99 windstar wont stay running?

My 99 sel starts but instantly stalls. If I keep my foot on the gas it stays running but stalls if I let off. After driving for a few min. all is well and it will idle? Any ideas?

Mike

Any codes (ie is the CEL illuminated)?

Could be the Idle Air controller (IAC)
Could be a stuck EGR valve
Could be a dirty MAF
Could be a vacuum leak

NO check engine light and that is what surprises me! I guess I will have to check all of those over tonight. Thanks for the in put!

Anything I suggested should cause a CEL.

Post back any findings.

LAst night it ran fine and idled normal so who theck knows. I hooked it up to the computer and there was nothing that raised a flag so I guess there is an intermitent gremlin. I have had it with tracking down problems so I do believe that this van is going right back to the auction! I have had two months of head aches with my blazer gremlin so its time for a newer van for the wife that I do not have to worry about as much. Thanks for the in put.

Mike

The IAC (Idle Air Control) is a common cause of the exact problem that you list. If you remove it....2 bolts and an electrical connector....and spray some SeaFoam.....or even WD-40 inside to clean and lubricate the threads that You can see in there.....it may help. It sounds like it is sticking. There is a little motor that turns a threaded shaft....uppon which is mounted a little valve.....which the computer opens and closes to control the idle speed when your foot is off of the accelerator. This little guy has to move quick to adjust the air flow to compensate for the accelerator, A/C, and other changes. So a little hesitation......and the engine will die.

It is also not expensive.....and is VERY easy to replace if the lubrication does not do the trick.

After checking the above, if you might try ...

1. Checking/replacing the throttle position sensor (TPS). They make 'em more durable these days than they use'ta ... but they still occassionally fail.

2. My ole favourites ... the PCM and fuel pump relays. However, the PCM relay failing is usally accompanied with instruments going crazy ... which you didn't mention.

I'm having exactly the same issue. What I don't know is where the IAC valve is located. A picture would be worth 2000 words, because I wouldn't know where it is located by a written description. Is there somewhere to go for a diagram, or does anyone have a Windstar they could upload a picture of?

I also have a 99 Windstar. I have the same problem from time to time. Your problem is with the IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL) Solenoid. I have cleaned mine to unstick it but it only works short term, depending on how well it can be cleaned. But if you just buy a new one this will fix your problem long term. The IAC is not really a motor, it is a magnetic solenoid. The fat end of the IAC contains a coil of wire similar to that of a relay, just bigger. The magnetic field of the coil moves a valve back and forth, much like the way a speaker works. The skinny end of the IAC contains this valve. The valve builds up dirt and carbon, which causes the valve to stick. The magnetic field of the coil is not strong enough to move the valve when it sticks. Once it sticks, it can just as easily unstick by itself by the vibration of the motor or the motion of the van on the road. Once it unsticks, the car may start fine for days or weeks until it happens again. This is why it is intermittent.

I have a 98 Windstar, also doing the exact same as described above. As of 10/14, the last post here,it has gone to the next level,it would not start.

The glitch started prob, 3 months back. I honed in on the IAC. About 3 weeks back, I took it out and cleaned with compressed air & no fluids. I did have code P1507 which made sense. I reset, did not have light or problem. Friday my wife made stops throughout the day. Her last stop before heading home,.. no start. I went for replacing the IAC this time but no difference.

I have fiddled and checked for the obvious(fuses, relay swap). No further parts replacement.

Additional insight/ experience to where I am at now will be appreciated. I have a service contract & need to study if this will be covered or no. But I fear the chase of the parts truck with the dollar meter running much faster than my WS right now.