific I should look for. My larges fear is that I have to replace valves or something and before I put too much money into figuring out what it is, I am wondering if it is worth it to fix this particular vehicle. Thanks for any help[/code]
It is a 3.8l with approx 95k miles. I had a tune-up done last year and they also, supposedly fixed a manifold leak because it was running lean. I also fixed a leak in my coolant line that was running under my air intake. The strange thing about my problem is that it really only happens between about 1500 and 2200 rpm. Once I push on the gas and get the engine pushing about 3000, the car runs great. I used to get these little firecracker explosions too, but they stopped almost as soon as they started. I will try what you have said so far. Thanks
tune-up with plugs and wires or just plugs? sounds like the plugged up with carbon scenario like B cash was talking about as well, seems to me there was a tsb about a revised valve cover and something else on windstars. I can't remember though
Wow, when I read your post it was as if i wrote it myself. I have an '01 Windstar with 98k. In July '05 I replaced the plugs and wires. In December '05 the check engine light came on with the codes P0171 and P0174. I preformed the TSB 03-16-01 which includes relpaceing o-rings and bolts. I followed this guide it was very helpful http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html This Spring I started to have a slight shudder at 1500 to 2200 rpms. I tried an number of different fixes. Replaced the ingnition coil pack (it had cracks in it). While trying to fix the Shuddering Issue codes P0303 and P0304 the coolant line under the air intake plenum developed a pin hole leak. So I fixed that. I finally took it to a dealer for diagnostics. They told me that it was clogged egr ports because when they disconnected the erg valve while driving. So I once again took off the intake plenum to clean the egr ports. (I had cleaned them when I did the TSB in December) The ports appeared not to be clogged but I cleaned them once again (a wire brush for cleaning a .22 gun works great). I also took off the egr valve tested it (it works fine) and blew air through the erg passage. Air came freely out of each port so I knew they were clear. I put everything back together, and the problem still existed. I decided to try Sea Foam because I had read alot about it on various Forums. I ran it into the plenum via the brake vacuum line (it seamed the easiest route) It worked (I think). In my test drive it ran much better but not perfect. I do have to replace the o-rings and bolts again. I can hear the hiss of air passing through them. The dealer recomended replacing them every time I took the intake plenum off. Well I have removed it three times in three weeks so I guess that I need to replace them. Once they are replaced, must likey friday, if it is still a little rough I will retreat with sea foam.
I want to thank everyone that has posted about the port gaskets and isolator bolts. I made the changes about 1 month ago. Did everything that was described, and Windstar runs 95% better. Still have a little blurp or hesitation when running at lower RPM's, but it goes away when you accelerate. I replaced the vacuum (u-shaped) line this past weekend. And it did make a difference. But not totally. I don't have a clue how to get the last 5% cleared up. Should I start replacing all vacuum lines one by one. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I'm almost there, but need further assistance to get 100% performance.
no codes left?
After replacing the Isolator Bolts, Port gaskets, PDFE Sensor (black box with 2 vacuum lines and connector) putting in top grage fuel injector cleaner. I still get a time when the vechicle surges or bucks. Maybe 10% of the time. I had the van checked for Codes, and there aren't any. Can someone please help with what I should try next, I'm at a lose. It was tuned up about 4 month ago with a new fuel filter. Thanks
what't the fuel pressure? MAF?
Jeff - I can't tell you that (what the fuel pressure is). I wouldn't even know how or who could check this for me. And what does MAF stand for. I'm a person that will try anything once to try and repair something, but there are certain things that I just don't know or understand. Please bear with me while your trying to help me. And I do appreciate that?
Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) , http://www.alldata.com for the fuel pressure testting!
After changing Isolator Bolts, Port valve Seals, DPFE Sensor, Fuel Pressure Regualtor and that little U Tube that goes from Intake Manifold to Fuel Pressure Reulator. The 1999 Ford Windstar still bucks? Have I missed something, did I not clean something properly, it's really frustrating that once you think you got it. You don't. Should I take the Intake AManifold apart again and check the ports, should I buy the gasket inbetween the upper and lower manifold. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
so you reused a gasket? why would you do that? get the fuel pressure checked!
What engine size, miles etc? For your P0171 & 174 codes check for vacuum leaks, make sure the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is not contaminated. You can check for vacuum leaks by spraying brake clean, or something similiar, around areas that should be sealed like intake gaskets etc, and listen for change in engine rpm. Make sure any lines connecting into the air intake between the throttle body and MAF sensor are not loose/ disconnected. You could try cleaning the MAF sensor with some brake clean or electrical cleaner. If you don't find any vacuum leaks this way, you could try taking it to shop with a smoke machine. Ford also has a tsb out that addresses this concern. The tsb# is 03-16-01. For the P0303 & 304 codes the fix could be as simple as a tune up. If you are using a personal scanner you can try switching injectors 3 and 4 with two other injectors and see if the misfire codes change cyclinders. Could also try switching plug wires. Has the vehicle had any work done to it lately?