Ford Windstar Freestar IMRC Failures P2004-P2007 Repair

You can buy new Ford Bushings here-
www.amazon.com/...
You can buy the Dorman Bushings Here-
www.amazon.com/...
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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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

[@TheJohn2094]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@billkeyes4785]

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

[@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!

[@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....

[@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).

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Bluegeek1]

Thanks for posting this repair. I have been pulling my hair our with this darn actuator

[@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.

[@30MStar]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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 =)

[@johnwargo2590]

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

[@jairosendsit8667]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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?

[@GershamCharles]

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

[@FellowshipBibleChurchAnnArbor]

Excellent video. Thanks for doing this.

[@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?

[@petemoss9693]

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

[@Jaguar-rr9cw]

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

[@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?

[@vwivancc]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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? 🤔

[@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.

[@missjessica6228]

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

[@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.

[@cedcampbell47012]

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

[@JCCASTA]

thanks from Mexico

[@shoftim]

How do you self test the PCM? Great video!

[@andyvasquez7890]

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

[@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

[@johnmsims2]

my first comment was on my daughters account so i put one on mine so i get the notification thanks .....2002 mustang doesnt give much room to get back in there ....do i have to take off the intake to change these bushings or maybe just the upper intake ? thanks for the video.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+johnmsims2 Yes pull the upper intake to get access.

[@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?

[@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

[@seansweetman1860]

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

[@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.

[@Angelchente1]

Mind blowing every time

[@randgraham1]

Problem solved. Thanks!

[@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

[@shawnfoy4628]

What is the little flap part called that the actuator linkage connects to? Mine is quite rusted and doesn't seem to move freely so I'm thinking it will need to be replaced

[@nevilletucker6979]

Great video! made easy to understand~ thank you.

[@1hectorenri]

Muchas gracias, me sirvió mucho este vídeo. Thanks

[@ericavery3054]

No one could tell me what was wrong with my car. Thank you. It gave no codes. Some shop said it was my torque converter. Both arms fell off runs bad. Fixing it with new clips from dorman tomorrow. Some say they dont work. If they dont I will get the Ford ones. Thanks.

[@doriangonzalesmusic6561]

Yeah someone said it might be my torque converter too but the problem with that was that I had a rebuilt transmission installed 2k miles ago

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@174joedirt]

thank you for the tip

[@stephenlutz123]

The lower bolt holding the IMRC actuator on is damn near impossible to remove. Can't see it, and you need a swivel and a 3 inch extension to get on it. 10mm socket is required. 30 seconds to remove the top 2 bolts, 30 minutes for the bottom one. When I put the actuator back on, I didn't replace the bottom one.

[@johnkem7223]

I did the same as you in not putting the bottom bolt back in. Has been like that for 16 months without issue.

[@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

[@joeyedwards4012]

After reading the reviews i'm gonna wrap mine with a very fine tie wire, cause i don't ever want to have to do this again. Hey FORD engineers, how about a smaller hole and a circlip! LMK if ya'll need a blue print.

[@19BigMoneyGrip97]

I need a blueprint 😂😂

[@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 ?

[@brandonsmith5692]

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

[@andrescruzacac]

Great video save me a lot of money thank you

[@TheDieselman17]

Just so everyone knows the Dorman 47099 Bushings will not work as the hole that the rods are supposed to snap in are to big. The rods will come back out. This was done yesterday 9-25-2018. Going to have to get them from Ford.

[@CrazyPalidin57]

Were the ford ones any different in fit?

[@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

[@krisverde]

So....I didn't even know the Windstar had this module until today. I looked at mine and noticed the linkage isn't even there, so I'm thinking there was an issue at one point and they just pulled the linkage? 😂 Never seen a CEL but probably why the van is so gutless up top?

[@mikecont9742]

Great tips...

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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?

[@efraingutierrez9539]

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

[@user-ez3il1yy6i]

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

[@noworriesmate8287]

Thanks for the help!!!

[@feenixblue]

Great info. Thanks.

[@Greasy_Bear]

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

[@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**

[@surviveandstrive6436]

Thank you. Very much.

[@Rccrdawgs]

all of sudden my 08 150 4.2 starts pinging terrible under load and even very light load, thouggt bad fuel ,, just got a code bank 1 imrc open! huh

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

im in the same boat

[@texanbalaban6777]

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?

[@urielgallegos4250]

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

[@Hopeful1s]

Ever get that figured out?

[@jonathanbrandenburg9907]

mine came off on my 05 free star but also my #40 fuse is blowing. . Can it cause the fuse to blow? I checked the wiring and didn't see anything that would short out but I fixed the rods and it seems ok for now.. wondering if this can be caused by the irmc

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Jonathan Brandenburg Yes fuse 40 powers the IMRC module if it was sticking it may blow the fuse. I say keep an eye on it.

[@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?

[@sergemenard8656]

tank you for this video

[@unknown4mat584]

Great vid but we're is this located on Ford Windstar LX 2003?

[@joevignolor4u949]

It's on the passenger side of the engine just behind the alternator. It's pretty well hidden and very hard to see.

[@RL82]

awesome thanks.

[@gustywinds1772]

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

[@babaregi5934]

My 2006 Freestar had low power and it turned out being due to having 2 bad spark plugs and bad ignition wires at 100,000 miles

[@lja1229]

I have an 04 Mercury Monterey that freaks out at 1500-1700 rpm 55-60 mph. I've literally changed everything except this. I'm getting a code p2006.

[@robinnelson18]

Did you change them? I have same van

[@WNCBikeRider]

Great! You saved me $$

[@amandatolino4810]

We are trying to replace the bushings, but we are having problems with the size of the bolt. we tried metric and standard and neither one work. one is too big and the other is too small? Have any ideas what size to try?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The three bolts that hold the actuator on are 10mm from the factory.

[@goggyone]

10mm