Rough idle

1998 FORD WINDSTAR
170,000 MILES
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KUCHLER 123
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  • 28 POSTS
I went to get a front end alignment and now it the engine is rough idlen and cut off and it wasn't doing that at first
May 5, 2020 at 6:44 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
There are a number of things that could cause this but did this start when you picked the vehicle up or was it some amount of time later?

Either way, we need to start with checking for vacuum leaks. I attached a number of guides that will help with all of this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

https://youtu.be/4ktw1X4W_-k

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Next we need to check for codes to see if there are codes that will point us in the right direction.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

It could have been caused by the people doing the alignment but there is not a direct correlation so we would have to find something they took off or knocked off while doing it. Otherwise I suspect it is a coincidence.

Let us know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
May 7, 2020 at 10:02 AM
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KUCHLER 123
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  • 28 POSTS
Okay, this morning I found a crack air intake cover. it work for awhile then it cuts off again. I tried to start it again won't start. now this is what I did: new coil pack, spark plugs, wires, but no new plugs put on fuel filter. it seems when it gets warm the engine cuts off won't start. help please.
May 7, 2020 at 10:13 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. This sounds like a possible crank sensor issue if there are no other vacuum leaks.

When the engine shuts off and will not restart we need to check for spark. The easiest way to do that is pull a plug and hold it against the block when you are cranking the engine to see if it sparks.

If not then the crank sensor is most likely the cause. Let me know what you find and we can go from there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor
May 8, 2020 at 9:07 AM
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