1996 Ford Windstar: engine stalls while driving

Filed Jun 29, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 58,586 miles · GA

Dear ford my mother and I have been trying to get answers from the dealer and since they gave up. Because they could not fix it right the first time. Even the second or third time. The van a 1996 windstar with 59,000 miles on it and it started the engine started stalling, when making slow turns not touching the gas pedal loses power steering. My mom almost went into a ditch to avoid a collision with another car. With little internet searching found hundreds of vans with same problems, and appears there is not one resolved. And since this has gone on for over a month. The last visit to the ford dealer in an attempt to fix the stalling. . The idle air control valve is new, and mass air flow is clean supposed to have been replaced also. I checked the air filter was clean, the fuel filter is original so I replaced it. I started looking at the throttle body, and noticed that the throttle plate screw was all gouged up. While I was sitting in drive way with engine running and unless ford engines are only good for 60,000 miles, with all the stalling and low engine idle that keeps oil pressure in the engine lubricating the crank shaft.!! So when engine stalled at very low idle there was no oil getting through the engine. This engine now has lower end knock, which I verified by pulling van onto floor ramps, test drove and confirmed the problem, is critical. Each time I slowed down to turn engine stalled every time, lost power steering and brakes. I could have been killed because ford is ignoring this problem.. And this also answers why other complaints were about engine failures and very expensive repairs. This letter will be put on all social networks, to warn others this could happen to them be aware. They said the ecu/PCM computer was updated. Could not find update on invoices, or in history I can access.

Filed May 4, 2004 · Engine · MN

Consumer stated that while traveling vehicle slowed down/stopped, and then stalled. Consumer could not travel where there were any inclines or hills. Consumer took vehicle to several mechanics, and had vehicle on diagnostic machines, and no one could repair it.

Filed Apr 15, 2004 · Brakes · MA

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. Vehicle stalled. Consumer tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Feb 5, 2004 · Engine · HI

The vehicle stalled without warning. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The mechanic informed the owner that the engine head gasket failed.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Engine · PA

While driving at 30 MPH vehicle stalled. Smoke was coming from the tail pipe. Driver drove the vehicle to dealer for analysis, and mechanic noticed that the head gasket blew out, and the engine needed to be replaced.

Filed Oct 8, 2003 · Engine · 65,358 miles · MA

Problems with minivan stalling, loss of coolant in vehicle.*mr the consumer had also experienced problems with the intake gasket leaking a lot of oil, the engine pump needed replacing, which resulted in a whole new engine being installed.

Filed Aug 13, 2003 · Acceleration, Electrical · 105,000 miles · WV

I have been having problems with my check engine light coming on and staying on since sept. 2000 when vehicle had under 100,000 miles on it. Took it to dealer while under warranty. Now have a private certified auto tech who does my repairs and code read outs. I have had a tune up at 95,000 miles, and had to have another one at 121,000 miles. Had problems with engine stalling while driving down the interstate and up a hlll. In summer of 2001, I had the iac valve changed which corrected the stalling problem. Have replaced o-2 sensors at least twice. In past 6 months, the enging has been running very rough and I have a strong smell of gasoline . 2nd tune-up and coil replaced about 2 weeks ago. Engine now running very rough and gasoline odor is so strong that you could not light a match in the vehicle. Check engine light on again as well as brake and ABS light. Radiator completely empty for the 2nd time in 2 weeks.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Engine · NY

The engine light illuminated on the dashboard, a noise emitted from under the hood, and then the engine stalled.

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Acceleration, Electrical · MN

When stopping at a light, engine sometimes will die. Vehicle would lunge forward after pulling off from a stop. Took vehicle to dealer, they replaced something, and two weeks later problem reoccurred. *ak the engine stalls whenever more than one device is turned on at the same time. This problem makes it impossible to turn head lights and windshield wipers on together. The vehicle also shakes violently after being driven for few hours.

Filed May 16, 2002 · Electrical, Transmission · 44,400 miles · NC

Since we drove this car off the lot, it has been plagued with electrical problems. As soon as our warranty ran out, the transmission failed at 44,400. Two adults and 4 children were on our way to a 4th of july celebration when the transmission stalled at an intersection. Lucky for us all traffic was stopped and no major accident occurred. We took it to our dealer and asked for assistance since there was a tsb out on the transmission in ford windstar's. We were denied assistance. Our problem was the aluminum piston that were reported in the tsb. In may 2001, the check engine light came on and we took it to a ford dealer. They replaced the irmc value. Cost $1000. Recently, the check engine light came on again and smoke was coming out of the tail pipe. We took it to crossroads ford, the dealer we bought the car from. They once again denied to help us with the cost. We towed the van to a quality ford in durham, nc. They have contacted ford to see if they will assist us with the cost. The estimated cost is $3500-$4000. *jb ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over artemis****761964

Filed Mar 29, 2002 · Engine · TX

While driving vehicle intermittently stalled.

Filed Nov 26, 2001 · Engine · FL

Head gasket failed, and then soon after engine stalled. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.