Location of the IAC

• The IAC is attached to the throttle body. If you open the hood of your 2001 Ford Windstar, you will see the throttle body is located in the upper right corner of the engine bay, int front of the driver's position. The throttle body is connected to the intake manifold on its left and the air filter intake tube on its right. The IAC itself is a large metal housing with a two-prong electrical sensor connected to the throttle body with two small bolts. It sits right on top of the throttle body.
  
  

Symptoms of a Bad IAC

• The main symptom of a bad IAC is extremely poor idling. The vehicle may stall after it is started unless you keep your foot on the throttle. Once warmed up, the engine may hold idle but will bog down or stumble when you come to a stop.
  
  

Repair

• To remove the IAC for repair, disconnect the electrical sensor at the the end of the housing, and then remove the two retaining bolts. If you flip the IAC over, you will see that it is a plunger on a metal rod. You can use throttle body cleaner to soak the plunger assembly and clean the rod. Clean the electrical connection to the wiring harness as well, and use a dab of electrical-grade silicone to lubricate the connection terminals. This may restore the IAC's function, particularly if your Windstar has high mileage.
  
  

Replacement

• You can purchase a replacement IAC from your local Ford dealer or an automotive supply parts store. Simply unclip the electrical connector and remove the two retaining bolts. Remove the old IAC and insert the new unit. It may take a few starts before the new IAC is fully calibrated.