Call all car experts--98 Ford Windstar Engine problem

[evergreen96]

98 Ford Windstar w/ 102,000 miles on it. Had the factory recalled performed for the on-board diagonse
system repair (dealership said they flash the computer chip to repair the problem). Well now the
speedometer sometimes works and other time it doesn't. When it (speedometer) doesn't work, the engine
sort of chokes (like the engine is about to die) unless you floor the gas pedal it. Also when revving the
engine in Park, the engine just chokes and doesn't not like what to rev any higher. (i think it rev up to 2500
rpm and then starts to choke , I can;t even it up to 4500 rpms.. don't have a techometer in the car.)

edit Air filter changed.
edit Motor oil + filter changed.

Problem still there


Captiol Ford in San Jose, California want to charge $100 just for the diagonse when I think i was there
fault in the first place. Didn't have this problem before getting the recalled done.

Anyone know a solution to this problem?

 

[StageLeft]

The only solution I can think of is a tall cliff, but then I'm not really a car expert

 

[Soybomb]

Sounds like speed sensor problems I've dealt with bu tI'm just guessing that the windstar has a speed sensor and not some other funky system. I'd find a private mechanic who charges less, $100 should be over one hour of shop labor

 

[evergreen96]

Soybomb,

What about the engine reving?

 

[db]

I think Soybomb is onto it.
Your vehicle probably adjusts engine timing and fuel feed, etc, according to vehicle speed (as well as load, air temp, coolant temp, etc, etc).

 

[PG]

Ford had HUGE and I mean HUGE problems with the 3.8L engine in the mid '90's. The head gaskets would go on those engines and it was real expensive to fix. The heads and/or block could be wrecked. The coolant that ran through the engine also wrecked the oxygen sensors and the Windstar has 4 of them.

But I thought that Ford fixed this head gasket problem by the '98 model year. Anyway, check your coolant and oil levels. Also make sure they don't look contaminated.

 

[Kntx]

In fords you can't rev the engine in park very high. My pa has a 98 taurus and the computer won't let you go past 4000.

 

[boomerang]

It does sound like they created this problem. I'd contact the dealership and explain to them that if they will not repair their screw-up that you will have to contact Ford.

Sounds like they flashed the chip with the wrong information. Wrong engine or drivetrain.

 

[8602081]

There is a known issue with the Gasket problem with the winstar. I'm not sure if that would cause it.

 

[Thegonagle]

Or it could be a coincidence. I?m with Soybomb. Sounds like the vehicle speed sensor is on the way out.

Joe.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Ok here you go:

98 Windstars do not have headgasket problems, that was fixed by '97.

The engine will not rev up over what you are getting in park or neutral, even with your foot on the floor. The PCM rev. limits it and starts cutting out cylinders to keep the rpm's down.

The speed sensor is most likely the culprit. Don't let it go long, because it the sensor is the problem, your transmission will assume room temperature very soon.

I don't see how flashing the PCM could cause that problem, you cannot put the wrong program in it. The WDS or SBDS (whichever they used) won't let you. If it's the recall I'm thinking about, it was just an idle tweak to fix a charging problem.

They possibly could have shorted the PCM and damaged it, but this is unlikely.

PM me your VIN# and I'll run it to see what recall it was and if there are any TSB's or SSM's relating to your concern.