Windstar van won't idle

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Oct 24, 2004 | 07:58 PM

emboyd

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Jacksonville, FL

Windstar van won't idle

I've got a 2000 Ford Windstar w/ 3.8L V6 and Auto tranny, 104K miles. When starting, it'll crank and fire, but won't idle itself, therefore shutting off. I can keep it held @ 800RPM w/ the gas pedal, but when I let off, it dies again. I just changed the air filter, so that isn't the problem. When raising the revs with the gas pedal, it's smooth, so I don't suspect the plugs to be fouled, even though they're due to be changed (original plugs).

This will be my first major repair, so I don't even have the shop manual yet. Should I get the Haynes or is there a better one?

Thanks in advance!

Oct 24, 2004 | 08:07 PM

T'sFord

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Orange, TX

It dies

Have you changed the fuel filter? If not, way pass due.

Oct 24, 2004 | 08:40 PM

triton_2002

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 2,977

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From: South Texas

3 words: Idle Air Control
Not familiar with windstars, but it's a valve on the throttle body that contols the idle speed. When it goes bad, that is the classic symptom: vehicle will not idle unless your foot is on the pedal. Then again, I could be wrong, it's been know to happen from time to time......but check that first.

Oct 24, 2004 | 08:41 PM

slim1

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: LaSalle monroe

Hello, I also have a 2000 windstar mine had 93,000 other the a powersteering pump I have only done routine maintenance. Anyway while reading your thread I happen to have my Hayes Manuel sitting right next to me and here is what the troubleshooting says.

section7 "Engine starts but stops immediately"

1. loose or damaged wire harness connections at distributor, coil or alternator.

2. Intake manifold vacuum leaks. Make sure all mounting bolts\nuts are tight and all vacuum hoses connected to the manifold are attached properly and in good condition.

3.Insufficient fuel pressure (see Chapter 4).

4. Fuel injection or engine control systems malfunction (chapters 4 and 6).

paul

Haynes North America, inc. 1998, 2001
Ford windstar 1995 trou 2001
Haynes Repair Manual (pg.0-21)

Oct 24, 2004 | 08:45 PM

tankblake

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Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Benninton

the Iac vavle may be stuck!!! try having someone tap on the housing of the vavle while you keep it run and then see if it Ildes!!! or replacee the IAC

Oct 25, 2004 | 11:40 AM

emboyd

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Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 249

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From: Jacksonville, FL

WOW!! I didn't think I'd have so many responses from just one night. I'm impressed, guys!

I picked up a shop manual today during lunch, so tonight I'll be checking the IAC, along with any vacuum lines. The fuel filter is probably due to be changed, as well, so I'll look into that one, too.

Thanks, again!

Oct 26, 2004 | 06:24 AM

emboyd

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From: Jacksonville, FL

UPDATE:

When I got home, I jumped straight on the IAC, following the test procedures in the Haynes Manual I picked up. The electrical readings were all w/in specs, so I popped it off the throttle body. Sure enough, it was pretty well carbonated. So, I did my best to wipe it off, manually operated the valve, and reinstalled it. Works great! Thanks for your help!