98 Windstar missing on 2 cylinders

[DRW1000]

The DPFE is about $100 CDN. Very easy to replace too. I would try that before getting too aggresive with head bolts............

One test I did with my DPFE was to disconnect the rubber hoses and attach a new hose to one of them and monitor Signal to ground (return) WHen blowing the voltage should change. Of course the ignition has to be on (not running)

[mickin]

I also live in Canada.

I found a place (Princess Auto) that sells a small code reader for $59.00. It's the Autel Geniscan GS100. Not bad for the price.

I have a 95 windstar which has had the blown head gasket problem, I've replaced the engine once out of warranty since it was used. Now after 26K Kilo's, it has low compression on Cylinders 1, 2 and 4 (less than 80psi). 3,5 and 6 have 100+. I get a code P0302 which is #2 cylinder misfire. Checked all normal things, coil pack, plugs, wires, ICM.

The replacement engine was a long block direct from ford. I've put upper lube in to see if I could loosen the valves but so far no luck. Any ideas?

[mickin]

After a lot of diagnostic work, I have found the problem with my Windstar.

I had to replace the PCM. Lucky for me, I found one at a local pick-n-pull about 2 weeks ago.

Although mine was only missing on one cylinder, I believe it might be a similar problem.

After checking all sorts of things, coil, spark plug, plug wires, putting it on the Sun machine etc. I finally pulled the number 2 plug and tested the compression which showed 130psi rather than the 60 that Sun machine showed. Some tell me that reflects balance rather than actual compression readings. So the compression was good. (One show told me I had a stuck valve.)

I found that the plug was firing well. I then began to check the fuel injectors to see if they were firing. Number 2 injector was grounded. I don't know whether it was never firing or always firing , I suspect never firing. There was nothing wrong with the wires, no shorts, nicks or anything.

I replaced the PCM and started it up, no more problem.

i have already replaced the PCM (twice) this is the third one. Anyone have any ideas what would make them go out so often? The car has 218k kilometers.

Thanks for your feedback.


The

[Carpentier]

Kitch

Had a similar problem with engine running rough and missfire on cylinders 2 and 6...wiring and plugs were fine, borrowed a coil from a friends Windstar that ran well and same code...tested injectors and they were good but computer sent erratic signals to then causing the misfire...got an ECM from the scrap yard for $75.00, installed it and engine ran perfect!

Hope that helps

[lavar69]

Hello fellow Canadians, I'm from Petawawa, Ontario... and our 98 Windstar (3.8l) is doing a similar thing. While driving it will either lose power or stall altogether, sometimes you can put it in neutral and restart it, other times you have to pull over, stop, put it in park and then restart it. We took it to our machanic and he replaced the fuel Filter, it went one day without problems and then started to act up again. (yes, I am not mechanically inclined ) We then took it in to the dealer and had the codes read (diagnostic,'s cost $70 where I live) he said that cylinder 1 was misfiring and we needed to change our plugs and wires, so we did that.... Once again it ran fine for 1 day, then started again. So we took it back to the dealer... this time he did anouther diagnostic and changed the transmittion oil and replaced the Fuel pump relay... Again we had the same effect, 1 day - good, then problems. So one more trip to the dealer and anouther diagnostic, and he says that the code is reading fuel pump. So far I've spend just over $800.00 including the $210.00 in diagnostics (the fuel pump, with labor is going to cost about $550.00).

Before I pay to change the fuel pump can anyone plkease tell me if they know what is wrong with my Van and how I can Fix it