1998 Ford Windstar Check Engine Light Off

FORD WINDSTAR
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JIM BEAM
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1998 ford windstar, 3.8 liter v-6 with 201,000 miles on it. I took it to get an inspection and it failed because the check engine light "DID NOT" come on when the key was turned in the ignition with all of the other lights that light up when the key is turned. the tech said the 02 sensors and egr valve were at fault for this. I replaced the 02 sensors and egr valve, pcv valve, some broken vaccum lines and air filter. after replacing the sensors he specified, the light still doesn't light up when you turn the ignition key. the engine also kind of stumbles or chugs repeatedly throughout the rpm range above idle when the throttle is held. also when you turn the heat setting to upper vents and floor vents and it's idling, the engine surges about every 4 seconds. please help. thank you.
Mar 4, 2007 at 7:36 AM
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TAURUSWHEEL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 718 POSTS
Sounds like you spent a chunk of change, apparently you may as well have just opened the window and threw it out while you were driving..So the check light never comes on at all??? When it's scanned do codes come up??? Why would your tech replace what he did and tell you it was the problem??? Only if tech was able to get codes refering to those items and even then to tell you they were the reason for the light not working, I would set a new record for the 100 yard dash the other way.. the light I believe has a fuse, or the bulb could be bad,, there is a series of tests to determine why the light will not come on if the aforementioned items, fuse and bulb, are good.. could be wiring, connectors, even the pcm could be at fault..
I'd demand some sort of refund and get it worked on elsewhere, take it to a Ford dealer, or at least a local reliable shop with experience doing this stuff
Mar 4, 2007 at 7:49 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the check-engine-light bulb and fuse first. If both are good, have wiring, connectors, and the PCM tested. Get a refund from the shop that blamed the sensors and have a Ford dealer or experienced shop scan for codes and diagnose the stumble and idle surge.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Ford Windstar failed inspection because the check engine light does not illuminate with the key on. After O2 sensors, the EGR valve, PCV valve, vacuum lines, and the air filter were replaced, the light still stayed off. The engine also stumbles above idle and surges at idle with heat on the upper and floor vents. The expert said those parts would not explain a dead warning light, advised checking the fuse and bulb, then wiring, connectors, or the PCM, and recommended diagnosis at a Ford dealer or experienced shop.

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