• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Hesitation...power loss

  • Thread starter Thread starter Synned
  • Start date Start date Jun 16, 2006
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Jun 16, 2006
#1
  • Jun 16, 2006
  • #1
I have been having this problem for as long as I have had my car. I thought the problem went away but it was only because it was no longer summer.

During the summer, during the day my car runs so ****ty. When I get on it out of the hole it hesitates bad and then catches up to itself. The car loses all of its balls horribly. I don't understand why the temperature outside affects my car this much. Its only about 80* out, it shouldnt make my car feel like a 4 banger. Maybe a little more sluggish.
At night time it runs a lot better.
I have a feeling the computer is pulling out WAYYYY to much timing because of the heat.

What could cause this? A faulty ACT? A faulty ECT? I don't know.
I have no codes. Maybe its clogged cats or something? lol.

Thanks guys
Joe
 
R

red95gtconvert

New Member
May 29, 2006
382
0
0
Ponca city, OK
Jun 16, 2006
#2
  • Jun 16, 2006
  • #2
My car used to run the same way when I first bought it because it was running hot and the ECU pulled alot of timing. I wired a switch to the low speed fan and it runs nice and cool now with no more bog from the computer pulling massive amounts of timing.
 
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Jun 17, 2006
#3
  • Jun 17, 2006
  • #3
I don't think the car is running hot though. The temp gauge stays in the middle. I know the stock temp gauge isnt that accurate though.

What sensor does the ecu use to see the engine temp?

Should I try running locked timing to see if the problem goes away?
What timing should I try?
 

95strokerPSU

Member
Jul 29, 2004
986
1
19
Sacramento from Philly
Jun 17, 2006
#4
  • Jun 17, 2006
  • #4
I believe it reads off of the ECT which is located on the front left of the lower intake. It's actually plugged into the heater hoses right there.
 
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Jun 17, 2006
#5
  • Jun 17, 2006
  • #5
tee tee tee
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Jun 17, 2006
#6
  • Jun 17, 2006
  • #6
Joe, I seem to recall some similar issues in a thread from you some time back perhaps.

I agree with Dave - the two thermistors are what I'd check (ECT and IAT). You can check the resistance and/or voltage of each. I dont know if fox specs are the same as 5N95 specs though (I have fox specs if you want them).

If the IAT and ECT are clean and calibrated (I'd check calibration with the engine toasty - right when you're having issues)...............

I'd wanna know actual operating temps, if you can.

Do you have cold air entering your intake (or is it an open element under the hood)? If the latter, that's something to really look into.

Good luck Joe.
 
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Jun 17, 2006
#7
  • Jun 17, 2006
  • #7
HISSIN50 said:
Joe, I seem to recall some similar issues in a thread from you some time back perhaps.

I agree with Dave - the two thermistors are what I'd check (ECT and IAT). You can check the resistance and/or voltage of each. I dont know if fox specs are the same as 5N95 specs though (I have fox specs if you want them).

If the IAT and ECT are clean and calibrated (I'd check calibration with the engine toasty - right when you're having issues)...............

I'd wanna know actual operating temps, if you can.

Do you have cold air entering your intake (or is it an open element under the hood)? If the latter, that's something to really look into.

Good luck Joe.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'll try to check those voltages tomorrow at the sensors..see what that tells me.

Right now I'm running the stock airbox system. Maybe I'll try keeping the engine cooler with the fan switch and see if it helps.

Thanks guys
Joe
 

SeventyMach1

Keep it lubed .... keep it straight .... and keep
Mar 30, 2005
1,940
3
36
North Carolina
Jun 18, 2006
#8
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #8
Also, you may want to get you an accurate gauge to monitor the temps. The stocker is almost useless.
 

Methodical

15 Year Member
Dec 1, 2003
1,192
11
59
Clinton, MD
Jun 18, 2006
#9
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #9
Since the IAT and the ECT are cheap - $30 for both - at Autozone why not just replace them with new ones then you will now if they are the problem. It's probably a good thing to replace now anyway.
 
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Jun 18, 2006
#10
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #10
Methodical said:
Since the IAT and the ECT are cheap - $30 for both - at Autozone why not just replace them with new ones then you will now if they are the problem. It's probably a good thing to replace now anyway.
Click to expand...


Thats probably a good idea.


I want to see if the ecu is actually pulling timing though. If I set locked timing like 27* with the spout out it should stop.
Is 27* okay? Should i try 30*?
I ping on 12* so I want to try and stay safe. I'll put 94 in though.
 

Methodical

15 Year Member
Dec 1, 2003
1,192
11
59
Clinton, MD
Jun 18, 2006
#11
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #11
Synned said:
Thats probably a good idea.


I want to see if the ecu is actually pulling timing though. If I set locked timing like 27* with the spout out it should stop.
Is 27* okay? Should i try 30*?
I ping on 12* so I want to try and stay safe. I'll put 94 in though.
Click to expand...


