1995 Rough Idle, need directions to spot please

it is a 1995 Ford Windstar GL w/ an automatic transmission. We've had problems with the van a couple of transmissions and engines. The van has 150,000~~ miles on it. It idle's fine, then it'll get rough and the rpm's will jump. It had the problem before and we replaced the fuel filter since it wasn't quite on there and it fixed the problem for a little while. It got back to the way it was and its almost empty on gas. I'd like it fixed so we can sell it to get a dsm that i know how to work on.

Is there anyone that can point me in the direction of a part that may cause the problem. And also can anyone point me in the direction of the idle control valve?

There is a check engine light on i'll go get coded later today. Thanks for the help in advance, and i searched and didn't find much of anything if anyone in case anyone decides to be incredibly intelligent. :wink:

huh... fixed it

code read lean on banks 1-2

i replaced the air filter as a suggestion of the worker there

unplugged the battery for 5 min.

code went away... anyways just thought i wouldn't leave it open, and i'll hollar back if i need anything else

.. an air filter wont fix a lean code. its a stretch even on a rich code. sounds like you have a vacuum leak.

Unplugging the battery turned off the CEL as the PCM is now somewhat reset. If the fault still exists then the CEL will reapear shortly. For rough idle and lean codes (171/174 I assume) I would consider checking the following:

Vacuum leaks (most likely cause)
MAF

clean AIC valve, remove it then move plunger in and out, clean it with throttle body cleaner. Sometimes they get stuck causing jumpy RPM s, also check you PCV valve, Could be the MAF like DRW said you can check it by simply disconnecting it if this fixes your problem then its faulty.

You can also try cleaning the MAF.
I have pictures of how to do it on the newer windstars (mine is a '96).
Not sure what it looks like on the '95.
You want to flush the dirt off the thermistors with Non-Residue Electronic cleaner.
Also, make sure that the hose going to the PCV valve is intact.....and the hose that goes to the crankcase breather (opposite valve cover from the PCV valve) is intact. The air that goes into the crankcase to replace the air drawn out through the PCV valve is measured also.

Pictures are at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

Oh.....Nice eclipse :-)

does it have that plastic intake? ive had those upper plenum seals leak and cause lean codes. both banks indicates a pretty dispursed leak too.