windstar engine light flashing
 

when i go to accelerate it sputters a little and the check engine flashes then stays on. its always on though. also the overdrive light will come on and flash, turning the o/d off doesn't help. it will sound like it wants to die. it has about 170000 miles

First thing to do is to go have the trouble codes read. This will give us an indication of what the problem is. From your descriotion of the check engine light, I would venture a guess as to a cylinder misfire. So a tune up is in order. The OD light needs scanned with a tool that will read the transmission codes. Parts house scanners may not read it. Go to a major parts house and they will read the codes for free. Post the EXACT code numbers and we can help. You will have a code like P0302 or a P0705. These are just for reference.

when i had it checked it just read it was misfiring. i don't remember any codes given. it's had a tune up in the last year

Have the codes read again and post the numbers here.

p0353, p1518, p0172, p0174, p3032, p0305. these are the codes that came up. i think i got them right.

P0353---ignition coil problem
P1518----Intake Manifold Runner Control stuck open
P0172----bank 1 too rich
P0174----bank 2 too lean
P0305----cylinder 5 misfire
P3032---not a valid PCM code

I would tune it up and kave the IMRC checked.