98 Ford Windstar Van Trouble Codes P1512 and P1538

” The check engine light on my 98 Windstar van came on last week. The codes are P 1512 and P1538, something about the intake manifold runners. These parts are expensive, is there any way I can check them?”

There are some really complicated tests a mechanic can do with all his tools and gauges, but with those Windstars there’s a pretty good test you can do yourself. Get a cheap little vacuum pump with a built in pressure gauge at any auto store (less than thirty bucks at Auto Zone the last time I looked.) See if either of the intake runner modules will hold vacuum pressure once you remove their vacuum lines and hook up your little pump with the gauge on it. If they don’t hold vacuum pressure, then they are shot and need replacing. They should be sealed tight and not lose vacuum pressure if they are not mechanically broken. Many commonly leak in those vans when they go bad.