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1998 Ford Windstar Failed inspection

Tiny
MISSUSSHEPPARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 214,000 MILES
Took it to VIP to get it inspected. Here are the codes they got.P0455, evap leak, p0430, cat bank 2 p0302, #2 misfire, p0171, system 2 lean bank, and p1537 & p1538, these codes make sense, except the last two. They have it down as Idle speed, when everywhere else, including you guys, has it as an intake manifold issue. Are the two connected somehow? I just need to know if I should be looking at the manifold or the idle, or both? Bit confusing as I've never owned a Ford van. How many of these codes coincide with each other? I.E. P0430 & p0302 & p0171?
Thanks for any info you may be able to give me!
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 6:32 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
First check for vacuum leaks under the hood, they can cause the lean code and the misfire code. The Evap leak may be a leak in the system or a bad solenoid, a smoke machine would be necessary to find out if it is an external leak. The last two are related to the intake runner controller. Lok to see if the plastic clips haev broken where the rods attach to the intake from the control motor, that is commmon, but I have replaced the motors as well. Start with the misfire on 2 and go from there, when they misfire it can set other codes. Be sure tune up is good
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 7:59 AM
Tiny
MISSUSSHEPPARD
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  • 6 POSTS
It does need a tune up, I was able to get to the front three, but as you know, I have to drop the engine to get to the last three. And go figure, the #2 is in the back! Is there a better way, that may be easier to get to the back three? If the front three were any indication, they will fall apart when I take them out. I don't think it's been done for a while, just bought the van, so doing what needs to be done.
Thanks so much for your reply, most helpful!
BTW, would Auto Zone possibly have the smoke machine you're talking about? I've never had a need for one, so no clue. I would imagine so, though.
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
I usually remove the air intake tube and go around to get the back plugs, no matter what it isnt easy.I doubt Autozone will have it, that is about $1000 piece of equipment. May have to go tot a shop for that one, but check all hoses uinder the hood first and replace any that are cracked
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
MISSUSSHEPPARD
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
You are correct, they don't have it. It's going to cost about $100.00 for our garage to perform the test. Any other, maybe cheaper way to check? Someone suggested soapy water and watch for bubbles? Hey if it works.
I will try that with getting to the back three. I know it's not an easy thing to do. What posessed them to put it in sideways? Arrgghh. Oh well what can you do.
Thank you again!
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Its because engineers dont work on cars. LOL
You can try the soapy water, but dont apply too much pressure to the system or you can cause other problems. The smoke is done under super low presssure
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
MISSUSSHEPPARD
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LOL. No kidding! You would think if they did that for some profit, they would've made it so only Ford dealers could do it. (Shh, don't say that too loud! )By "too much pressure" (this is going to sound stupid of me) what do you mean? Revving the engine too much.
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
No such thing as sounding stupid when asking a question. Low pressure means the smoke is pushed into the Evap system under real low pressure so as not to damage any seals or solenoids or push any hoses off. The evap system works in a vacuum (suction)when the engine is running, but for testing for leaks, smoke is pressurized into the system and you have top see where it is leaking out
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
MISSUSSHEPPARD
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Oh, I'm not planning on putting the soapy water through the hoses. Bad idea. Lol. I meant to pour it all over the hoses and watch for bubbles. Do you think it's worth a try? A family of five on one income does not have a ton of money to toss around, especially with this economy! Hoping to find a cheaper way to find where the leaks are?
Thanks
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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Not sure if you would get bubbles while the vehicle is running, it is sucking not blowing. That code is for a large leak or no purge flow. Might want to clear it and see if it comes back, that code may be able to be set by leaving the gas cap off.
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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 11:28 PM

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