• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

88 Gt Erratic Cutting Out

  • Thread starter Thread starter 88scar50
  • Start date Start date Feb 23, 2016
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Feb 23, 2016
#1
  • Feb 23, 2016
  • #1
I have an 88 GT, I haven't had it very long but since Ive had it seems to have an erratic cutting out/bucking problem. it doesn't seem to matter if it at low or higher speeds. It starts and idles perfect, and doesnt seem to do it when idling. It also doesnt seem to effect the power. When i accelerate hard it seems fine. Mostly happens just on normal driving, like a split second bucking every few minutes. Extremely annoying. I have replaced cap/rotor/plugs/wires/fuel filter/tps. I ran the codes and i get a 11 twice then a 22 twice. Any ideas?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Feb 23, 2016
#2
  • Feb 23, 2016
  • #2
Code 11 is the passed internal diagnostics code when the computer is OK.


MAP/BARO sensor operation and code 22

Revised 14-Nov-2014 to add wire colors for frequency & voltage testing and engine sensor wiring diagrams.

On a Speed Density car, the MAP/BARO sensor is connected to the intake manifold and acts to sense the manifold pressure. Lower vacuum inside the intake manifold when combined with more throttle opening measured by the TPS means more airflow through the engine. As airflow increases, fuel flow through the injectors needs to increase to keep the air/fuel ratio where it needs to be. When manifold vacuum increases, the engine is either decelerating or idling, and it needs to reduce the fuel flow through the injectors.

On a Mass Air car, the MAP/BARO sensor vents to open air and actually senses the barometric pressure due to changes in weather and altitude. Its purpose is to set a baseline for the computer to know the barometric pressure. As barometric pressure decreases, it leans out the fuel flow to compensate for less oxygen in the air. When the barometric pressure rises, it increases to add fuel since there is more oxygen in the air. The fuel requirements decrease as altitude increases, since the atmospheric pressure decreases.

Disconnecting the MAP or BARO sensor will set code 22.

Misconnecting the BARO sensor to vacuum on a Mass Air car will cause the computer to lean out the fuel mixture.

Code 22 or 126 MAP (vacuum) or BARO signal out of range. The MAP or BARO sensor is pretty much the same sensor for both Mass Air & Speed Density cars. The main difference is where it is connected. Mass Air cars vent it to the atmosphere, while Speed Density cars connect it to the intake manifold vacuum. Its purpose is to help set a baseline for the air/fuel mixture by sensing changes in barometric pressure. The MAP or BAP sensor puts out a 5 volt square wave that changes frequency with variations in atmospheric pressure. The base is 154 HZ at 29.92" of mercury - dry sunny day at sea level, about 68-72 degrees. You need an oscilloscope or frequency meter to measure it. There a very few DVM’s with a price tag under $40 that will measure frequency, but there are some out there.

Map sensor wiring:
black/white - ground
orange/white or +5 volts power
white/red signal out.

Measure the +5 volt supply using the orange/white and black/white wires
Measure the signal using the black/white and white/red wires.

The MAP/BARO sensor is mounted on the firewall behind the upper manifold on 86-93 Mustangs.

Baro or MAP test using a real frequency meter - run the test key on, engine off. The noise from the ignition system will likely upset the frequency meter. I used a 10 x oscilloscope probe connected from the frequency meter to the MAP/BAP to reduce the jitter in the meter's readout. And oscilloscope is very useful if you have access to one or know of someone who does. With an oscilloscope, you can see the waveform and amplitude.

If it is defective, your air/fuel ratio will be off and the car’s performance & emissions will suffer

Some basic checks you can make to be sure that the sensor is getting power & ground:
Note that all resistance tests must be done with power off. Measuring resistance with a circuit powered on will give false readings and possibly damage the meter.
Check the resistance between the black/white wire on the MAP/BARO sensor and then the black/white wire on the EGR and the same wire on the TPS. It should be less than 1 ohm. Next check the resistance between the black/white wire and the negative battery cable. It should be less than 1.5 ohm.

The following power on check requires you to turn the ignition switch to the Run position.
Use a DVM to check for 5 volts on the orange/white wire. If it is missing, look for +5 volts at the orange/white wire on the TPS or EGR sensors. Use the black/white wire for the ground for the DVM.






Diagrams courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-91 Mass Air Mustangs


Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 91-93 Mass Air Mustangs


See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ Everyone should bookmark this site.

