My moms windstar has a few problems im trying to fix. Its a 01 windstar 3.8 sel. 168k. I replaced the fuel filter, plugs wires, coil pack, cleaned the egr ports "they where clogged". Did the updated intake gasket and green gasket intake manifold bolts. Updated valve cover to stop oil consumption. The problem 1 is it misfires under quarter tank. But drives fine only misses at idle or worse in reverse. Im thinking fuel pump but could be related to problem 2. 2 is the battery light wont go away. Replaced alternator multiple times with napas warrenty. Battery tested good. Resanded down engine ground, battery grounds. Got the alternator tested at a parts store battery and alternator came back good. No ripple. So im at a loss. I checked 90% of the wires under hood for arcing or split everything seems good. Its had this problem for 2 years now. Or about 40k miles. I just cringe its been miss fireing that long. What do u think?
Help with moms windstar
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I worked on a friend's Windstar a few years ago, and did some online research. On a Windstar forum, one veteran's signature was "If the check engine light isn't on, it's not really a Windstar".
So, the obvious question - is there a CEL? If so, have you read the codes, and what are they?
So, the obvious question - is there a CEL? If so, have you read the codes, and what are they?
+1 Is there a CEL?
Ford isn't known for having the best transmissions, so that could be an issue, too.
But if it misses only when the tank is low, that does sound like the fuel pump. I hope there is an access panel to get to it
Ford isn't known for having the best transmissions, so that could be an issue, too.
But if it misses only when the tank is low, that does sound like the fuel pump. I hope there is an access panel to get to it
No codes or stored codes. Even looked for abs codes and what not. It does not throw a code for the miss fireing. I unhooked a vaccum line just to se if the engine light was working and it threw a lean code. Sooo im at a loss lol
Has the transmission fluid ever been serviced?
How often does the tank get run down to a quarter or below? Weak fuel pump can cause all sorts of goofy issues.
My 03 Windstar just up and quit one day. Wife was driving. New alternator at that time. Later on, another wire was replaced, as it looked sketchy. Might have been the large cable from the alternator to the battery. Wire quality has gone downhill, as one way to cheapen build cost, and get one into the showroom to buy a new one. My 96 Windstar keeps plugging along at 263k miles. No check engine lights on either... The 03 has ABS issues, so that light is on.
How often does the tank get run down to a quarter or below? Weak fuel pump can cause all sorts of goofy issues.
My 03 Windstar just up and quit one day. Wife was driving. New alternator at that time. Later on, another wire was replaced, as it looked sketchy. Might have been the large cable from the alternator to the battery. Wire quality has gone downhill, as one way to cheapen build cost, and get one into the showroom to buy a new one. My 96 Windstar keeps plugging along at 263k miles. No check engine lights on either... The 03 has ABS issues, so that light is on.
I don't know about this engine, but on plenty of other cars, I have has issues with aftermarket plug wires.
I would look for a fuel pump related issue, like this one:
https://www.feoa.net/threads/how-to-change-a-fuel-pump-fix-a-car-that-dies-on-corners.12272/
I would look for a fuel pump related issue, like this one:
https://www.feoa.net/threads/how-to-change-a-fuel-pump-fix-a-car-that-dies-on-corners.12272/
You need something like this to help you diagnose the electrical issue:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-Innova-3721-Battery-and-Charging-System-Monitor/15137663
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-Innova-3721-Battery-and-Charging-System-Monitor/15137663
Originally Posted by zzyzzx
You need something like this to help you diagnose the electrical issue:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-Innova-3721-Battery-and-Charging-System-Monitor/15137663
I have one of those it never dips below low 13's hangs around 13.5
You need something like this to help you diagnose the electrical issue:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equus-Innova-3721-Battery-and-Charging-System-Monitor/15137663
I have one of those it never dips below low 13's hangs around 13.5
Originally Posted by slacktide_bitog
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But if it misses only when the tank is low, that does sound like the fuel pump. I hope there is an access panel to get to it
As someone that had to replace a fuel pump on an 03, not that I'm aware of...
Sorry, I don't know what the issue could be, but if you want to take a stab at replacing the fuel pump, get a reputable-brand one even though it's likely to be more expensive. I bought a compatible bottom-grade fuel pump on ebay and it worked fine but it threw out a fuel pump high voltage code.
...
But if it misses only when the tank is low, that does sound like the fuel pump. I hope there is an access panel to get to it
As someone that had to replace a fuel pump on an 03, not that I'm aware of...
Sorry, I don't know what the issue could be, but if you want to take a stab at replacing the fuel pump, get a reputable-brand one even though it's likely to be more expensive. I bought a compatible bottom-grade fuel pump on ebay and it worked fine but it threw out a fuel pump high voltage code.
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Clean/replace the IAC valve. Should solve the idle issue.
I'd try an ECU reset by unhooking the neg cable for a couple of hours and see if that solves the charging system issue. Failing that, the ECU grounds and electronic ignition switch might be at fault.
Windstars, electrically speaking, are absolute garbage.
I'd try an ECU reset by unhooking the neg cable for a couple of hours and see if that solves the charging system issue. Failing that, the ECU grounds and electronic ignition switch might be at fault.
Windstars, electrically speaking, are absolute garbage.
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