My 96 Windstar is Weird! Please Help!

Lately I’ve been having trouble with my 96 Windstar idling poorly, and occasionally stalling, when the transmission is in D or R and cold. I have not found any vacuum leaks and the mechanic is mystified as well. What could it be?

*Now the weird part.*
The open door light will sometimes not indicate the doors are closed when, in fact, the doors are closed. I assumed one of the door indicators had gone bad, but if I drive the van at greater the 65 mph and lower the left or right window half way the open door indicator will extinguish. Does it every time, and if one of these factors is not meet then the light turns on again. Does anyone know how these three circuits (speed sensing, power windows, and door indicator) could be related? And, what can I do to fix this annoying problem?

Sounds like one of your door sensors is not quite making it. There are a number of posts here about that.....is worse in cold, wet weather. Spraying the door latches and hinges with Lithium spray has helped a number of people. Putting the window part way down most likely is causing the air pressure inside the car to move the offending door just enough to make the sensor switch make contact.

Idle....if you do NOT have a CEL (Check Engine Light), or rough idle.....but possible surging....or idle going up and down..... the Idle Air Control (IAC) is a known cause for this.
When you take your foot off the accelerator, the computer takes over the control of the engine speed. It opens and closes the valve in the IAC to do this. The IAC can stick.....causing the car to idle too fast....or too slow (and stall).

The IAC is located on top of the throttle body.....is held in place by 2 bolts, and has an electrical connector on it. The official process from FORD is to replace it, and not lubricate it. Many have been successful in lubricating it. It is not a expensive part....and it is easy to change. You can buy one at many auto parts stores.

Thank You Wiswind. The White lithium seemed to help the door light. As for the idle I held a meg’er up to the leads and all the voltage and resistance was up to spec. I also cleaned out the IAC, but the engine still idled rough and the check engine light came on. I took an OBDII reading and got a cyn 3 misfire and low fuel pressure reading. I then erased the codes and now the engine run fines? We will see what happens next. Thanks again.

Party-o-7

Try changing the fuel filter....Is under the car...just in front of the back,driver's side tire....on the inside of the frame member. You will find step-by-step directions under vehicle specific repair guides at www.autozone.com

Also, try running some fuel system cleaner through.....get a good one though. I use Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner, available at Advance Autoparts....and I did see it at Autozone recently. I have also read good things about Chevron Techron and Fuel Power. Fuel Power is available from www.fuelpower.com The Chevron Techron should be available at many parts stores.