Ford Windstar Freestar IMRC Failures P2004-P2007 Repair

You can buy new Ford Bushings here-
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
You can buy the Dorman Bushings Here-
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000...
In this video I go over a common failure with the IMRC system on the Windstar and Freestar vehicles and how to fix it.
Bushing Part Number- F5RZ-9F55-AB
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[@johnnybonacci7114]

Your how to video helped me out. My dad has a freestar van, and this helped me solve the rough idle issues he was having. You are the man!

[@BIGKEV420]

Perfect video! Came in real handy today! I was able to do the one I needed without removing anything. Had to make Spider-Man fingers with some reversed scotch tape and put the plastic bushing on the finger and then work my hand down in and it stuck to my finger quite well. long enough to push it in the square hole on the back of the actuator. And a pack a 5 cost $5 at autozone. Good luck everyone!

[@carolynjones6457]

A million thanks for putting out this video, I think that this is what is wrong with my Husband's 2004 Ford Freestar SEL Mini Van, we just had the coil replaced and now the van is running even worse than it did before the coil was replaced. God Bless You. I am subscribing to your channel.

[@depechdm]

Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. For about a year 2000 Ford Windstar has been running badly, lost a lot of horse power and wastes a lot of gas. I checked the bushings on the IMRC valve and they ar all broken and the wires a loose. I will replace this bushings and hopefully it will resolve my problem. Again, thank youv very mucho for this video and the valuable information you have provided.

[@sunpacksun2954]

Thanks this was a great reference. A tip to others. that last clip on the back that is located on the engine is impossible to secure with just your fingers and you risk loosing it if it falls from you grasp. Those clips here in Canada are CDN$9.00. So what I did was cut a piece of semi rigid wire about 1 foot in length. I then threaded the wire through the hole of the clip. I then thread the end of the wire through the square hole on the engine. this was i was able to let go of the clip, let it slide down to the square hole and at that point it was easy to rotate the clip and snap into place since it was being held by the wire. Once in place I just pulled the wire out. Lastly, don't tighten all the bolts you may need to shift the the unit a bit to get all the rods to snap into place.

[@TheJohn2094]

Yep same exact problem with mine I fixed it today and it runs much better thank you for the video again.

[@billkeyes4785]

This is exactly what happened to my 03 Windstar. Thank you for the help Bill Keyes

[@30MStar]

Thank you for posting this video. Excellent description of the problem and solution. Saved me time and money. Much appreciated!

[@krisgarrett9639]

This video just happened to come across feed lately I've had problems with first and the second rough idle as well as on the freeway so I checked mine and sure enough they were broken problem solved thanks so much brother,your the man, I Never would have known,because it did not throw a code!!

[@sunpacksun2954]

Thanks :) Exactly my problem. I also like the fact that you list the OEM part numbers. Makes it easy when I go to Ford (don't have to look at the drawing).

[@FellowshipBibleChurchAnnArbor]

Excellent video. Thanks for doing this.

[@starbornwarrior6536]

Man you helped big time.I couldn't figure it out .this is a good vid thanks.after couple of new sensors .even better!

[@jeffschwyhart9191]

Just did my 97 F150 4.2 V6. The bushings are available in the aftermarket by Dorman. Part # 47099. Great video for the DIY guys and gals out there.

[@joevignolor4u949]

I replaced the IMRC bushings today on my 2003 Windstar. To get the bushings into the square holes in the brackets without dropping and losing them I fished a piece of string through the hole in the bracket first and tied it off. Then I put the string through the bushing and I slid it down the length of the string to the hole and then I pushed it in. I don't think I would have gotten the back one installed without dropping it otherwise.

[@Kzoo1121]

Joe Vignolo e

[@BIGKEV420]

Joe Vignolo good idea!

[@brandonsmith5692]

Well thats an idea if I didn't lose 2 of them behind the alternator

[@brandonsmith5692]

So I found the extra clip and used your idea. I just put the line thru the back tied it to a vacuum hose then tied a bolt to the othet end Just in case. I got that sucker in, in 5 minutes easy! Great tip not sure you will ever see this comment. But whoever does use this trick for the back slot.

[@brandonsmith5692]

But now I don't see anything moving. Wish he said how to test it! So many holes in this

[@EnriqueGonzalez-rm2wh]

You have the best video out on this issue with fuel runner devise..Great example how it should be verbily explain Thank you Sir....

