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Chris Coleman
Joined: 09/18/2001
Posts: 82,237
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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)

Full Thread →
Ok vehicle experts, what's wrong with my car...
Chris ColemanAdmin 06/24/24 11:13 AM ET
I think you need a new car.**
Hokester 06/24/24 06:55 PM ET
I recommend buying one of those ~$30 OBD II plug-ins and download...
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:06 PM ET
What he is describing, I ran the codes and got the kitchen sink of issues
Vienna_Hokie 06/24/24 06:49 PM ET
I got one from Amazon and use Torque Diagnostic tool...very gooderly.**
Major Kong 06/24/24 04:22 PM ET
I bought a cheap code reader back in 2008 after I bought my Tacoma, but...
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:38 PM ET
Contact a priest and try an exorcism.**
scoop76cs 06/24/24 03:36 PM ET
Shake a dead chicken over it in the interim **
TomTurkey 06/24/24 05:55 PM ET
re: A/C
Beerman 06/24/24 03:33 PM ET
You looked at the purge valve. That could definitely affect hesitation and
VTMONEY94 06/24/24 03:01 PM ET
My Nissan Sentra Check Engine used to be the gas cap.
TomTurkey 06/24/24 02:46 PM ET
You'll eventually get to the point where you just go buy a new gas cap.
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:08 PM ET
I did. Never used it. I'm really not sure that was the actual problem. 🤷🏽
TomTurkey 06/24/24 04:21 PM ET
Can't remember what vehicle, but I had to replace a gas cap and...
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:32 PM ET
I was prepared. The new $13 gas cap is in the trunk.**
TomTurkey 06/24/24 04:37 PM ET
AC Relay switch is Fubar'ed.**
Major Kong 06/24/24 02:30 PM ET
Spit on them spark plug thangs!**
VT BronzeBacker 06/24/24 01:43 PM ET
Hawk Tuah...zap!**
Major Kong 06/24/24 02:50 PM ET
Just whack it with a hammer,**
vthhhi 06/24/24 01:28 PM ET
O2 sensors are a waste of money and not required in most states.
GreenvilleVT 06/24/24 01:25 PM ET
My understanding is that the pre-cat O2 sensors do play a role in...
MP4VT2004 06/24/24 01:42 PM ET
You are correct sir!**
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:02 PM ET
its bang for the mechanic **
bigbadbird 06/24/24 01:59 PM ET
first of all, it's a Ford.**
BobG 06/24/24 01:39 PM ET
If his mustang is that old it may be time to put that horse down. **
GreenvilleVT 06/24/24 02:27 PM ET
the new ones are totally rad **
bigbadbird 06/24/24 01:37 PM ET
Especially the Dark Horse**
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:08 PM ET
Depends why the check engine light is on. That’s easy to determine with a
vatechcowpatty 06/24/24 12:32 PM ET
This is good advice. @Chris Coleman - has anyone given you...
MP4VT2004 06/24/24 02:04 PM ET
I diagnosed an intake manifold leak that way.**
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:10 PM ET
flux capacitor may have gone bad.**
reestuart 06/24/24 11:56 AM ET
…low on blinker fluid**
chumley 06/24/24 12:43 PM ET
Demonic possession, its a little known fact that demons are the #1 cause
HokieNoVA 06/24/24 11:47 AM ET
Had similar issues, there was a crack in the air intake hoses
Vienna_Hokie 06/24/24 11:26 AM ET
Sounds electrical to me.. or a module is on the way out/being inconsistent
Brewing_Hokie 06/24/24 11:23 AM ET
2006 Mustang GT.**
Chris ColemanAdmin 06/24/24 11:25 AM ET
I'll do some research here in a little bit.
Brewing_Hokie 06/24/24 11:27 AM ET
Time to break bad and get a 2007 mustang.**
Guy LeDouche 06/24/24 11:49 AM ET
What about a 2008?**
HokieDan95 06/24/24 12:54 PM ET
twist off the radiator cap- back up the o6- pull an 07 under the cap
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:53 AM ET
I'm guessing you have a family of raccoons that has moved under the hood**
No Clue 06/24/24 11:18 AM ET
Poltergeist Rod**
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:33 AM ET
So you're saying you have no clue...**
Chris ColemanAdmin 06/24/24 11:25 AM ET
That's also possible**
No Clue 06/24/24 11:43 AM ET
when is the last time you changed spark plugs? s
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:17 AM ET
Not sure about spark plugs, but that doesn't explain the AC, right?
Chris ColemanAdmin 06/24/24 11:19 AM ET
Actually, now that I read a little about it, you may be right.**
Chris ColemanAdmin 06/24/24 11:20 AM ET
Plugs and/or Coils**
huskerHokie 06/24/24 05:31 PM ET
If it is a plug the check engine light will be blinking. If the light is
jdkhokie 06/24/24 01:32 PM ET
what if it's intermittent?**
bigbadbird 06/24/24 01:36 PM ET
I would check the thermostat**
jdkhokie 06/24/24 01:36 PM ET
see if its hot**
bigbadbird 06/24/24 01:40 PM ET
i would never give me credit for being right- but that is something you
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:26 AM ET
Change the spark plug cables at the same time as the plugs. Also, use a
Vtskier1 06/24/24 11:49 AM ET
think of heartburn if it works- lounge mechanics being right
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:51 AM ET
Apparently changing them in my model Mustang is absolute hell.
Chris ColemanAdmin 06/24/24 11:34 AM ET
I’d get rid of a car if it cost $1,000 to change spark plugs. **
GreenvilleVT 06/24/24 03:46 PM ET
That is crazy. Most cars changing plugs is very easy.
IV_Hokie12 06/24/24 11:39 AM ET
One exception is the V6 Toyota/Lexus FWD configuration engines
EDGEMAN 06/24/24 04:14 PM ET
it's not alot if the guy pays 1100 for fairy dust and sprinkles **
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:55 AM ET
that is probably why they haven't been replaced - 1000 sounds high though**
bigbadbird 06/24/24 11:38 AM ET