I figured that the Windstar is not a truck, but does have similarities to other Frod products, so thought I would ask here. I am trying to fix up my sister's van to sell it. She got a new car, so rather than getting dirt for trade-in value I volunteered to clean it up, fix what I can and deal with selling it private party. I also live in a much larger metro area (Albuquerque) so better for selling it where I live than where she lives (Roswell).

The check engine light is on, and I hooked up my code reader. Could not get it to read, tried wiggling the connector and wires, no luck. Checked my reader on one of my cars and it is working fine. Went to two different parts stores to have them try and both were unsuccessful. All of the attempts were using the simple hand-held readers, not the more advanced type used at a real repair place.

Is there something strange about the 99 Windstar that a simple code reader does not work on it? Or is it just a wiring issue between the diagnostic connector and the computer?

The van runs good, so no obvious problem tripping the CEL, but I did notice that occasionally it stumbles when idling. I figure it is likely spark or could be something with the EGR. Although EGR should make it bad for longer than a short stumble and then recovery.
Any advice on why I can't pull the codes? Or know of a common problem that would contribute to an idle speed stumble? Thanks for any help, Terry

 

Check the cigarette lighter fuse. Often the diagnostic port gets its power from this fuse.

 

Checked the fuse, (#17, 20A) and it was blown. Put new one in and the code reader worked fine. Pulled codes P0171 and P0174 which are "system lean bank 1" and "system lean bank 2" respectively. So it appears I have some vacuum leak(s) to track down. I have heard the intake plenum upper to lower is a common problem spot, also some of the vacuum hoses for EGR.

 

Maybe check the fuel pressure. If not done in a while maybe replace the fuel filter before checking pressure.