IMRC 1 for each cylinder bank on the 3.8 are controlled by vacuum and are normally held closed by vacuum after the engine warms to operating temp. They have a control rod connected to a diaphragm at one end and a lever at the other. I had one go bad and it turned out the vacuum diaphragm was leaking. One test is to start your engine from cold then look to see if the control rod moves as your engine warms up, the rod movement only takes a second. The one that doesn't move is the one that's broke.
I had a clunk in the front of my 98 windstar, it turned out to be the axle stablizer arm bushing. Ford fits a grommet through a hole in the front frame for the rod to anchor to. you can find the grommet by removing a nut and the big rubber bushing at the front end of the arm. The frame wears to the point that there is enough slop to create a clunking sound. I noticed mine while hitting bumps in the road and when sitting stopped, rolling forward slowly, then tapping the brakes. I welded the grommet to the frame and no more clunk. The sound is enough to cause some worry, but no catastrophes.
I had a code of p1537 imrc stuck open on bank A. The dealer suggested I check the rod retainer (plastic clip) and indeed it was broken and the rod was off of the runner control that goes inside the intake manifold. I believe I did this when I was doing a tune up. One thing nobody mentioned, but my van became a pig on gas right after the tune up, maybe it has to do with this maybe not too early to tell. I put in 90 litres and got 600 kms (highway) my digital dash says I got 12L/100km, but if you do the math that isn't correct.
I still don't know if the actual vacuum acuator is defective as I didn't check it until I read it on here.
I had a code of p1537 imrc stuck open on bank A. The dealer suggested I check the rod retainer (plastic clip) and indeed it was broken and the rod was off of the runner control that goes inside the intake manifold. I believe I did this when I was doing a tune up. One thing nobody mentioned, but my van became a pig on gas right after the tune up, maybe it has to do with this maybe not too early to tell. I put in 90 litres and got 600 kms (highway) my digital dash says I got 12L/100km, but if you do the math that isn't correct.
I still don't know if the actual vacuum acuator is defective as I didn't check it until I read it on here. I just noticed the arm was off. It has the apperance on a vacuum advance on a carb.
1997 Windstar 3.8 240+ kms
I have a 98 ford windstar. It has a very bad shimmy in the rear. I have had the tires balanced and rotated. Bearings tightened and greased. Checked the shocks. Did everything that I could think off. Has anyone had this problem? If So, Did you get it fixed and How?
I'm interested in buying a 1998 Windstar, and I was wondering how many miles everyone was getting before they were majorly breaking down. This one has 130k on it, but I really need something now and that's all I can afford.
I just purchased a 1998 Ford Windstar and when braking, only sometimes there is a loud knock. Does not happen all the time! There is a rubbing noise also coming from the driver's side. If anyone can give me an answer to ease my worry. This was a used vehicle and I have only had it for a week!
No one should try to diagnose this without seeing the vehicle. This seems to be a front suspension/ brake problem and that's potentially dangerous. Take it to an independent auto repair shop for diagnosis.
I have a 2000 Ford Windstar. Not sure on the engine size?? But I have a loud humming noise coming from the left front side; it's so bad and loud that you can't hear anything but the humming. It hummed before, but not as loud now. It's just so loud that even the radio will not help. Any idea on what it could be???
I have some people tell me it's the bearing, others tell me to rotate the tires. I checked the tires and they are OK. I don't want to be taken again, as that is why I got a new vehicle. Need to know so when I take it to the mechanic, I have some idea and they don't take me for all I have.
I have a 1998 Windstar, and I will not buy another one.
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