Ok vehicle experts, what's wrong with my car...
Long story short, here were the original issues...
1: Check engine light was on.
2: Got messages for "check fuel cap" (I couldn't completely fill the car up with fuel) and "check charging system".
3: Sometimes the AC would blow cold air, sometimes not. It was random.
4: Car would have hesitations and stalls at low RPM, like when I was turning, or accelerating after being stopped at a light. Almost felt like there was no fuel getting to the engine, or maybe there was an air flow issue. One day it stalled out completely going to the office, and I had to turn it off and turn it back on in the middle of the road.
So, I went and got it checked out, and as it turned out, the alternator was overcharging the battery. So, I got a new alternator. That seemed to fix everything, and it has turned out to completely fix the "check fuel cap" and "check charging system" issues. But not the others. The next day, I was having some of the same issues again...
1: Check engine light is on.
2: Slight hesitations, though nowhere near as bad as with the bad alternator. No more complete stalls.
3: AC sometimes blows cold air, sometimes it doesn't.
So, I took it back, and they ran another diagnostics check, and it said I needed new O2 sensors and a new mass air flow sensor. Sounds right...I thought an air flow issue might be the trouble anyway. Also, recharged the AC, filled with Freon, also got the radiator cleaned out totally with brand new fluid (I know that part of it needed to be done). Another $700, after $400 for the alternator.
So I get that done, and everything seems to be working fine. The check engine light is not on. The AC is blowing really cold air. Don't notice any hesitation. Sweet! It's fixed.
NOT! The next day, the check engine light is back on, the AC is sometimes working and sometimes not working, and there is still a very slight hesitation sometimes when I hit the accelerator after I slow down to turn. Not all the time, but sometimes. Nothing major, but enough to be annoying. Doesn't happen when I'm rolling at 75 on the interstate. Only when I'm changing speeds a lot around town, and even then not all the time.
I feel like I wasted money on new O2 and mass air flow sensors. I know I needed the work on the radiator and new Freon, etc. Clearly the new alternator was needed, since it knocked off the "check charging system" and "check fuel cap" warnings.
Any ideas? I feel like it's something electrical. Somebody told me it could be the smart junction box (which I think would be another grand, sheesh). I guess I'll call Shelor later and get a Ford specialist to look at it and run a more specific diagnostics test, but apparently I'm looking at a 1.5 week wait right now. Thought I'd run it by yall to see if you have any ideas.
Posted: 06/24/2024 at 11:13 AM ET
Thread Replies (60)
Ok vehicle experts, what's wrong with my car...
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-- Chris Coleman
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:13 AM ET
Chris Coleman
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06/24/24 11:13 AM ET
I think you need a new car.**
-- Hokester
Jun 24, 2024 at 06:55 PM ET
Hokester
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06/24/24 06:55 PM ET
I recommend buying one of those ~$30 OBD II plug-ins and download...
-- EDGEMAN
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:06 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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06/24/24 04:06 PM ET
What he is describing, I ran the codes and got the kitchen sink of issues
-- Vienna_Hokie
Jun 24, 2024 at 06:49 PM ET
Vienna_Hokie
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06/24/24 06:49 PM ET
I got one from Amazon and use Torque Diagnostic tool...very gooderly.**
-- Major Kong
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:22 PM ET
Major Kong
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06/24/24 04:22 PM ET
I bought a cheap code reader back in 2008 after I bought my Tacoma, but...
-- EDGEMAN
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:38 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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06/24/24 04:38 PM ET
Contact a priest and try an exorcism.**
-- scoop76cs
Jun 24, 2024 at 03:36 PM ET
scoop76cs
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06/24/24 03:36 PM ET
Shake a dead chicken over it in the interim **
-- TomTurkey
Jun 24, 2024 at 05:55 PM ET
TomTurkey
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06/24/24 05:55 PM ET
You looked at the purge valve. That could definitely affect hesitation and
-- VTMONEY94
Jun 24, 2024 at 03:01 PM ET
VTMONEY94
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06/24/24 03:01 PM ET
My Nissan Sentra Check Engine used to be the gas cap.
-- TomTurkey
Jun 24, 2024 at 02:46 PM ET
TomTurkey
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06/24/24 02:46 PM ET
You'll eventually get to the point where you just go buy a new gas cap.
-- EDGEMAN
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:08 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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06/24/24 04:08 PM ET
I did. Never used it. I'm really not sure that was the actual problem. 🤷🏽
-- TomTurkey
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:21 PM ET
TomTurkey
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06/24/24 04:21 PM ET
Can't remember what vehicle, but I had to replace a gas cap and...
-- EDGEMAN
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:32 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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06/24/24 04:32 PM ET
I was prepared. The new $13 gas cap is in the trunk.**
-- TomTurkey
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:37 PM ET
TomTurkey
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06/24/24 04:37 PM ET
AC Relay switch is Fubar'ed.**
-- Major Kong
Jun 24, 2024 at 02:30 PM ET
Major Kong
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06/24/24 02:30 PM ET
Spit on them spark plug thangs!**
-- VT BronzeBacker
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:43 PM ET
VT BronzeBacker
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06/24/24 01:43 PM ET
O2 sensors are a waste of money and not required in most states.
