I have a '02 Ranger Edge 3.0 that has the same rough idle, but I have had other symptoms. Occasionaly the engine will stall when coming to a stop (usually when the A/C is on) and I notice the oil pressure gauge will fluctuate. I have 23,000mi. on it, I don't think that should be normal.

 

Yes, the 4th Generation Taurus (2000-Now) recieved a new Vulcan motor that had a plastic composite intake instead of a metal one, and the Vulcan actually gained a bit of power because of this.

 

a phenolic spacer will fix that. $40 and you have the equivalent of a composite intake

 

So glad to hear that I'm not the only one with a rough idle. I just bought my first Ranger from a private seller, it is a 99 XLT 3.0 5spd w/41k and the idle is rough enough to see the stick vibrate.
So does anybody know what to do? The only real advice I heard was to replace the Idle Air Control Unit. I changed the fuel filter, the bozo that owned this truck before me changed the oil and coolant and just about nothing else, so the fuel filter was original, and I noticed some improvement for sure but it still sounds like a much bigger engine when it is idling. I am going to clean the MAF and Throttlebody to reduce pinging, but I still haven't heard much about the rouch idle solutions. Let me hear ya.

 

from what I understand, that is normal. aparently the 3.0 has a decent cam in it.

 

i have a 99' xlt and runs perfect for the way i drive to hehe and i only have 42,000 miles on it.. and one question how do u guys show the car u drive at the bottom do u type it in or does it jus show up?

 

Click the "Settings" button at the top of this page, then click "Edit Profile" button, and then you should see a signature box. That's where you type in what you want to show up at the bottom of your posts. You can reference the FTE guidelines if you have any questions about what is appropriate signature content.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/guidelines.html

Hope this helps.

 

My 98 idles pretty smooth but high. About 1,000. I don't like it so fast.

 

Mine ran rough at idle and it was time for the state emmisions check. I knew it would not pass running like it was, so I dumped 2 quarts of rubbing alchol in the fuel. I ran the truck on the expressway for 15 minutes before taking into the emmision center. When I got there the idle of the truck was smoother than new. Ofcourse it past with with flying colors!!!!
I got this tip from a Cadillac mechcanic a few years back. Also fill tank with the good stuff, high octane name brand. Good luck to you all.

 

I have a 1998 Windstar with the 3.0 L Vulcan engine in it. It too has had a rough idle over much of its life. It now has 160,000 miles on it. Over the last year the idle gets worse at times even to the point of stalling at a redlight or stopsign intermittently. Then the next time you drive it, it idles pretty decently. So my question is does anyone know what would cause this fickle idle problem. I have a Chevy Monte Carlo with the 3.1 L engine with 113,000 miles on it and it idles perfect. My guess is the computer is getting confused from one of its sensor inputs. Does anyone know if the oxygen sensors will cause rough idle. The original sensors are still in this motor and with this high of mileage I am wondering if this could be the culprit. I have tried fuel injection cleaner but seems to have no made no difference in the idle. If you put your foot slightly on the gas and rev it up slightly the roughness goes away.

 

One sensor you might want to think about cleaning is your MAF sensor. Not sure how it's configured on your Windstar, but here's how to do it on a Ranger and Taurus, which I am sure is very close:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...readid=126093.

Also, you should check all air/vacuum hoses and connections for leaks, make sure the PCV valve and grommet/hose are clean and seated properly, and also think about re-torquing the intake bolts.

Some people have cleaned their idle air control valve (IAC), as well, and had some success with that.