96 Stalling when at a stop

Hello Windstar Crew,

I haven't been on this site for a while, more especially since I really haven't had much time lately.

Anyway just a quick question. My 96 will sometimes stall when it comes to a stop , the RPM drop and if I have the AC on it will drop as well. I've also noticed that from time to time the RPM will drop up/down for no reason, while parked or while driving. I've heard about the IAC being a problem. Could this be a source of my problems? So far no CEL on at this point.

Thanks

IAC is a common cause for the problem. When your foot is off the accelerator......the IAC controls the air into the engine.....and the engine speed.
The PCM sends a signal to increase or decrease the engine speed.....and a little motor runs...turning a little screw...which opens or closes a valve....which increases or decreases engine speed.

It sounds like yours may be sticking. They say not to clean it.....but I would give that a try. Remove the 2 bolts....lift it off.....and spray some seafoam in. Then let the excess run out.....and re-install.

If that does not solve the problem.....it is not real expensive......and is easy to replace.

IAC is a common cause for the problem. When your foot is off the accelerator......the IAC controls the air into the engine.....and the engine speed.
The PCM sends a signal to increase or decrease the engine speed.....and a little motor runs...turning a little screw...which opens or closes a valve....which increases or decreases engine speed.

It sounds like yours may be sticking. They say not to clean it.....but I would give that a try. Remove the 2 bolts....lift it off.....and spray some seafoam in. Then let the excess run out.....and re-install.

If that does not solve the problem.....it is not real expensive......and is easy to replace.
It doesn't appear that it is the problem. The RPMs are pretty constant when idling in park, even with the AC turned on.It seems to react properly. I was going to take it off and clean it anyway, but then I was told that there is a gasket under it. I don't want to remove it and damage the gasket as I can't seem to buy it at a parts store. They tell me it is a factory item and I would have to get it from FORD.
Here is when it all started: My wife took it and made a sharp turn into a parking spot and it stalled. Eversince it does it randomly, more when the enigne has warmed up. When you come to a stop the idling drops and sometimes it stalls. If you stop the van, turn the steering to either side fully, it really loads it down to where it will stall. SO somehow I believe that it may be related to the power steering. Not sure if when she made the sharp turn it may have done something to the pressure release on the steering. How can I check this?
Could there be something else that may also be the cause? Could the idling screw need to be adjusted?


Thanks
Dion

There is no idle adjustment, it's controlled by the PCM.

It is possible that you have a power steering pressure switch that is bad, but your best bet is to first remove the IAC and clean it. Don't worry about the gasket. I honestly don' think mine even had one, but you can always make one out of the premtex (sp) gasket material.

There is no idle adjustment, it's controlled by the PCM.

It is possible that you have a power steering pressure switch that is bad, but your best bet is to first remove the IAC and clean it. Don't worry about the gasket. I honestly don' think mine even had one, but you can always make one out of the premtex (sp) gasket material.

Hey fdunford,

I have the van at the shop getting some tires rotated/balanced as well as an oil/filter change. He was also going to check into it for me and let me know what he finds.He did mention about the pressure switch as a possible problem. Ill post back when I hear more.I may try cleaning the IAC on the weekend as I'm pretty busy lately. I'll post back ASAP once I find out more.

Thanks
DIon

Turning the wheels with the car at a stop puts a big load on the power steering.....and thus a load on the engine. I have had mine stall once in a while when turning the wheels in a parking lot. The combination of the IAC having to adjust for my taking my foot off the accelerator.....and the increased load of the power steering happening at just the right time..........

It is also normal for the engine to slow down and then speed up under the sudden load of the A/C compressor kicking in.

If the IAC is just starting to stick a little bit.....it will really show up at these times....as it has to react very quickly.

I also do not recall there being a gasket under my IAC.

It is also a good idea to avoid holding the steering all the way against the limit....as this really increases the load on the power steering.....and does not turn the wheels any further. Once I hit the limit.....I back off just enough to be off of the limit. Most people on this forum know this....but most of us have heard, many times, people holding their steering against the limit when manuvering in and out of a parking space.

My 96 had this problem after i fixed an intake line. It may be that the system just needs reset. Simply disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes, and re-connect. It will automatically reset the idling with the correct intake %. Vua-la See if that helps.

My 96 had this problem after i fixed an intake line. It may be that the system just needs reset. Simply disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes, and re-connect. It will automatically reset the idling with the correct intake %. Vua-la See if that helps.

I removed the belt rom the Power Steering and when you turn the wheels to the limits, it doesn't stall the van. When you put the belt back on and turn, it will stall. Does this sound like the power steering as the problem??



Thanks
pryornfld

Going to replace the power steering pump next week. Hopefully it will solve the problem( almost 100%) positive. I will post back!!
Also, as I'm driving up the highway, I notice that from time to time my RPMS jump up, then go back to the original position . Could this be the torque converter or is there something else I should check??

My 98 seemed to have the same exact problem, stalling under load while warmed up. I had the dealer check it couldn't find a problem because they didn't drive it. Took it back had them drive it around the Walmart parking lot and of course it died 3 times. They reprogramed my computer and it has not died in the almost 3 years since then. This is a dealer only solution from what I was told. May be able to swap one in from the junk yard but who knows if it will help.