[@tconside]

Thank you for the video. I thought i had a bad actuator. after watching this video I checked my van and found a rod off with a broken bushing. I have order the dorman bushings and should be good to go after I get them replaced.

[@unclewillieson8094]

Thank you thank you thank you so much. I watched your video and went to check out my 2007 ford freestar and what do I see. Imrc broken off and bushing gone. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and talking us through these problems. You're like a vehicle therapist

[@jairosendsit8667]

As always spot on the best when it comes to a ford

[@TheJohn2094]

Dude thank you very much! Might have helped me solve my problem tomorrow first thing I'm going to check that out appreciate the video :)

[@Jaguar-rr9cw]

Great info and video this should solve my problem. thank you very much!

[@andyvasquez7890]

Just helped me big time I appreciate this vital content!.

[@miahross3888]

TO CHECK IF THE ACTUATOR IS WORKING ARTER TOU REPLACE THE BUSHINGS USE A FLATHEAD SCREWDRIVER TO GENTLY LIFT UP THE FRONT BUTTERFLY VALVE THEN URN THE KEY TO THE ON POSITION WITHOUT STARTING IT. I SHOULD GO BACK DOWN. LOTS OF YOU WERE ASKING.

[@shotthunder7663]

Ty a lot 🎉

[@chanteb3972]

Thank you for this reply I recently repaired this and was wondering how to test to see if it was successful or not

[@joevignolor4u949]

Exactly how the engine will react when the IMRC bushings fail depends on where the runner shafts happen to be when the linkages fall out. If they are both fully closed then you will just lose some high-end acceleration and you may hardly notice that anything is wrong. But if either one is part way or fully open all the time then you may get misfires, drivability issues or trouble codes.

[@vwivancc]

Thanks. Very useful video. Hoy Could I to perform the self test? Is necessary a special tool or scanner? Thank you

[@shanerobinson4549]

Thanks for the video, I didn't get a code but I saw they weren't connected. I had no idea what they were called to even try to begin fixing it. Fixing my bypass hose and stumbled upon this video. Awesome find. I have a 2000 windstar 3.8 and this is relevant for mine as well for anyone wondering.

[@GershamCharles]

Thanks, I'd been having the issues and never knew that may be the cause, checked mine and for sure one is missing.

[@phillipbaker2253]

Had our engine light on for the last 6 months....wracking my brain to figure out what the sudden issue was.....the engine light started to flicker a bit and come on sometimes and than go out and then just stayed on. I watched you video went outside and looked and sure enough both were not connected and the rear valve was stuck.....just need to find the clips and get that light to go out......fingers crossed.

[@TheSabremedic]

Definately my issue with a 2005 Freestar. Check Engine light came on soon after replacing the Ignition Coil..I feared the worse.. code read, simple clip needs replaced. Not a huge deal! Thanks for the video. Only criticism, would have liked to see a wider view of where you were working, but didn't take too long to find the area!

[@petemoss9693]

Hey Brian - Thanks for this information - I have to keep this in mind when it ever happens to me .

[@nevilletucker6979]

Great video! made easy to understand~ thank you.

[@andrescruzacac]

Great video save me a lot of money thank you

[@1hectorenri]

Muchas gracias, me sirvió mucho este vídeo. Thanks

[@brandonsmith5692]

I would love to know how you got the clip on the back! I've lost 2 clips alrwady. Really frustrating

[@missjessica6228]

Thank you so very much for this video! God bless you. Soo helpful. 🙏😍

[@randgraham1]

Problem solved. Thanks!

[@melton660]

this is very useful info. i got p2006 on my 04 freestar but i didn't get a check engine light. i got a check transmission light. seems easy enough

[@SHANEO1976]

Thank you so much mine went out today and the bushings are just 5 bucks. easy fix.

[@Delnero56]

swampassoutfitters where did you get them,and what is the p/n

[@BIGKEV420]

blair delnero got mine at autozone today. $5

[@Angelchente1]

Mind blowing every time

[@174joedirt]

thank you for the tip

[@feenixblue]

Great info. Thanks.

[@noworriesmate8287]

Thanks for the help!!!

[@johnwargo2590]

Thanks Brian, getting this fault code on my 2009 F150 4.6 24V. I think it's way in the back though.

