Skip to main content

Wouldn't You Know It?

Image
By
It's s0 funny, my luck, sometimes. My wife went out and got a 95 Ford Windstar at Spikes Ford in Mission. It was in pretty good shape. The only annoying defect we knew about was that the front windows did not open. This is fine, we just use the A/C.

In time, it developed another defect. The door ajar sensor keeps sensing the door ajar. It happened within about a month. It was intermittent at first and progressively got more permanent. Now, it occasionally doesn't sense a door ajar (it doesn't say which one).

Lately, the Windstar has been developing a rough idle. I did a quick web search and checked a Hayes manual, it could be a vacuum leak or clogged fuel injectors. After more searching, it turns out that the 95 model also has a well known defect that could cause similar problems. If it's the injectors, the additive I put in will fix the problem. If it's vacuum hoses, I'll have to learn how to check that. If it's the defect, I'm looking at a $900+ repair whether I do it when the van breaks down or as a preventative measure. I haven't a clue how to change a head gasket.

I'm going outside to curse.

Comments

Shaine Mata said…
The fuel system cleaner seems to be helping so far. I used Berryman's B-12 Fuel Injector cleaner. What distinguishes this from the other brands is that it is a solvent, not a detergent. The other stuff is good to prevent your fuel injectors from getting clogged. Once they are clogged, however, you need a good organic solvent to break up the crud. It's available at O'Reilly, Advance, and Autozone.

The problem hasn't gone away completely, but it is improved. I hope that by the end of the gas tank that the problem will be completely gone. I learned that after 3 drive cycles without problems, the Check Engine Light will turn itself off. Other alternatives are to take it in for service to have the trouble code cleared (riiight). Or, disconnect the battery and reconnect it. The last one is not recommended because the PCM (computer) has to relearn how to operate your vehicle.
10:16 PM
K H said…
Didn't anyone ever tell you not to buy domestic? They are cheaper and you may be on a budget, but the Honda/Toyota may have been worth the investment. Also, didn't you realize that Valley dealers are shady? I almost bought a car from a fraud...I found a car in Houston and then read later in the Monitor that the guy had beeen selling illegally or something to that effect. Next time consult me on this one...hehe.
8:05 AM
Shaine Mata said…
The fuel injector cleaner seems to be doing the job. The van is running much smoother now. It's not 100% but there is still 3/4 tank of solvent to go.
10:48 AM
Post a Comment

Affiliate Links

Popular posts from this blog

Fall 2024 in the RGV

By
It's that time of year again when Winter Texans start to make their way south from the northern states. I have already had phone calls with a Winter Texan client who is getting ready to come down. I think it is fascinating that we can make friends from people who are visiting only seasonally.  Looking at the blog stats, I seem to get a peak in traffic every year. So I suppose it must be partly due to many of our friends coming back from up north.  Image generated by Gemini 1.5 Pro AI Speaking of seasons, we still have a couple of months to go before the end of hurricane season for 2024. We have been fortunate this year, compared to other parts of the USA. Although, south Texas could use the rain.  This time of year makes me happy as we finally have nights that are below 78F like we had all summer. This week we have had mornings in the 60s. While we still have hot days in the 90s, we at least get some respite in the evenings, leading to cool mornings.  Returning to RG...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Mad Mexican

By
Years ago, there used to be a DJ at B104, a local radio station. Until recent years, B104 had a large audience. They played pop music. The Mad Mexican used to do the morning show with Gary Rodriguez, who is now involved in McAllen politics. Well, the Mad Mexican is still working, but on a national level. I heard him this morning on Aguila, XM 92. Aguila is the Mexican music station on XM Satellite Radio. It's great to hear from him again. He's still pretty wild. Gary Rodriguez? He worked for 107.9 for a while before going to KURV and then entering politics.
2 comments
Read more

Join the 2010 Democrat Candidate Forum on Texas Democratic Women

By
Texas Democratic Women Of Hidalgo County Hidalgo Co. Tx Dem Women Hidalgo Co. Tx Dem Women has invited you to the event '2010 Democrat Candidate Forum' on Texas Democratic Women!   Please save the date! Don't forget to take a friend. Time: February 16, 2010 from 6pm to 9pm Location: STC Pecan Campus Administration Building Auditorium Organized By: Hidalgo Co. Tx Dem Women Event Description: Come and meet the Candidates for 2010 elections. This event is open to the public. Presented by: The Hidalgo County Texas Democratic Women and Stonewall Democrats of the Rio Grande Valley. ...
Post a Comment
Read more