Car running bad ... help please..

Dysfunction · Mar 12, 2009

Just recently my car has started running really poorly and my gas mileage dropped from a steady 19-20 mpg to 12-13 no matter what. The car seems to not want to move below approx 3k rpms and noticeably bogs down once it gets below 3k rpms when slowing down. It also kinda sputters when its cold when trying to initially accelerate. Plugs, plugs wires, coil, and cap and rotor are new. I don't really know what to look for now. Any help on what to check is greatly appreciated.

CC'S95GT · Mar 12, 2009

first welcome to the site
2nd try cleaning the MAF. it made a huge difference in mine

GearGambler · Mar 12, 2009

air fuel spark, thats all it needs.

looks like you took car of the spark. the above post will take care of the air (is your filter clean?).

only other thing it could be is fuel? have you changed the fuel filter? maybe one of the injectors is shot? they could probably use a good cleaning depending on how many miles are on the car. take em off and send em out. thats the BEST way to get them cleaned...

Dysfunction · Mar 12, 2009

DESERTCOX05 said:
first welcome to the site
2nd try cleaning the MAF. it made a huge difference in mine

Hey thanks! Didn't realize that was my first post, i've been reading so much stuff on here for quite some time now.

I'll clean the MAF and see how that works out. The Air Filter is a pretty new drop in K&N so that shouldn't be a problem. Fuel filter is probably a good idea too since i haven't owned the car to terribly long not a clue when it was changed last.

Also i've heard O2's and something about the ECT could cause similar things? Is there any way to check these?

GearGambler · Mar 12, 2009

Dysfunction said:
Also i've heard O2's and something about the ECT could cause similar things? Is there any way to check these?

i believe they would throw codes (check engine light would be on).

mic_lx · Mar 12, 2009

Yeah the O2 sensors will throw out a code and you'll see the check engine light on.
Still it wont be a bad idea if you can get it scanned for free at AutoZone or I think there's a post here somewhere with the instructions how to pull out the codes yourself.

Dysfunction · Mar 12, 2009

To be honest i didn't know they'd scan ODB-1 cars, i always just checked it myself on my old car.

Now i have a new problem.. The pump on the bottom left of the engine, the smog pump? i believe is making some insane grinding noises, which rather scares me on top of it sounding like hell. Any idea on why this thing would be going bad? I do have an offroad X-pipe and plugged up that little pipe that originally ran into the cat. What did you guys do with this little pipe? I'd love to completely remove the EGR system but we have a visual inspection here in VA. I don't have to much time left for spring break so i need to get this car straight before i go back to school..

mic_lx · Mar 12, 2009

well they scanned my car.
Since my car had the EGR system deleted (smog pump and plumbing) my check engine light is always on. So I had it scanned one day to see if there were any other codes besides the one for the EGR.
Maybe its becoming harder to find a place to have OBD-I cars to get them scanned?

Dysfunction · Mar 14, 2009

I've honestly never tried to get it scanned, i'm assuming autozones able to do it given the number of people that own ODB-1 cars and probably have no idea how to change a spark plug.

I think everything is straight on my car for now. Got a new belt and bypassed the damn smog pump as well as cleaned the MAF. It's running much better now. Thanks for the replies guys.

CC'S95GT · Mar 14, 2009

a lot of places can't scan our car's anymore. sooo you'll need to do it yourself or buy a obd1 code reader. i use the paperclip method found in haynes and chilton manuals and count the flashes on the cel. but i'm cheap like that

edumspeed · Mar 14, 2009

DESERTCOX05 said:
a lot of places can't scan our car's anymore. sooo you'll need to do it yourself or buy a obd1 code reader. i use the paperclip method found in haynes and chilton manuals and count the flashes on the cel. but i'm cheap like that

+1. No need for an expensive scan tool for CEL retrieval on OBD 1 Fords. But ABS or air bags are a different story.

Dysfunction · Mar 16, 2009

DESERTCOX05 said:
a lot of places can't scan our car's anymore. sooo you'll need to do it yourself or buy a obd1 code reader. i use the paperclip method found in haynes and chilton manuals and count the flashes on the cel. but i'm cheap like that

lol Thats exactly what i used to do in my previous car, always worked wonders. Could you tell me which ports i'm supposed to jump? I still should get a Haynes manual for reference just haven't thought about it when i'm at the parts store.

CC'S95GT · Mar 16, 2009

get the manual. it tells you exactly how to plug the paper clip. or in the morning i'll try to send you a pic off all-data

BlackCobra50 · Mar 16, 2009

I also wanna know how to pull codes myself. Autozone cant scan OBD-I's. If you could post up a how-to of that, thatd be great =)

CC'S95GT · Mar 17, 2009

the connector is between the right shock tower and the firewall

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BlackCobra50 · Mar 17, 2009

How do you do the self-test though?

CC'S95GT · Mar 17, 2009

take a paper clip or make a jumper wire with a male spade connector on both ends and plug it into the connectors. they are found together mounted to a cover. by the shock tower. get back in the car, close the door and turn off all accessories, turn key to ignition position (do not start the car). you'll hear some relays cycle on and off then the electric fan comes on low then hi for a couple secs.each. now watch you cel and count the flashes. have a pen and paper ready or someone to help you write them down so you don't take your eyes off the cel. when it's done all the codes will repeat 3 times. this is the basic test KOEO (key on engine off) there is also a engine running test (KOER) also. get the book it gives you detailed instructions.

BlackCobra50 · Mar 17, 2009

sweet. thanks

Dysfunction · Mar 18, 2009

Awesome. Thanks man.

CanaryGT · Mar 18, 2009

Just something about the 02 sensors. One of mine went out and the only reason why I knew was because of my Air/Fuel gauge. I mean the stang bogged a lot and also surged but no CEL came on. My MPG dropped that bad when it happened. Thats just my experience.