[@michaelanderson6456]

Thanks for the info; as I was watching other you-tube demonstration's, they were not removing the actuator they were just trying to reach the front bushing using reverse duck tape on their finger, using needle nose piller, or suggesting to replace the bushings with small clear clip of a rubber hose, two washers, locked on with a flatC-clamp type retainer (although this man did remove the actuator -and seem effective; however it dose not seem to be as good as replaceing the original style type bushingd from Ford or Dorman Inc...your method is tops..keep up the good suggestion and I will keep watching

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yeah it only takes a few minutes and I heard the dorman bushings are more affordable.

[@efraingutierrez9539]

hi great video my 01 windstar the imrc dont move when iturn on the keyt

[@briankleinfall27]

Great info - quick question. My mom's Freestar has the P2004 (stuck open) code only - but she sits in the car a lot and lets it idle - it has been overheating. Is that a symptom of this failure - if so - how?

[@mikecont9742]

Great tips...

[@Eeropolvasti]

Good job! Yep, you can find these $5.00 in some autopart stores, like Napa !!! And, please, tell/ show us, how to do that "self-test" for PCM, I have 2002 Windstar!!! Thanks , youtheman =)

[@JCCASTA]

thanks from Mexico

[@patrick_kyker]

I should have known you'd have a video on this code. Is the bushing on the rear of the vehicle for the 2002 Ford Windstar model?

[@surviveandstrive6436]

Thank you. Very much.

[@Tumusica311]

Will the actual actuator go bad? I have a 2003 Ford windstar and the Rod from the back is missing and of course all the bushings as well. Just wondering how can I test if the actuator actually works well or needs replacement. FordTechMakuloco

[@sergemenard8656]

tank you for this video

[@WNCBikeRider]

Great! You saved me $$

[@GiotheGhreat]

My Mustang was running with that thing off for three years, it throw a code for the IMRC so we replaced the bushings but one of those long steel clips keeps piping off and is so hard to put them back. but yea is pretty much the same issue, lack of power or high idle

[@thebigtruckguy]

Hey!! I just threw a p2004 code on my 05 f150 5.4. Are these bushings for the windstar the same as on the 5.4? Can you post a quick video or tell me how to replace them on the 5.4 engine? its 12/19/16 today and really need to get this fixed asap. Thank you

[@bryanrios146]

Ok my 05 f150 has been running rough for weeks now haven't been driving it but been working on it on the weekends. Trying to figure out what's wrong .. I have a po171 .. but when I pulled out my intake . I felt the arms and imrc and they were off from the valve. Well I put it back together and assembled everything back and it's still running terrible and on the only code popping up is po171 . If u know what to look into I could really use the advise

[@luizgonzalez5798]

how can i test the manifold runner actuator on my 2002 ford windstar

[@Greasy_Bear]

quick question what size of socket was need to remove this part

[@macknumber9]

I wish I knew the duty cycles for ford mustang if there was a website or something I could go to. It would greatly help me diagnose my issue. My car idles perfect in drive...when I take it out of drive and into park or neutral is where the idle gets worse. I have heard of bad transmission position sensor causing this...I'm thinking it could be bad IMCR though or some type of issue with it. It is an intermittent problem but it definitely is bad when I first start car up and idle is coming down....surge and shaking

[@Njjb122]

Old video but maybe ill get an answer i had a few loose bushings but the rods were still in there places...just to make sure i wanna test the actuator how can i do that before replacing the intake manifold i dont have the scan tool its a 2006 f150 4.2l

[@urielgallegos4250]

what about if the lever is hard to move for the rear bank?

[@meritaylor6141]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! Fixed the problem on my 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8 LX. Purchased the Dorman product first, 4.99 at o'reily, spent about an hour and a half, then put back together and the dorman part DOESN"T WORK! Do not purchase it, I bought the exact part, the plastic is not long enough to create the needed snap in place. Ended up going to Ford dealer bought the OEM part, yes expensive. 40.00 for four. Used a wobble socket, 10 inch extension, and 10 mm deep socket. Did not remove any parts, just moved wires around. I did the bolt work ( little hands) and my husband did the grunt work. Bottom bolt most difficult. Thanks for a great video!

