00 Windstar-won't stay running

Bill M. KS · 09-10-2006, 09:17 AM

I am having a problem with my Windstar starting but won't idle. It dies unless you give it some gas. This has been an intermittent problem that I am tired of trying to track down the source. I was just told it could be my IAC valve. I was also told it could be my mass air sensor (or something like that).

Any thoughts and where is it located on my vehicle????

Bill M. KS · 09-13-2006, 11:16 PM

Poblem solved...It was the IAC valve. The dealership wanted $420 to fix a $75 part that took 5 minutes to change.

njiannelli · 09-19-2006, 08:15 AM

I am having the same problem with my 2000 Windstar. There are about a dozen possibilities in most trouble-shooting guides. How did you find out it was the IAC Valve? Is this something only the dealer can tell you or is there a test I can do myself? Thanks, Nick

Bill M. KS · 09-20-2006, 10:29 PM

COLOR="Purple"][html]2000 Windstar won't idle after starting

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I am having the same problem with my 2000 Windstar. There are about a dozen possibilities in most trouble-shooting guides. How did you find out it was the IAC Valve? Is this something only the dealer can tell you or is there a test I can do myself? Thanks, Nick[/COLOR

I explained to my cousin, who is a mechanic, the problem I was having. He immediately told me what the problem was.

There are some autoparts stores that will do a free diagnostics check. The diagnostic check will show the IAC if it is the problem. I was told if you unplug the IAC valve and start the van, it should stay running. Then plug it back in and if it dies, the IAC is bad (according to a different mechanic).

If you take it to the dealership, they will obviously charge you more for parts/labor than you really should pay. They wanted $420. We spent $100 for the diagnostic check and only $69 for the part ($130 at dealership). The part only took 5 minutes to change. The IAC valve is located on the top. Once you have the new part in hand, you can't miss it.

Good luck.

njiannelli · 10-02-2006, 08:54 AM

Thank you for the information...I will give that a try.

Death to Ford · 10-06-2006, 06:06 PM

Hi there

just follow this

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar02.html

slayer1970 · 10-24-2006, 04:16 PM

they are rubber and have been known to callasp on the 3.8 often
will cause a ruff idle and stall and gradully worsen as time goes on
you can check this by starting the car and at idle spray either around the upper intake(plentum)gasket if there is a problem you will get an elivated idle at the spot of the leak
****be very carefull "NOT" to spray electrical sources as either is very flammable***

njiannelli · 10-31-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Death to Ford

Hi there

just follow this

http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar02.html

PERFECT...thank you!!!! I tried it last night and it was exactly as shown in the link above. The inside of the IAC valve was coated in soot and the spring/valve was stuck in the closed position. Wouldn't release until I cleaned it out and let it soak in WD-40. Put it back together and the van is idling normal again. Thanks for the help...the advice from everyone on this thread has saved me 400 bucks...greatly appreciated.

Nick

Death to Ford · 11-01-2006, 09:09 PM

Thats Great

Glad to have helped!!