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Question: 1995 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 92,000.  The check engine light comes on after backing off the gas pedal at about 45 or 50 mph. But then, touch the gas pedal and the check engine light goes off. Code says lean fuel/air to right rear bank. This van does not have an EGR nor a MAPS. So far, Oxygen sensor, air filter, and fuel filter have been changed. In addition, it has been de-carboned. When passing gear is engaged it feels like it is "gagging". Any suggestions?

Answer: You may have a partially plugged fuel injector or a vacuum leak. In addition, do a compression check on the engine.

Question: 1993 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 180,000.  Recently and suddenly, I experienced rough idle, stalling and "up and down" idle. The mechanic replaced the plugs and O2 sensor, which were all very black. He also replaced the spark plug wires. Although it now runs a bit better, the "fast and slow" idle is still a big problem. The computer indicates a MAP sensor error. Unfortunately, there is no manifold air pressure sensor! The computer was replaced with no change. What have we overlooked? The mechanic and I are both stumped!

Answer: There is a MAP sensor and it is located on the top center of the firewall

Question: 1994 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 110,000.  My horn stopped working. I checked for burned out fuse. My mechanic couldn't find electrical problem and he attempted to order new horn but couldn't get one. Ford claims in order to order they need to know if it's a faulty high pitch or low pitch problem. The horn doesn't make any sound so wouldn't that mean they should be able to figure this out without me making (and paying for) an appointment so they can "check it out"? Any advice?

Answer: Have your mechanic check for 12 volts to the horns when the horn button is depressed. If 12 volts are present, the horns are defective. If zero volts, check horn relay and check for bad connections. It seems odd that both horns would go out at the same time.

Question: 1987 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 122,000.  A few months ago the digital speedometer became so dim that it is almost unreadable. Lately all the digital displays have followed suite, including the tachometer, fuel gauge, oil press, etc. I checked all fuses, not the problem. All the displays are working, they just don't have any brightness to them, its like they lost there power.

Answer: Unless you have inadvertently turned your dimmer switch, it sounds like the dash light bulbs behind the speedometer and other gauges are burned out and need replacing.

Question: 1992 Ford Aerostar XLT, mileage: 185,000.  The digital odometer flashes error 3 when I drive it. It still registers the amount of miles, but it keeps flashing that error. I'm not sure what it means and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Your car will flash an error 3 when you have a problem with the brake system. Therefore you need to scan the ABS (brake system) for fault codes.

Question: 1991 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 100,000.  The van is running rich. You can see black smoke. At high rpm's runs ok, but rich. I did change the O2 sensor, the MAP sensor, the EGR sensor, the one in the back of the EGR, and the temperature sensor. Also, fuel filter, air filter and spark plugs. For moments when I stop, the excess gas disappears but a few seconds later, while idling, the smoke starts again and the engine misses a lot. When I press the accelerator, it starts running okay but you see the black smoke behind like a diesel engine.

Answer: The only thing you missed was replacing the fuel pressure regulator which is probably causing your problem.

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Question: 1994 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 135,000.  My problem is pinging going down the road steady speed (55), or heavy acceleration, still pings. Have changed, map, O2, computer, intake manifold (upper+lower), PCV valve, air-charge temperature sensor, spark plugs and ignition control box. I have had it in three shops including Ford dealer for a week; they want to check the other shops work on the intake job, but I am sure it is OK, and it has twenty inches of vacuum at idle; somebody said maybe wiring harness? IAC valve seems OK, have blocked off fuel canister purge line in another test, no luck. PS: it has no EGR valve.

Answer: We checked several sources and your van should have an EGR valve. If it is not working properly, your engine will “ping”. In addition, your engine may have carbon build-up in the combustion chambers raising the compression.

Question: 1990 Ford Aerostar 2WD, mileage: 200,000.  I would like to know what it is called when you totally floor the pedal and the engine starts making a lot of noise, is this redlining. If so, is it ok to redline the Aerostar at every red light I hit, but stop redlining it when I hit the speed limit. In addition, do you know how many seconds it takes for the 1990 ford Aerostar to go 0-60?

Answer: Full throttle starts are “hard” on all engine and drive train parts. We do not recommend them.

Question: 1994 Ford Aerostar mini-van, mileage: 103,600.  What do I need to do when I put transmission fluid in my oil?  I did a complete oil change with a flush and a transmission fluid change. It seamed to run better. When I stop its slow starting out and something in the back of the van roars, and there is some jerking also. Please help!

