Questions and Answers

Ford Windstar Stalling Problem
Q. Hello, I have a 1998 Ford Windstar, 3.8 liter. I have problems with it stalling when I stop at a light and leave it in drive. If I put it in NEUTRAL or PARK it is still a little rough idle but does not stall. I had the spark plugs, wires, engine coolant flushed, air filter replaced.

The computer at the local shop said I need a crankshaft position sensor changed. Did that, still not fixed. The rpm's are low in idle. Only seems to stall stopped in DRIVE like at a light or stop sign.

The service engine soon emissions light is on and the Trac off light keeps flashing. I can do 120 kilometers and it runs smooth as silk. Pull off the highway and come to a stop she starts sputtering and stalls unless I throw it into neutral!!

Any help you may have would be greatly appreciated!! I have had it looked at several times and nobody seems to be able to find the problem!!

Thanks,
Shelly

A. Ford Issued a TSB on this problem. The repair is to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

Article No.: 98-25-6
Date: 12/21/98

Stall During Deceleration To A Stop, Parking And/Or Coasting During Slow Speed Turns. Vehicles Equipped With 3.8 liter Engine.

LIGHT TRUCK:
1998 Windstar

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to update the calibrations affected.

CALIBRATION:
8-62J-R11, 8-62J-R12, 8-62J-R17, 8-62J-R18, 8-62J-R21, 8-62K-R11, 8-62K-R12, 8-62K-R17, 8-62K-R18, 8-62K-R21, 8-62P-R05, 8-62P-R17, 8-62P-R18, 8-620-R05, 8-620-R17, 8-620-R18, 8-62S-R11, 8-62T-R11

WARNING: THIS MODIFICATION IS AUTHORIZED ONLY FOR THE LISTED ENGINE(S). PERFORMING THIS MODIFICATION ON OTHER ENGINE CALIBRATIONS IS UNAUTHORIZED AND COULD CREATE LIABILITY UNDER APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR LOCAL LAWS.

ISSUE:
Some vehicles may stall during deceleration when coming to a stop, during slow speed parking maneuvers and/or coasting through slow sweeping turns. This may be caused by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration dropping the rpms too quickly during deceleration.

ACTION:
Reprogram the PCM. The revised calibration will allow the engine rpms to drop slowly during low speed maneuvers to reduce the possibility of stall. Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:

1. Perform normal diagnostics as outlined in the 1998 Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) Service Manual and service as required.
2. If the concern is still present, reprogram the PCM using the latest CD-ROM, Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS), or New Generation Star (NGS) Tester.

In fact it was an official recall. I would call your Ford Dealer and check with them. 98E03 EMISSIONS RECALL. Have the VIN number handy so they can check to see if it's been done.