I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, and it started stulling a lot. I also have to give it gas when starting it to keep it running. If i leave off the gas it will stull. Once it warms up though it will stay running. Although it still stalls when taking off from a stop sign or red light on occasion. I ran some stuff through my gas twice to rid it of any water in case that was the problem. Also replaced spark plugs and wires. Did a tune up and changed all fluids. None of these helped. What could the problem be? Any help appreciated.
2007-03-26 06:51:22 · 9 answers · asked by purple_roses48 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The mileage on this vehicle is only 97k miles.
2007-03-26 07:05:33 · update #1
I also upgraded the fuel i run to premium and added fuel additives for any water etc. in gas. And it does it all the time, regardless of the tank being full or empty.
2007-03-26 07:08:34 · update #2
I had another van that did this, that one was a dodge grand caravan though. That one would start right up if the weather wa warm, but this van does it regardless of the weather outside. though this would help.
2007-03-26 07:31:49 · update #3
for those of u who think it's the catylic converter, how can i tell if it's bad, or clogged? Also, when i give it gas to keep it running after first starting it, it sounds like my muffler is gonna fall off. It shakes like crazy and is really loud. but there are no holes in the muffler itself. Also has a slight smell of anti-freeze when giving it gas.
2007-03-26 07:36:19 · update #4
Common problems on 1998 Windstar 3.8L V6:
-Clogged EGR passages (requires upper intake removal for access to all six EGR ports)
-one or both (not likely) IMRC control valve(s) inoperative. Requires replacement to repair.
-Rotted PCV hose from upper intake to PCV valve, causing vacuum leaks which will produce the symptom you describe (just go to your local Ford dealer parts department for a new one. They should have plenty in stock). To repair requires replacement, which you can do yourself in less than two minutes.
Normally, the IAC valve is what causes what you describe on most vehicles as a GENERIC answer to your question, but I've chosen to list all the common items that are specific to YOUR vehicle since you chose to put the effort into providing the year, make and model, which helps a great deal, with the hope that you will use this information to your benefit. Hope this helps.
2007-03-26 07:14:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My guess is somewhere you picked up some bad fuel or got dirt in the fuel system. Maybe in the tank. You possibly need to flush the lines.
Since you have a 98 it should have an electric fuel pump. Electric fuel pumps just go out not like mechanical ones, they don't usually hang on for long.
Does it stall when you have a 1/2 tank or all the time even if your tank is full. I would get the injectors cleaned and try a fuel additive and maybe change gas stations.
It sometimes pays to run a higher octane in the tank to help clean it. If you always go to the same station try a different one a well known brand of higher grade.
2007-03-26 07:05:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should get the computer checked out by a garage, a diagnostic check i think its called. Try going to your Ford dealer, there is a chance that they've encountered this problem before. Could be as simple as a clogged fuel or air filter, but you've probably tried that. Could be injectors? Tough to say, the best thing would be a diagnostic check then go from there.
2007-03-26 06:59:58 · answer #3 · answered by bork 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you did the most common things that should be down in the instant. except for one thing. that is see if there are any service codes stored in the ECM's memory to give you a heads up of what is ailing it. the problem to me sounds like a possible throttle positioning sensor going bad or the egr system staying open. if you can get it to a shop that will read the codes in it for free i would suggest having that done to keep you from spending anymore money on it that's not needed. good luck and hope it helps.
2007-03-26 07:01:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your automatic choke mechanism may not be functioning; or the accellerator pump in your carb may need service. Sometimes this tiny shaft wears and the fuel being pumped squirts out the carb instead of into the cylinders. This momentary lapse of fuel results in stalling.
2007-03-26 07:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by Griz 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Could be fuel filter bad vacume line fuel pump starting to go.
2007-03-26 06:54:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you never mentioned air filter,or whether you had the catalytic converter checked.
I have one of these mini vans that did the same i never found what the trouble was it would do it when i left it outdoors but not when i left it in the garage,so i leave it in the garage.
If you find anything out let me know.
2007-03-26 07:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by sugartopone 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Clogged fuel filter maybe, when was the last time it was replaced?
2007-03-26 06:55:58 · answer #8 · answered by A.B. 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How many miles are on it could just be the engine is worn out
2007-03-26 06:55:23 · answer #9 · answered by obiwan1092002 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