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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech

Car is running bad

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anthony3511
  • Start date Start date Apr 30, 2025
A

Anthony3511

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Apr 30, 2025
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Apr 30, 2025
#1
  • Apr 30, 2025
  • #1
Hi all first of all I drive a 2000 mustang v6 with 215k miles. I got some aftermarket parts done to it: CAI, throttle body, coil pack, complete exhaust system, and an sct tune. Car ran very nice for a while but lately it’s been having some issues. It’s got a very rough start and there’s a 50/50 chance of it stalling on start up. Usually the car idles fine once it stays on though. The main issue I’m having is the car bogs down under load (around 20% or more throttle) and sometimes misfires or straight up stalls while in drive. I recently brought it to a shop where they said it was a bad camshaft position sensor, fuel pump, and fuel filter so I had them all replaced but I’m still having the same issues. They said if the problems persisted then it could be a bad fuel injector(s). I just need some second opinions before I start replacing more parts. Also the car is showing these codes: P0455, P0156, P0161, P0172, P0175. Any help is appreciated
 

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT
Mod Dude
Jul 20, 2014
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Taylorsville ky
Apr 30, 2025
#2
  • Apr 30, 2025
  • #2
All the codes seem related to the large evap leak- running rich and what sounds like at least one dead oxygen sensor. I would try to find and repair the leak(s) in the evap system and make my way forward from there
 
A

Anthony3511

New Member
Apr 30, 2025
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Apr 30, 2025
#3
  • Apr 30, 2025
  • #3
RaggedGT said:
All the codes seem related to the large evap leak- running rich and what sounds like at least one dead oxygen sensor. I would try to find and repair the leak(s) in the evap system and make my way forward from there
Click to expand...
How should I go about finding and repairing this leak? I dont wanna start replacing a bunch of parts until I know for sure where it’s going wrong. Any help is appreciated and thanks for responding
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
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nevada
Apr 30, 2025
#4
  • Apr 30, 2025
  • #4
I hear a smoke machine helps find evap leaks,rock auto has them pretty cheap.Or you can build one.
 
Reactions: RaggedGT

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT
Mod Dude
Jul 20, 2014
4,737
3,185
203
Taylorsville ky
Apr 30, 2025
#5
  • Apr 30, 2025
  • #5
I’m pretty sure you can rent a smoke machine from the local parts house near you.
I’d start with a visual inspection-look for rotten/broken vacuum lines/hoses leading from under hood to fuel tank- if you do not see anything I’d try spraying soapy water anywhere you can find a vacuum/evap line-don’t spray the ignition coils. Have it running and Listen for a sucking air sound or Psssssing sound- if all that fails. Smoke machine into the evap port
 

89ripper

Founding Member
Jun 3, 2002
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Rockford, Illinois
Apr 30, 2025
#6
  • Apr 30, 2025
  • #6

Aides for Diagnosing P Codes, Including Possible Causes — 2000 Ford Mustang V6-3.8L VIN 4 Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2000 Ford Mustang V6-3.8L VIN 4.
charm.li

Here is a link to troubleshoot your codes, sometimes its not always a sensor that needs replacing, it could be a wiring problem or damaged hose/lines.
 
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