I have a 94 aerostar, 4 litre. About 4 years ago I had similiar symptoms. Sometime between cold and warm up if you gave it gas at a stop sign it had a tendency to stall. At that time I seen to remember changing one of the temperature sensors (coolant) and I think that fixed it.

Problem is back, started doing it once in awhile a few months back but I ignored it becuase it was only intermetent but now that the temperature has signifigantly dropped (in the 20s and 30's it really has crapped out. If you start it dead cold. The first 30 seconds or so it runs fine but then starts stalling if you stop or try to turn a corner, check engine light also comes on and then goes out. Some times when it stalls it is really hard to get started again and without pushing on the accelerator it would not start at all. I figured what the hey and started pumping and it did start. My wife held it to the floor and it would start but not at all unless you pressed the accelerator. I do have a computer at home and will pull the code off it tonight if it has one but in the meanwhile I was hoping to get some ideas since the computer does not always nail it down.

Thanks from the guy that had the chipmonks make the next in the 96 Aerostar air box which proved to be a challanging problem to fix. Been bad for animals lately, homocide deer tried to take us out in our 98 blazer before thanksgiving so we are down to the three aerostarts, 97 was pulled from winter storage, 96 has been hanging in there but now the 94 is crapping out. Down to two cars with three drivers. Daughters is bitchen becuase mom and dad have the nerve to need to drive to work and she can't go see friends....

 

At least its not the chipmunks this time around.

Try swapping IAC valve from the other Aero - assuming its running okay. This should rule out/condemn the IAC valve.

 

Read the code first. Pretty easy to do even without a code reader.

 

fixing Aeros is easy
unemloyeed soap opera daughters, you're on your own

DIY codes, paperclip click

or many auto parts stores will read codes for free...call ahead

daughter=on way to work....drop at nearest Burger Shop to fill out job app and start washing dishes and mopping floor to pay tv soap opera bill, makeup, cell phone bills..
rule in 96-4wdr house....not workee=no eatee....surprising the power of an empty stomach

 

Nice way to grow thin....

 

and to be slim and sufisticated.... gee.....
+ you need some gym to make it run againe.....

 

What an interesting coincidence. I also have a 94, and I am having the same problem. It first started about 4 weeks ago. At first it was reversed - it started hard and then stalled mainly while cold. Once warmed up it was better but not great. I have the van for 2 years and never did a tune up (those #$% plugs are so hard to get to!!) So I changed the plugs and did a complete tune up. While pulling the wires off theplugs the boots all disintegrated because they were so old, so I changed the wires, the fuel filter, the PCV valve, and did an oil change to boot.
I nearly fainted when I saw the gaps on those plugs! Basically, there was nothing left of them - it was all gap!! (I was hopping for improved gas mileage maybe.)

It was a bit tricky getting the plugs back into the correct firing order, since I foolishly mixed them up. But for about 2 weeks, it ran like it used to - like a charm. The Engine light also went off.

Now all of a sudden it came back with a vengeance. Instead of only stalling on cold, it now stalls any time, except for the first few seconds when the computer sets the higher startup idle speed. I pulled all six plug wires off and they all still have spark. The Engie light is sometimes on.

I haven't read the codes yet, because I have to borrow the reader from my father. I don't own one. My experience with the reader after last time is not very good, since it only gives me nonsense results. Maybe I can do better with a paper clip?

 

To all: sorry it took so long to get back with you. We I checked my receipts and the codes. Same problem as last time (three years ago). Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and Air Charge Temperature Sensor. Autozone about $10 each. Problem solved. Yitzy, pull the wheels off and go at those plugs through the wheel well. Especially on the passenger side. Just lift up the splash flap in the fender and you will be looking straight in the face of three spark plugs. You will feel like a real dummy after seeing that. Don't worry, I fought with mine for three years before I figured this out.

 

Actually I did just that, but really had clear access to only 2 of them. And even that required a socket extention that was about 2 feet long (I didn't remove the wheel, just jacked up the van) and a universal joint on the end.

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice!! I wish my previous cars had a forum like this one!! Just another reason why I want to stay with an Aerostar for many more years!!

 

FORD Fix or repair daily. If they didn't break so often we would not need this forum.

 

I admit that freely about a Tempo lemon that I once had, but fervently deny it about my Aerostar. I have it 2 years and until 3 weeks ago (or so) never had a single problem.

"When it is good, it is very very good, but when it is bad is is wicked?"

 

I've owned 4 aeros over the past 10 years. Still have three of them. Good vehicles.

 

Still have three. One to drive and two for parts???

 

Nope, all three still on the road.
94, 160K miles,
96 211K miles
97 136K miles

 

Working on a 1994 4.0 EFI V6 4WD Aerostar here, it's throwing codes for coolant temp and air charge temp sensors - I found what looks like the wire for the charge air temp sensor but it's not plugged onto any sensor and I can't find any sensor to plug it onto! Will probably have to remove some gingerbread and look around where a sensor is.

Or is is that wire just supposed to be unused and is the temp sensor in the MAF? It does have a MAF right by the intake air filter box, so I found it odd that the air charge temp wouldn't just come from there.
But the plug hanging loose does look correct for the air charge sensors available for this year/make/model.

At least I can see where the coolant temp sensor is and it's plugged in but obviously needs to be replaced if it's throwing the code.

Cheers!