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 91-93 Mass Air Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/91-93_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-91 Mass Air Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Ignition switch wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/IgnitionSwitchWiring.gif

Fuel, alternator, A/C and ignition wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

O2 sensor wiring harness
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangO2Harness.gif

Vacuum diagram 89-93 Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangFoxFordVacuumDiagram.jpg

HVAC vacuum diagram
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/Mustang_AC_heat_vacuum_controls.gif

TFI module differences & pin out
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/TFI_5.0_comparison.gif

Fuse box layout
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/MustangFuseBox.gif

87-92 power window wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustang87-92 PowerWindowWiring.gif

93 power window wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustang93PowerWindows.gif

T5 Cutaway showing T5 internal parts
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/5_Speed_Cutaway_Illustrated.jpg

Visual comparison of the Ford Fuel Injectors, picture by TMoss:
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/Ford_Injector_Guide.jpg
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Feb 23, 2016
#3
  • Feb 23, 2016
  • #3
Whoah, thanks for all the info. So after reading through it your saying its likely a bad map/Baro sensor?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Feb 24, 2016
#4
  • Feb 24, 2016
  • #4
That's what the code 22 points to. Clear the codes by using the instructions that came with your code reader. Then drive the car for 2-3 days and dump the codes again. If you still get the code 22, it needs troubleshooting or replacement. Be sure to troubleshoot it first, because the MAP/Baro sensor isn't cheap.
 
Last edited: Feb 24, 2016

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,216
17,899
224
Massachusetts
Feb 24, 2016
#5
  • Feb 24, 2016
  • #5
^ what he said
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Feb 25, 2016
#6
  • Feb 25, 2016
  • #6
Sounds good, I'll give it a try this weekend and report back, thanks for the help.
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Mar 26, 2016
#7
  • Mar 26, 2016
  • #7
Sorry it's been awhile and haven't had time to test it. Anyway I ended up replacing the map/bap sensor and it did not resolve the issue. Any other suggestions? I've been searching everywhere and can't seem to find a solution.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Mar 26, 2016
#8
  • Mar 26, 2016
  • #8
Are you still getting a code 22 when you dump the codes?
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Mar 26, 2016
#9
  • Mar 26, 2016
  • #9
I had the battery disconnected for an hour and still got the codes. Is there another way to clear them on odb 1?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Mar 27, 2016
#10
  • Mar 27, 2016
  • #10
88scar50 said:
I had the battery disconnected for an hour and still got the codes. Is there another way to clear them on odb 1?
Click to expand...
No, that means that it is really broke. Re-read the Code 22 test path and follow the steps to check the wiring. If you don't find any problems with the wiring, then replace the sensor.
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Mar 27, 2016
#11
  • Mar 27, 2016
  • #11
I cleared the codes, then drove drove it again and the problem happened again and the code came back. I replaced the sensor and there was no change.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Mar 27, 2016
#12
  • Mar 27, 2016
  • #12
Did you check the wiring just as I advised to do before replacing the sensor?
 

FourEyed

Active Member
Jan 9, 2011
93
44
39
Mar 27, 2016
#13
  • Mar 27, 2016
  • #13
I replaced the ignition switch and the coil, after having the same issues you described on my 86GT. That was a few years back, never did it again.
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Mar 27, 2016
#14
  • Mar 27, 2016
  • #14
I only have a crappy little voltmeter so it doesn't have anything to measure the hz, however I was able to check the voltage and it was reading 5v.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Mar 28, 2016
#15
  • Mar 28, 2016
  • #15
88scar50 said:
I only have a crappy little voltmeter so it doesn't have anything to measure the hz, however I was able to check the voltage and it was reading 5v.
Click to expand...
Did you do the ground resistance checks?
Without a good signal ground, the MAP/Baro sensor won't work properly.
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Mar 28, 2016
#16
  • Mar 28, 2016
  • #16
I haven't checked that because I got nervous about reading something about possibly frying your pcm. Do I just unplug the sensor and stick the black probe in the black wires connector and then put the red probe on the positive battery terminal?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Mar 28, 2016
#17
  • Mar 28, 2016
  • #17
You don't test the sensor for resistance, you test the connections. You cannot damage the computer or the wiring by making resistance tests.

Go back and slowly and carefully re-read the instructions. Everything you need to know to check the wiring is in there. You may want to print the instructions out and have them with you when you do the tests.
 
8

88scar50

New Member
Feb 23, 2016
22
0
1
Mar 28, 2016
#18
  • Mar 28, 2016
  • #18
Gotcha, checked all those listed and all were within the spec. They were all from about .5 to .7
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Engine Idle cuts out
  • claypoolxx
  • Mar 7, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
586
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 5, 2026
KRUISR
D
Fuel Erratic Fuel Pressure 1985 GT
  • DienstXIV
  • Jan 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
633
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jan 16, 2026
AeroCoupe
8
Engine Rough idle and aggressive sputtering when accelerating
  • 88vertible
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 13, 2025
Jarhead67
J
L
Help with 1986 GT 5 Speed Please
  • Lcasada1999
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
226
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 21, 2026
CAMTWO1070
S
Engine Stalls when downshifting/coasting
  • Scott_S
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
659
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 6, 2025
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?