[@frankmorales6575]

I was driving and then lost all power to van. Wont crank over. I looked some more and nothing that both of the rods popped out. Will this shut my van down by this happening?

[@jayacruz5]

how do I know if the pressure sensor has actually gone bad/?

[@baylinermosquito2672]

Looking to replace fuse for 2005 freestar OBD2 what number is it in fuse box ?

[@PerrynTracyBeard]

I replace all 4 bushings, Dorman#47099, the rods on the backside fit good, but the front side rod will not stay in place (the rod doesn't snap in place). What can I do?

[@DenisDelgadillo]

I been driving around with those thing hanging no codes or problems going on with my van. Today I took it the system apart but did not know if the motor work. I try turning the ignition, no movement, I try the engine on no movement i took it apart nothing. Is like the part does not exist. Any tips on how to test the unit to make sure it works before i put all the bushings? I am thinking to go to the pick-n-pull to look for another part. And thanks for the video it was really helpful.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Denis Delgadillo The only way to cycle it is with the scan tool, the actuator itself usually doesn't fail. One thing you can try is turn the actuator one way full lock them turn on the key it should move and self correct then all by itself.

[@jesusmaldonado-to5ll]

Greetings from Mexico I have a problem with the p2004 I already changed the solenoid and the intake maniful and the problem continues in ford focus 2006, Have you had a similar error before? Thankz

[@cedcampbell47012]

Great video. I'm sure this is what is wrong with my daughter's 2004 Freestar

[@jDot2414]

i have a 2006 mercury monterey , 87k miles on it. out of nowhere beginning to stall. battery is fine , engine stalls , steering gets tight and breaks freeze up a bit. any help would be appreciated ?

[@fesman63]

where can I buy both the rods and the bushings?

[@FYJ2972]

Thank you very much. Update(11-16-2017): Ford original bushing works much better than dorman, but Ford parts are so bloody expensive which cost me 9 bucks/each , Don't waste your money at Dorman 47099. I have learnt my lesson by using Dorman.

[@gustywinds1772]

Part number for the linkage metal part? Missing the one that goes to the front

[@user-ez3il1yy6i]

Ford Windstar's Are Like An Oven When You Open The Hood In The Summer 💯%

[@paultrongone3631]

Can anyone tell me where the mounting bolts are located so I can remove the actuator ?

[@johnake2647]

wow i have a 95 and i think this might help me been the new plugs and wire out...yaaaa i will see and repost

[@t.richocereus3577]

Can this cause problems with the battery?

[@GSKinng]

First of all love the vids. I also used to work on ford at an indy shop. My uncles got a 2002 Windstar lx and the bushings and rods are missing. Can I get the rods separate or no?

[@DynamicBits]

Part EF2Z-9J559-D is the kit with both rods and 4 bushings.

[@goodheadward]

Just found out that my dealer sells these for 8.61 ea. So four would be 36.63.. But you can order the whole kit that comes with new arms and new bushings for 17.62+tax. one day wait usually.

[@MarioQuezada]

3:55 thanks for showing this..Mine does NOT look like that. It got bent somehow.. like at an angle '00 Ford F150 4.2L V6

[@efraingutierrez9539]

Great love you keep

[@efraingutierrez9539]

Good job

[@goodtimes1879]

hey! thanks for the video. very informative and helpful. i just had a quick question. My 03 ford windstar 3.8L just through a p0171 and p0172 codes and I'm been trying to figure out the problem before throwing money at it. I checked this and found that the rod pointing at the engine is missing. could this potentially cause this code? i used a propane torch to check for leaks and couldn't find any. Bought this van used and not sure if they have replaced the upper intake gaskets and bolts with the revised ones.

[@goodtimes1879]

pointing at the van not away from van is missing**

[@michaelsoutherland3023]

Heck, I used a rubber grommet from Lowes, didn't know that little piece had a part number. Look over things while checking the oil.

[@seansweetman1860]

Probably just saved me a couple hundred dollars for a $6 repair I did in the garage. Thanks very much.

[@sfpl0879]

How can I test the motor for shortage

[@valvicta242]

Excellent video FordTech Makuloco! However, I'd like to ask if those rods (control arms) are also available to purchase? Mine's missing one. If yes, Where can I get them? Thank you so much for these great videos.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes they are available from your Ford Dealer

[@irunchef]

Use a king screwdriver with sone duct tape on it to put the rear bushibg in. You may need to turn it slightly to get the bushings flat parts to line up with the hole in the arm’s flat parts in the square shaped hole. Also, tie the rear bushibg to something using a small piece of thread so if it is dropped it is easily recoverable.