I think 27* would be fine/safe. I know for sure that the Cobra's Base spark table max timing at WOT is 27* which is why we Cobra's do/did not have the detonation problems. I've since changed that to 35* with the Tweecer and I am ok. So 27* should be fine.
 

yellowstang1994

New Member
Sep 9, 2004
338
0
0
Jun 18, 2006
#12
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #12
I'd try to lock out the timing, when I bought my car unknowingly my timing was locked out and when I replaced my dist. and set the timing to stock and put the spout back in, thats when I learned what the word ping really meant, lol. Had problems ever since I did that.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Jun 18, 2006
#13
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #13
27* total timing should be rediculously safe. Right now, as soon as your SPOUT is plugged in, you go over 20* (from 12* SPOUT out, I go up to 24* SPOUT in). By 1500 RPM, I have 40* total timing.

I ran at 28* Locked-out for a while (so I could run cheap gas) and it did pretty good.

ONe thing worth mentioning is that Ford ECT and IAT sensors are best. Some of the parts store stuff isnt calibrated too well (it's hit or miss).

Good luck.
 
S

Synned

took tubgirl on a date and got banned
Mar 31, 2005
991
1
0
Philly
Jun 18, 2006
#14
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #14
Well today I check the ACT sensor. It was about 90* out and the voltage was a little low.
1.72 volts across both wires, which according to jrichter means it should be around 120* outside.
I'm not sure if its really that hot in the intake tubing or if the sensor is just off.
My ECT was also very very low, but I guess the coolant is around 200* anyway
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Jun 18, 2006
#15
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #15
Al, do you know what your IAT and ECT run at when your motor is hot? I cant remember what my IAT was reading [in 105*F ambient temps], and my ECT reading is in degrees (not volts).

I'll try and remember to take readings with my meter next time the car is hot.
 

stprorolla49

Active Member
Oct 9, 2004
1,455
15
39
Fairfield, CT/North Jersey
Jun 18, 2006
#16
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #16
get an autometer to measure the water temp accurately...its DEFINATELY worth the money...
 
J

jmhkas

New Member
Jun 14, 2006
82
0
0
Bowling Green, KY
Jun 18, 2006
#17
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #17
I have a post describing pretty much the same thing. Except my car is running a little warmer than normal, (at least that's what the guage is saying) It isn't getting too hot though. Could this possibly be the same problem?? What do you recommend? I have a thread up about this: http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=643816 PLEASE HELP!!
 
J

jmhkas

New Member
Jun 14, 2006
82
0
0
Bowling Green, KY
Jun 18, 2006
#18
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #18
also...how do you adjust timing like that?? (sorry guys, I'm a n00b)
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Jun 18, 2006
#19
  • Jun 18, 2006
  • #19
Jmhkas, welcome to the boards. In order to keep things easier to understand on the threads, it's nice to keep your questions on your own thread (especially since you have one).

Dont worry - you will get replies on yours. Otherwise, I find that things start to run together and I dont know what replies are for the original poster and which are for the secondary question-asker.

Keeping it separate actually allows people to help you better.
 

Methodical

15 Year Member
Dec 1, 2003
1,192
11
59
Clinton, MD
Jun 19, 2006
#20
  • Jun 19, 2006
  • #20
HISSIN50 said:
Al, do you know what your IAT and ECT run at when your motor is hot? I cant remember what my IAT was reading [in 105*F ambient temps], and my ECT reading is in degrees (not volts).

I'll try and remember to take readings with my meter next time the car is hot.
Click to expand...

Hissin, I've never checked my ECT or IAT volts since I've never had any problems. However, when I rebuilt the motor I just replaced both of them with the Autozone version. I agree the Ford one's are probably better. Now as far as engine coolant temperatures goes, I have my high speed fan kick on at 196*, via the Tweecer. Yesterday, I was running the AC and my temperature while idling reached about 210* and it was about 95* and high humidity here in DC, but while moving it was about 200* or just under 200*. Without the AC, the car hangs rightat 196* at idle and between 180 and 190* while moving. I was datalogging today but I did not have the ECT or IAT setup to be datalogged.
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Emission problems
  • jls.zmmr
  • Feb 5, 2026
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
239
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Feb 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
B
Electrical Why does my fox body keep frying eecs
  • brandyn200
  • Jun 20, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
217
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 25, 2026
AeroCoupe
I
98 Mustang GT dying
  • ItsMason
  • May 14, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
104
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jun 25, 2026
lenzgt
L
B
84 turbo fan not working.
  • bdub_mkg
  • Jan 29, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
288
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 2, 2026
AeroCoupe
P
2000 GT Random Power Loss
  • Pinellas50
  • Mar 9, 2026
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
276
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Mar 23, 2026
Pinellas50
P
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific 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?