1995 Ford Windstar Tachometer is moving, engine is off

ADVPLEE

MEMBER
1995 FORD WINDSTAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

I have a 1995 Ford Windstar that the tachometer is moving even though the van is not running. The van stalled, cranked but would start, and had to be towed. We replaced the crankshaft position sensor and the van started up and ran for about 3 weeks. Then the same thing happened, we had to have it towed, once again turns over but will not start, and replaced the camshaft position sensor. The van started up and sometimes starts, sometimes doesn't and when it doesn't, the tachometer is moving. Also, when the van will not start, when the key is on, the cooling fan will also come on. When the tachometer is not moving with the key on, the cooling fan does not come on.

7 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Check the white/pink stripe wier from the ignition module to the PCM and instrument cluster, May be intermittently shorting. Also in the left front of the engine bay is the CCRM(constant control relay module), this controls the cooling fans, and if no good, is replaced as a unit. If Tach wire(whit/pink) grounds, it will not start. A lot of times it turns out to be the TFI(ignition) module, you can bring it to the parts store for testing B4 replacing it.

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Sunday, August 30th, 2009 AT 8:58 AM

ADVPLEE

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I am now having other issues that I believe are related to this issue. Now the A/C does not always work when the van is moving. It will run in neutral, but not when the van is in gear and being driven. Also, the van is running rough when it does run. If you unhook the negative battery cable when the car won't start and then reconnect it, the van will start again. The ABS light is on. All of these issues continue to get worse. What are the chances that the ECM is going bad on this van? Also, does this van have a separate ignition module? All the research I did after the last post said that the 3.8 engine does not have a separate ignition module. It is part of the PCM. Also, where is the PCM? I know where the ECM is, but where is the PCM? Are they the same thing?

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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 10:26 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
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It does have an ignition module, Your engine size is V6 but I need you to get the correct size, 3.0 or 3.8? It's on the engine, and the white lable under the hood. Here's the locations of ALL control Mods, also the grounds in your case are important to check. Especially the PCM ground, front of engine bay Black/white stripe, I think!

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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 1:04 PM

ADVPLEE

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The engine size is a 3.8.

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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 3:48 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

First check I need you to do is if you have cruise control, under the master cylinder for the brakes, unplug the connector to the cruise deactivation switch and see if it's wet with brake fluid?