I happened across this site last night, and spent hours reading the posts regarding this problem. This is my first post. Nov 5th, I bought a 97 Ford econoline conversion van, 5.4L with 35K miles. It was a one owner, been setting about 10 months. I carry nothing in the van. I drove this 430 miles before the engine started stalling at intersectons. This happened about 6 times within 3 miles. The service engine light did not come on. I had the engine scanned by two mechanics, with no codes coming up. I had the fuel filter changed, added $20 of fuel cleaner and dry gas. It did not stall for another 200 miles. It stalled again about two weeks later. There is no warning, no sputtering, just dies as if the key was turned off. It starts right up after it stalls. I then had the Idle Control Valve replaced by a Ford dealer. It has stalled once again. As a side note to this, I contacted the original owner who stated when the van was new, it got 20 MPG hwy. There was a factory service done in 98 to reprogram the powertrain control module. He stated the mpg dropped about 25% after that. They also changed the idler pulley and belt at that time. I now get 12 city and 14.4 mpg hwy. I just had the throttle body cleaned and air cleaner replaced, new plugs were installed a couple years ago. I have put 1000 miles on this van. Next week I expect to change the MAF and Throttle Position sensors. There also seems to be an engine vibration, don't have a tach, so can't offer info as to when that happens. Runs smooth at idle, starts every time, no unusual noises. I feel a vibration in the steering column at times acclerating and decelerating. It just does not seem to run smooth at times. It also seems to be running at too low an rpm in some gears. I have two weeks left to dispute any fees for repair charges with the dealer, who has refused to communicate with any issues with this van since I bought it. Also, a Ford dealer had removed and reinstalled the veneered panels over the instrument cluster and radio to do a heater control repair, and did not reinstall the veneer properly. Anyone know how to remove this without causing any more damage to the panels? I am primarily concerned with get the stalling problem fixed, and would like to get the mpg back up. Ford dealer states they can not and will not go back in to reprogram the computer. Can you reprogram the engine and trans parameters with an after market computer? If so, what would you recommend? Someone also suggested there might be a problem with the computer module. One last item, the ball joints had to be replaced, I had a FEA, and now it pulls noticeably to the right. Is there something that might have needed to be replaced to correct this problem before the FEA?.... Greatly appreciate your feedback. Thanks! Wayne
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Hello is their any body out there

 

Finally sold the 97 conversion van after nearly 2.5 yrs on the market. Even down to the last moment, the coil springs broke just before selling it.

Bought a 2011 VW JSW and have not looked back since.

The new Fords have come a long way since this POS.