Answer: Your transmission may be low on fluid. The transmission fluid level should be checked with the engine running and transmission lever in park. Your question is somewhat unclear. If you indeed put transmission fluid in the engine, it would not cause the problems you are experiencing. However, if you put engine oil in the transmission and drove it, it is time to see a transmission specialist.

Question: 1993 Ford Aerostar Van, mileage: 98,700.  The van has been running fine. Last repair was the fuel pump about eight months ago. I went to start this morning, and just heard a click. I have accessory power, (interior lights, etc.) Tried to jump start...no change. What is the click, followed by no starting? Alternator? Starter?

Answer: Here are some things to check. Load test the battery. Check that the battery cable connections are clean. Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position. These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, starter and starter solenoid. One of these may be faulty.

Question: 1996 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 101,000.  While running, the engine just cuts off and won't restart.  If I wait hours or next day, it starts, runs awhile, and quits again. I replaced the fuel filter and spark plugs. That didn't help.

Answer: Try replacing the fuel pump.

Question: 1990 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 134,760.  It pings going down the road say 50 m.p.h. not much load or heavy load doesn’t mater no codes, tried different EEC, no help, new 02 sensor, no help, no EGR. I looked for vacuum leak couldn’t find one, I even changed all intake gaskets, no help, I took it to the local ford dealer, no help, I checked the timing, as best I could, ok, (distributorless ignition), checked fuel filter, (good) tried different ECM (ignition box) no help, I am tired of just trying parts, HELP!

Answer: Check the exhaust passages to and from the EGR valve. If plugged or restricted, the exhaust gases will not be able to aid combustion and a “pinging” will occur. Try opening the EGR valve with the engine idling. When opened, it should stall the engine if the passages are okay.

Question: 1990 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 170,000.  The heater/air-conditioning fan does not appear to have enough volume blowing out the vents. I put on new fan and washed out the air conditioning coil, but it didn't appear to help. I also straight wired the fan directly from the battery to see if it was an electrical problem in the speed control. The volume didn't change. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer: The “doors” in the heater ducts may not be opening. Check vacuum hoses for leaks or loose connections in the engine compartment.

Question: 1990: Ford Aerostar, mileage: 140,000. The problem is no heat:  I have replaced heater core one year ago new radiator less than a month ago, replaced thermostat less than a week ago and new antifreeze.

Answer: The heater control valve may be stuck shut or the vacuum hose has come off

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Question: 1994 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 125,000.  I just had both cracked heads replaced and now after I drive the car for twenty or thirty minutes I lose all oil pressure. If I stop the car and let it sit for thirty or forty minutes it will be fine for another twenty to thirty minutes. Clogged oil strainer? Time to trade?

Answer: Yes, clogged oil strainer would be our bet.

Question: 1993 Ford Aerostar, mileage: 95,000.  Why, would my van be using oil, about a quart every 1,000 to 1,500 miles, and she doesn't seem to be burning it and there’s no leaks?

Answer: A quart of oil every 1000 to 1500 miles, on an engine with 95,000 miles, is not excessive. The engine is probably burning it, but over 1000 miles you won’t notice any blue smoke.

Question: 1997 Ford Aerostar Van, mileage: 188,000.  The air conditioner in my van makes a weird clicking sound and sounds like it's taking a lot of power from the engine. The sound starts and stops until I turn off the air conditioner or the heater. Is this normal or should I be worried.

Answer: The problem you describe is not normal. Your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant. Have the system checked for leaks and recharged.

Question: 1993 Ford Aerostar with an A4LD transmission.  Recently in the morning after reversing the car out of our driveway and slipping into drive the transmission will not engage for a few seconds. Upon engagement, it drives fine all day long. Is this a band adjustment, or a symptom of worse trouble on the way? If this is a band adjustment, what is the band adjustment procedure and specifications I should use? Thanks in advance for our help. P.S. It has been a few years since I turned wrenches at repair shop!

Answer: A low fluid level in the transmission may cause the problem you describe. Check for external leaks (oil on garage floor). Also, check the vacuum modulator for a blown diaphragm (fluid in the vacuum line at the transmission). Another cause could be the torque converter draining back into the transmission overnight. If the converter is draining back, the "fix" is very involved. We do not think a transmission adjustment will help.

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Automobile / Ford / Aerostar-1 / Aerostar-2