Erratic Idle for a Few Seconds after Start

hyperthread2009 · 12-26-2008, 08:37 PM

Hello, I am just new here in this site but I've been an avid reader and visitor for a few months now since I bought my Ford 1999 Windstar. Ok, enough of that.

Here's my problem. I experienced an erratic idling after starting the van. The "erraticity" happened for just a few seconds only and it becomes stable after a 5 to 10 seconds. It happened twice this evening. Newly changed oil, sparkplugs and wires. It was replaced two weeks ago.

What do you think is the problem? Thanks!

BroncoJoe19 · 12-27-2008, 07:01 AM

Try pulling codes and see where that leads you.

One thing pretty much for certain, is that it will get worse.

But that will make it easier to track down.

hyperthread2009 · 12-27-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoJoe19

Try pulling codes and see where that leads you.

One thing pretty much for certain, is that it will get worse.

But that will make it easier to track down.

But I don't have the CEL on. Will a code reader from Autozone can detect or determine what code the computer is spitting on? Thanks man!

BroncoJoe19 · 12-27-2008, 08:13 AM

It might. Its my understanding that the CEL is required by law to come on for emmissions issues. It may, or may not come on for other issues.

Otherwise many idle issues are caused by vacuum leaks, and a dirty IAC or MAF.
Autozone will sell MAF cleaner (there are videos on youtube on how to clean a MAF)
also the IAC is easy to access and clean.
Ford Fuel Injection » Idle Air Bypass (IAB)

hyperthread2009 · 12-28-2008, 05:11 PM

Thanks BroncoJoe19. I found the problem! Woo hoo! The culprit was my sparkplug became wet because of the high pressurized car wash in a gasoline station. I just had my mechanic clean that plug and it's all working fine now!

BroncoJoe19 · 12-28-2008, 05:34 PM

That's great! Glad you got it working.

If you pulled codes it probably would have given a cylinder missfire code for that cylinder.

hyperthread2009 · 12-28-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoJoe19

That's great! Glad you got it working.

If you pulled codes it probably would have given a cylinder missfire code for that cylinder.

Oh yeah! I forgot to tell about it. It's not actually me who found the problem. My mechanic and I went to a local Autozone have it scanned. It says something about a missfire. You are correct man! I thought it just a wires because it's still the OEM one but it turns out just a wet plug.

Now actually, I have a concern about this. Is that normal for a water to enter those plug wells? I'll probably create a new thread about those high pressure gasoline station car wash but it seems that it's not that too friendly to old cars.