2000 windstar hesitant on acceleration

Hi! I have a 2000 windstar with about 83,000 miles on it. I have noticed over the past few weeks that when I start to accelerate, it kinda "shudders" or "lags" for lack of better words. Could this be a fuel pump prob? Or maybe Air filter? It runs fine once it gets up past 40mph or so.

This past Saturday, the Check Engine Light came on and finally, I had my husband put the highest grade of fuel in and this afternoon, after I drove it 2 more times, the light went off! I just did what it said to do in the little Ford manual that comes with your car! However, it still does the shuddering thing.

Also, on 2 of my recent long distance trips (over 600 miles round trip), the O/D light started flashing. It has not come on since, and I have drove it out of town too, I'll be it not that far. Does anyone know what this problem might be??? We are a young couple with 3 small kids and don't know a lot about cars and just need some help!!! (Sorry for the length of this post!)

I appreciate any help anyone might have!

pb1998

welcome pb1998,

plug "hesitation acceleration" into the "search this forum" box. Read it all. THEN. . . elaborate on your problem. We can help you fix it.

Karl

Hi! Well, my husband took the van to autozone and had codes read....P0401 EGR insufficient flow detected....so, my dad said to check the hoses coming off the DPFE first to see if they are intact....if they are, then you think I just need to change the DPFE???

I appreciate your help!!

pb1998

Checking the hoses is a great first step. If you PCM is reading insufficieint flow it could be:

-insufficient flow due to clogged EGR ports
-the EGR not opening when commandeddue to a faulty EVM, clogged hose or faulty EGR.
-The DPFE itself
-The EGR valve

There are probably others. one trick is to let the engine idle and to apply a vacuum to the egr control line. If the EGR system is working it should stall the vehicle. You can also test the DPFE if you have access to a voltmeter. I have outlined the procedure inthe past (search under DPFE).

DPFEs are prone to fail so keep that in mind. Personally I would investigate a bit before replacing parts.

As for the hesitation and the o/d light. I think you have 2 unrelated problems. I would ensue that your transmission fluid is topped up as a start.

Flashing O/D light is an indication that the transmission electronics has sensed a problem.
There are transmission failure codes.
I could be wrong....but I do not think that they will come up with the reading of codes at autozone.

One item that often failes is the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS). This is a switch that is mounted on top of the transmission. The gear selector connects to a cable.....which connects to the TRS. And the transmission electronics take it from there. The TRS is not an expensive fix. So....hopefully it is something cheap like that.....