The Intake Manifold Runner Control Control Valve/Solenoid on my 2006 Freestar w/3.9 has failed 3 times in the last 30,000 miles. Now the van has about 195,000 miles on it. BTW, they also used the 4.2L version of this motor in the Ford F150 pickup and also the Ford Econoline. First the OEM unit failed, and then I replaced it with a Doorman unit. About 15,000 miles later, it failed. I replaced it with another Doorman, and that lasted another 15,000 miles. For the last couple of weeks, it's been making a bit louder noise when you turn the key on before you start the engine, and now the gears inside the unit are stripped and the check engine light is ON. When you turn the key on, the motor in the control unit runs for a second or two, and the linkage does move a little, but no where near the stop. If you push the linkage, it does move (it's not stuck).

I tend to blame the Doorman for being a piece of garbage. I can get a Motorcraft for a little more money, but could something else be wrong? I hate to have it fail again in 15,000 miles.

Frank

 

It could be the parts, or it could be the connections that provide power and ground to the solenoids. To confirm would require a check with a multimeter to confirm sufficient power and ground are where they are supposed to be..