The van was having problems starting. It needed to turn over for a good 5 seconds before it would start. Additionally, once it started it idled rough until it warmed up a bit. If it dies during that initial period, it was a bear to get restarted. The check engline codes indicated that the MAP readings were out of range and the throttle position was out of range.
The MAP sensor is not cheap so I actually verfied it was bad using a hand vacuum pump. Sure enough, it was providing readings outside the allowable range. Replacing these two sensors was not too bad. The MAP is extremely easy as it sits in the open all on its own. The TP sensor was a little harder because the intake manifold had to be removed. This is not such a big deal on vehicles like my old bronco (did this fix there too) but it is a little harder on the van because of how the engine is recessed into the body.
Once both sensors were replaced, the van still suffered from slow startups and iffy idle, but it was noticably quicker. The van now has a pep in its step that it has not had since I bought it. I can only assume this is due to the MAP sensor providing accurate readings.
I actually floored it going up hill just to feel the new-found power. Apparently my serpentine belt was on its way out because a portion of it snapped off. Well it actually stayed on the belt but slivered off, like a piece of string cheese. It whipped around the engine compartment and severed my transmission oil pressure sensor wires. Thankfully the belt itself stayed intact enough to get me where I was going then home. That belt will have to be replaced immediately.
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