2000 Ford Windstar squealing noise then it dies

MSNEED

MEMBER
2000 FORD WINDSTAR

Engine problem
2000 Ford Windstar 6 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 116000 miles

I recently had my van start stuttering when the engine was cold and wanting to die. This started after putting gas in it one morning. I put fuel cleaner in it and more gas. After about two days of that not helping, it progressed to making a loud squealing sound (like a belt) and then would die. I took it and had it looked at and was told the tensioner was bad and needed replaced. I had the repair done and that didnt stop the problem. In fact it gradually got worse. I then had AutoZone check the code on the check engine light and was told that I needed a Camshaft sensor. I purchased this and had it installed and now it still isnt fixed and is even worse. When it started acting up it would only do it when the engine was cold. Within a matter of 3 days it has gotten so much worse that now it wont even let me back out of the driveway without making the noise and stalling out.

1 Reply

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

You were on the right track with the camshaft sensor. Only you didn't dig far enough. The shaft under the sensor is called a syncronizer. It replaces the old distributors. It has moving parts and they wear out quite often. They sound a lot like tensioners going bad since they sit only inches apart. But you will need to have a dealer or very reputable shop do the work as it will have to be installed with a special tool for timing the syncronizer. Give a shout if you have further questions.
Dave