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

95 5.0 Rough Idle

  • Thread starter Thread starter David Hagerman
  • Start date Start date Jan 14, 2015

David Hagerman

New Member
Jan 14, 2015
3
0
1
Bear DE
Jan 14, 2015
#1
  • Jan 14, 2015
  • #1
New to Stangnet and I'm looking for some help from my fellow 5.0 owners. I have a 1995 5.0 with 132,xxx miles and automatic transmission. While getting on the highway this morning, I heard a "pop" from under the hood and acceleration was then very rough. It is only rough when accelerating from a dead stop and evens out after approximately 20-25 mph. Upon accelerating after already doing 25 mph or so, it's not rough. I have noticed that it now idles rough too. I checked for vacuum leaks, made sure the plug wires were secure, distributor cap looks fine (no cracks, etc.). These were just a few things I found on the Intranet that may be the cause. The popping sound has me baffled and by the way, only happened the one time. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,200
17,891
224
Massachusetts
Jan 15, 2015
#2
  • Jan 15, 2015
  • #2
Was it a lean backfire?

Have you run the codes? OBD-1 cars do not display a check engine all the light when a code is present.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,811
234
Dublin GA
Jan 15, 2015
#3
  • Jan 15, 2015
  • #3
Dump the codes. The how to dump codes is the first thing in the Surging Idle Checklist.

You guys with idle/stall problems could save a lot of time chasing your tails if you would go through the Surging Idle Checklist. Over 50 different people contributed information to it. The first two posts have all the fixes, and steps through the how to find and fix your idle problems without spending a lot of time and money. I continue to update it as more people post fixes or ask questions. You can post questions to that sticky and have your name and idle problem recognized. The guys with original problems and fixes get their posts added to the main fix.

It's free, I don't get anything for the use of it except knowing I helped a fellow Mustang enthusiast with his car. At last check, it had more than 159,000 hits, which indicates it does help fix idle problems quickly and inexpensively.
 

David Hagerman

New Member
Jan 14, 2015
3
0
1
Bear DE
Jan 15, 2015
#4
  • Jan 15, 2015
  • #4
Mustang5L5 said:
Was it a lean backfire?

Have you run the codes? OBD-1 cars do not display a check engine all the light when a code is present.
Click to expand...

Hey Mike. I don't think it was a backfire at all. Reminded me of the sound when popping a cork from a wine bottle. I know that sounds strange. I am going to check the codes. Just assumed that since the CEL isn't on, a code would be present.
 

David Hagerman

New Member
Jan 14, 2015
3
0
1
Bear DE
Jan 15, 2015
#5
  • Jan 15, 2015
  • #5
jrichker said:
Dump the codes. The how to dump codes is the first thing in the Surging Idle Checklist.

You guys with idle/stall problems could save a lot of time chasing your tails if you would go through the Surging Idle Checklist. Over 50 different people contributed information to it. The first two posts have all the fixes, and steps through the how to find and fix your idle problems without spending a lot of time and money. I continue to update it as more people post fixes or ask questions. You can post questions to that sticky and have your name and idle problem recognized. The guys with original problems and fixes get their posts added to the main fix.

It's free, I don't get anything for the use of it except knowing I helped a fellow Mustang enthusiast with his car. At last check, it had more than 159,000 hits, which indicates it does help fix idle problems quickly and inexpensively.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the info! Looks like I have my weekend cut out for me.
 

jozsefsz

15 Year Member
Aug 11, 2013
1,243
332
124
Cleveland OH Area
Jan 17, 2015
#6
  • Jan 17, 2015
  • #6
In addition to the checklist, check your harmonic balancer. Those will sometimes come apart, potentially making some noise, and then giving you the shakes afterwards.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

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
M
Engine Unexplainable Exhaust Pop and Gurgle
  • Mrnissen122
  • Feb 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
486
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 18, 2026
Noobz347
A
95 Gt intermittent backfire
  • A_A_Ron
  • May 26, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
400
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 26, 2025
A_A_Ron
A
T
Help with a 95 5L crank no start
  • TheBubbaJoe
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
3
Views
409
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Nov 5, 2025
AeroCoupe
Engine 1990 LX 5.0L EFI Mustang Fuel Management Problems - HELP!
  • 5.0LXStanger
  • May 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 11, 2025
5.0LXStanger
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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?