I just purchased a 2002 windstar 242,00 miles. Runs great! When i turn the steering wheel the idel goes to 2500, this is the only aera it does this, putting the transmisson in gear it only idels up an extra 500 rpm.
Roe some reason it only happens with the steering wheel. Seeking some help please?

 

The idle adjusts to demand. I.e. If you turn on the A/C while idling in P the idle will go up a tad.
When you turn the wheel the powersteering pump increases demand. Idle should adjust a little bit but not to 2500. But it also appears to add too much RPM for going into gear.
Is the steering harder than it should be? What makes the steering go harder? Low tire pressure, lack of fluid, steering while the vehicle is stopped.

I suggest you have a look at the drive belt and pulley. Check the pump for leaks. Check the fluid level (Ford specifies tranny fluid for the power steering). Consider flushing the system.
Another thing is that it seems to add too much RPM for going into gear. What is the general status of maintenance in your Windstar?
Problem areas are the isolator bolt grommets leaking. It causes loping idle when cold.
The tiny white grommets for the intake runner controls tend to brake and dissapear causing rough idle and rough running.there are 4 of them (about $3.00)

Plugs, wires and coilpack.

Any deficiencies here could add to your problem.

Please report back with more details.

 

Bluewind,
Thank you for your help, I jumped out the power steering switch (it is normally closed) i cleaned the icm and the van still carries a high idle when moving in gear in the yard(slow speed) is it possible the icm (idel control module) is not closing fast enough?

 

I am stumped.
Essentially you say it is not power steering related. It coincides with putting it in gear.

The ecm decides the idle speed. When the engine is cold it uses mostly it's programs, when it is warm it uses the data collected by various sensors.

Does it behave different if it is warm vs cold?

We also need to know if a regular tune up has been performed recently. Maybe you don't know. So you have to assume it has not been done.