[@RobbieNewell]

Awesome!!!! I have a 99 Ford Windstar 3.8 named Betsy. I need to replace my rocker panels. They are rotted and the back passenger door won't close properly. I would also like to replace my carpet. can u recommend anywhere I can get parts.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

RobbieNewell I don't get into body work so don't generally look for parts but LKQ has all kinds of aftermarket parts and body panels.

[@jamesdupuis3249]

Yeah! 99 Ford Windstar 3.8. I should name mine. What to name it/him/her? 🤔

[@doriangonzalesmusic6561]

Thanks

[@shoftim]

How do you self test the PCM? Great video!

[@joetaylor2659]

The rods will not click into the Dorman 47099 clips. They fall out. So it is best to get get the clip from the dealer I assume. Also would this cause my windstar to die at a stop light with low rpms?

[@RC-Heli835]

Could be a faulty Idle air control valve, Throttle Position sensor, EGR valve stuck open or a vucuum leak for starters.

[@thomasquinn5537]

i bought them for 6 bucks at oreilly 5 total

[@jgilbertson28]

This was a very informative video and the front bushing was off on my '04 4.2L Freestar. I replaced this and did not take it all apart just yet because I inspected the other bushings and they looked fine. However, I still got the P2004 after driving it again. I looked up on how to manually check to see if the actuator was working, tried it, and saw nothing. All i read was to get the RPMs over 2500-3000 and look at the actuator too see if it moved. It didn't and my code came back on. I also noticed that the seal around the outside of the box was incomplete and very greasy. The sticky black grease. I am assuming that my actuator is bad so I looked to see if I can get one without going to the dealer. Do you think this is the problem and if so where the heck can I find one for cheap/ Thank you so much!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Justin Gilbertson Yeah it seems the actuator has failed if all the rods are intact. I am sure dorman makes one for much cheaper.

[@texanbalaban6777]

@@FordTechMakuloco how do You reinstall the IMRC on 3V intake? 1. The plate connected to IMRC that says do not rotate by hand is blocking a bolt hole to attach IMRC to intake manifold. Clockwise or counter to move plate to get bolt in? 2. What position to reinstall green and white plastic hands to butterfly valve rod?

[@NOFx420x]

whats the part# for the 98 windstar

[@betternedthandead]

Like to see a video on the F150. 2006 model with a shade over 100,000 Arizona miles. Getting a 2004 code - bank 1 manifold control valve position sensor indicating runner control remains open. Had to inspect with a mirror - can't get to the actuator. Everything was connected - ran rpms up to 3200 - actuator doesn't move. Looks like the intake manifold has to come off to access the actuator.

[@christopherhale5445]

thanks. ..i have a 2003 Ford f 150....same issues and code....the actuator is several hundred dollars at the dealer. ..for my year it electronically operating. .not the vacuum left bank ,right bank set up of 97-2000....my question is....how accessible is the actuator? ?...do i have to remove the intake. .im hoping not.....i know its located in the back hugging the firewall...in the center. . (so im told)....any help with this would be great.....thanks for the vid...

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Christopher Hale Yes any one of the Ford engines with a longitudinaly mounted engine require intake removal.

[@texanbalaban6777]

@@FordTechMakuloco how do You reinstall the IMRC on 3V intake? 1. The plate connected to IMRC that says do not rotate by hand is blocking a bolt hole to attach IMRC to intake manifold. Clockwise or counter to move plate to get bolt in? 2. What position to reinstall green and white plastic hands to butterfly valve rod?

[@unknown4mat584]

My Windstar lx 2003 has nubs on both ends on both rods

[@soncosa]

where can you get new linkage rods?? (connect to bushings)

[@abnersanchez9556]

Possible to get the linkages? In this small town I'm at I can't find anybody who even knows what this part is called

[@hankwilliams105]

How to conduct the test after replacement?

[@urielgallegos4250]

and how you do self test, you just turn on the ignition?

[@Hopeful1s]

Ever get that figured out?

[@unknown4mat584]

So do I take that whole thing off?