argh, problems before winter HELP plz

Well the stang just got put away for the winter...after being towed back to my house.

Saturday i was driving it quite a bit because i was planning on putting it away for the snow. About 2 or 3 times during the day while cruising, the revs would drop real fast (more like a buck or jerk) but it would happen so fast and it would go back to normal. That night i was on the road and all of a sudden it stalls out. I pull over and go to restart it, it starts fine but surges from 400-1500rpm and eventually stalls out even if i give it gas. If i turn the key to ON it makes this weird noise like when the computer is checking codes (if you know that sound?). Before i had it towed i tried to check the codes and it wouldnt give me ANYTHING. not even 1 or 11...so i had it towed.

the next morning i pulled the codes again and it gives me just 1 or 11 saying its fine. It took ALOT longer to get the codes also. (I'm using the Actron scanner where i count the beeps by the way) I start it and it idles normal at 900rpms for about 20 seconds before surging to 400-1500 again.

what could be possible problems?? The car is away for the winter and about to get P heads, explorer intake, and tb so if something is broke i guess i can just add it to the list of parts i'm piling up....I'd just like to find the problem and not let it sit not knowing whats wrong...

90mustang_GT5.0 said:

my buddies sn95 was doin the same thing.. he has a lose header, and a bad O-2 senser... but when he gets done fixing it and that turns out to be the problem ill let you know... i drove his car for the 1st time saterday night and hes fixing it this week, but the same thing was happening with his car, hes not sure about the headers, but were both 100% about the 0-2 sencer, try checking yours!

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i just replaced the o2s a few weeks ago because i was getting a lean code on the one side. Maybe one is loose or something, thanks i'll check.

whats really weird is the sound that comes when i put the key to ON. I've never had it do that before. girlfriend SWEARS its coming from around the upper intake/tb area. I cant really narrow it down to whats making the noise...Its like that clicking sound before the codes are checked. Does anyone know that sound or am i crazy?


EDIT: OOOOh btw the computer SHOULD be throwing codes i think. It normally throws an EGR code. 33 i think? but it didnt give me any codes...

HISSIN50 said:

I'd pull the codes with a test light to see what's going on. The handheld readers are great until something funkalicious pops up - when it goes, go back to pulling codes old-school.

Good luck.

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I've never pulled codes any other way hissin so could you (or anyone) tell me how? thanks a bunch

HISSIN50 said:

You can get some info here (do note that our self test connector is on the pass. side).

The repair manual will have good info on doing it as well.

Good luck.

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wait a sec...my code scanner (its an ACTRON and beeps and flashes) plugs into the STI and STO which IS on the driver's side, the triangle shaped plug and the little grey smaller plug. So isnt my tester essentially doing the same thing as if i were to count the flashes of the cel??

i suppose i should go through this checklist to make sure all of it is A-ok?
http://fordfuelinjection.com/index.php?p=44

It didnt give codes when it first died, but once i got it home it gave me the 11 or 1 code but no others.

so the computer IS giving codes, its just saying nothing is wrong. but there obviously is.

HISSIN50 said:

You are absolutely correct - my apologies. I was replying to 94-95 threads and yours at the same time. The 94-95 connector is on the passenger side, but the fox's is on the driver's side, just like you said.

Whenever a code reader won't spit codes, I go back to doing it manually to remove the code reader from the equation. Sometimes the readers have issues themselves.

If you are able to elicit a code 11 for KOEO and KOER, things are functioning as best as can be expected at that time. The fact that you heard weird self-test noises (like solenoids humming on and off, I'd assume) while not pulling codes is a little worrysome.

And there can be an issue that lies in something that isnt generating a code (a PIP sometimes won't, for instance). I'd also give a quick check of the dizzy to make sure the hold down isnt loose. If you turn the dizzy, you can make some funny noises.

Jrichker and others will have better ideas. And apologies again for the application-incorrect info about the test connector location.

Good luck.

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yes, the humming is what worries me alot no need to apologize!! you've helped me with so much stuff!! hopefully Jrichker can give me a hint based off my description. If he dont post here i'll just shoot him a PM. thanks a bunch!

90topdown said:

Check the fuel pump. How old is it? How many miles on it?

Mine did the same thing and it was a bad fuel pump. Had to get it towed too!

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stock fuel pump i believe (~85K or so miles since 1993)

i will add that to the list of things to check! thanks! did yours make a weird sound with the key turned to ON??