Hi, I am new to the board and have a question. I have a98 Windstar with 133,000 miles. This morning the light came on, so I had it checked at Auto Zone. It gave the code P1538. Then said- Manf Veh. Spd.
Idle Speed Control
Auxiliary Inputs

DTC Pending ( Codes)

No faults detected

The guy who ran the test couldn't tell me much. He said the problem wasn't immediate. Of course I want to find out what this code is.
I would like an idea before I go to the mechanic. I don't want to look like I have no idea what is wrong and then get taken advantage of. So any help would be great. Thanks!

 

Probably not much of problem. I tend to stay away from rec'd repairs when I see that code in my shop. Very hard to say what problem is. Possible bad gas, vacum leak, kind of thing.

 

P1538 - IMRC Bank #2 stuck open

IMRC is short for intake manifold runner control which is a fancy name for very expensive vacuum controlled lever with electronic sensor. You have two of these expensive buggers in your Windstar and the bellows on one of them has probably developed a vacuum leak. They can easily replaced by the average home mechanic. The dealer will rip you off. Oh yeah, you should expect the other IMRC to fail soon so save up your cash!

 

Expensive even if I have a friend fix it? Also, what will happen to my car if I can't fix it for a few days? Will it break down very soon? Sorry, I just have no clue.

 

You have to buy the new IMRC from the Ford dealer. That's why you can expect to pay $220-$250 for each part (there are two IMRC's in your Windstar). You can choose not to replace the leaking IMRC but you can expect horrible gas mileage, stalling, and poor engine performance as long as the vacuum leak exists. Pay me now or pay me a lot later - Your mechanic