-- GreenvilleVT
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:25 PM ET
GreenvilleVT
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06/24/24 01:25 PM ET
My understanding is that the pre-cat O2 sensors do play a role in...
-- MP4VT2004
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:42 PM ET
MP4VT2004
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06/24/24 01:42 PM ET
its bang for the mechanic **
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:59 PM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 01:59 PM ET
If his mustang is that old it may be time to put that horse down. **
-- GreenvilleVT
Jun 24, 2024 at 02:27 PM ET
GreenvilleVT
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06/24/24 02:27 PM ET
the new ones are totally rad **
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:37 PM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 01:37 PM ET
Depends why the check engine light is on. That’s easy to determine with a
-- vatechcowpatty
Jun 24, 2024 at 12:32 PM ET
vatechcowpatty
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06/24/24 12:32 PM ET
This is good advice. @Chris Coleman - has anyone given you...
-- MP4VT2004
Jun 24, 2024 at 02:04 PM ET
MP4VT2004
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06/24/24 02:04 PM ET
I diagnosed an intake manifold leak that way.**
-- EDGEMAN
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:10 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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06/24/24 04:10 PM ET
flux capacitor may have gone bad.**
-- reestuart
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:56 AM ET
reestuart
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06/24/24 11:56 AM ET
Demonic possession, its a little known fact that demons are the #1 cause
-- HokieNoVA
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:47 AM ET
HokieNoVA
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06/24/24 11:47 AM ET
Had similar issues, there was a crack in the air intake hoses
-- Vienna_Hokie
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:26 AM ET
Vienna_Hokie
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06/24/24 11:26 AM ET
Sounds electrical to me.. or a module is on the way out/being inconsistent
-- Brewing_Hokie
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:23 AM ET
Brewing_Hokie
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06/24/24 11:23 AM ET
2006 Mustang GT.**
-- Chris Coleman
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:25 AM ET
Chris Coleman
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06/24/24 11:25 AM ET
I'll do some research here in a little bit.
-- Brewing_Hokie
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:27 AM ET
Brewing_Hokie
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06/24/24 11:27 AM ET
Time to break bad and get a 2007 mustang.**
-- Guy LeDouche
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:49 AM ET
Guy LeDouche
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06/24/24 11:49 AM ET
twist off the radiator cap- back up the o6- pull an 07 under the cap
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:53 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 11:53 AM ET
I'm guessing you have a family of raccoons that has moved under the hood**
-- No Clue
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:18 AM ET
No Clue
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06/24/24 11:18 AM ET
So you're saying you have no clue...**
-- Chris Coleman
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:25 AM ET
Chris Coleman
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06/24/24 11:25 AM ET
when is the last time you changed spark plugs? s
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:17 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 11:17 AM ET
Not sure about spark plugs, but that doesn't explain the AC, right?
-- Chris Coleman
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:19 AM ET
Chris Coleman
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06/24/24 11:19 AM ET
Actually, now that I read a little about it, you may be right.**
-- Chris Coleman
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:20 AM ET
Chris Coleman
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06/24/24 11:20 AM ET
If it is a plug the check engine light will be blinking. If the light is
-- jdkhokie
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:32 PM ET
jdkhokie
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06/24/24 01:32 PM ET
what if it's intermittent?**
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:36 PM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 01:36 PM ET
I would check the thermostat**
-- jdkhokie
Jun 24, 2024 at 01:36 PM ET
jdkhokie
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06/24/24 01:36 PM ET
i would never give me credit for being right- but that is something you
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:26 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 11:26 AM ET
Change the spark plug cables at the same time as the plugs. Also, use a
-- Vtskier1
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:49 AM ET
Vtskier1
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06/24/24 11:49 AM ET
think of heartburn if it works- lounge mechanics being right
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:51 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 11:51 AM ET
Apparently changing them in my model Mustang is absolute hell.
-- Chris Coleman
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:34 AM ET
Chris Coleman
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06/24/24 11:34 AM ET
I’d get rid of a car if it cost $1,000 to change spark plugs. **
-- GreenvilleVT
Jun 24, 2024 at 03:46 PM ET
GreenvilleVT
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06/24/24 03:46 PM ET
That is crazy. Most cars changing plugs is very easy.
-- IV_Hokie12
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:39 AM ET
IV_Hokie12
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06/24/24 11:39 AM ET
One exception is the V6 Toyota/Lexus FWD configuration engines
-- EDGEMAN
Jun 24, 2024 at 04:14 PM ET
EDGEMAN
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06/24/24 04:14 PM ET
it's not alot if the guy pays 1100 for fairy dust and sprinkles **
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:55 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 11:55 AM ET
that is probably why they haven't been replaced - 1000 sounds high though**
-- bigbadbird
Jun 24, 2024 at 11:38 AM ET
bigbadbird
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06/24/24 11:38 AM ET