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Hesitation Problem Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter foxconv
  • Start date Start date Feb 22, 2016
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foxconv

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#1
  • Feb 22, 2016
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I own a 89 convertible Foxbody mustang. It runs good most days but sometomes its starts to have a really bad hesitation. It hesitates so bad that you can't drive it. Also it usually occurs around 2500 to 3000 rpm. When it hesitates, the rpm starts flickering like crazy and you can't accelerate past 3000rpm. Details about the car is that it is bone stock. 302HO. No check engine light. Just airbag light is on.
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
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#2
  • Feb 22, 2016
  • #2
foxconv said:
I own a 89 convertible Foxbody mustang. It runs good most days but sometomes its starts to have a really bad hesitation. It hesitates so bad that you can't drive it. Also it usually occurs around 2500 to 3000 rpm. When it hesitates, the rpm starts flickering like crazy and you can't accelerate past 3000rpm. Details about the car is that it is bone stock. 302HO. No check engine light. Just airbag light is on.
Click to expand...

I'm not positive, but I don't think 89 cars had a check engine light, newer cars do.. Or was that 87???? You need to check for codes anyway, I'd say.
 
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foxconv

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  • Feb 22, 2016
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Boosted92LX said:
I'm not positive, but I don't think 89 cars had a check engine light, newer cars do.. Or was that 87???? You need to check for codes anyway, I'd say.
Click to expand...
I already checked for codes with a obd1 scanner and no codes came up. Only thing right now is that the airbag light keeps flashing.
 

A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
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#4
  • Feb 22, 2016
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foxconv said:
I already checked for codes with a obd1 scanner and no codes came up. Only thing right now is that the airbag light keeps flashing.
Click to expand...
No codes or a code 11? More than likely a sensor issue. But could be other things like ignition, gas,vacuum leak,etc. have you recently had any work done to the car? Also this should be in tech not talk?
 

jrichker

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  • Feb 22, 2016
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No code 11 (two flashes when the computer dumps the codes)? A perfectly functioning system will always get a code 11, it is the everything is OK code. The 11 code is computer passed its internal self test.
If you don't get an 11, you have computer or wiring problems.
Please check and repost.
 
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foxconv

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#6
  • Feb 22, 2016
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Yeah I got a code 11.
 
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foxconv

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I just did the jumper method and it gave me that code.
 

A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
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  • Feb 22, 2016
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Do you have good spark? What kind of condition are the wires,plugs,cap,rotor,and coil? I'd start there.
 
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foxconv

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  • Feb 22, 2016
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I got a new distributor but old wires and spark plugs but they look in ok condition. Most the time the mustang runs fine but some days for no reason when I start it and try to go for a cruise, it starts hesitating really bad to the extend that you can't drive it. Then the next day I start it up and its all fine.
 

A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
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#10
  • Feb 22, 2016
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What brand of distributor?
@jrichker could this be the pip sensor?
 

jrichker

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Does the problem seem to appear only after the engine has warmed up?
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
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TFI?
 
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foxconv

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I got a brand new distrubitor, tfi, pip. The hesitation occurs even if the car is cold. Can it be a bad fuel pump or regulator?
 
Last edited: Feb 22, 2016
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foxconv

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  • Feb 22, 2016
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Also realized there is some oil leaking out from the side where the heads meet the block. Bad gasket im assuming. That can't be the cause of the hesitation because if it was, it would occur all the time.
 

A5literMan

At least it is lumpy...
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#15
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foxconv said:
I got a brand new distrubitor, tfi, pip. The hesitation occurs even if the car is cold. Can it be a bad fuel pump or regulator?
Click to expand...
Put a gauge on the regulator and see what pressure you have. It could be the pump or regulator or filter or...?
 

mikestang63

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#16
  • Feb 22, 2016
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didnt know 89 was an airbag car.
 

A5literMan

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#17
  • Feb 22, 2016
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mikestang63 said:
didnt know 89 was an airbag car.
Click to expand...
Mine wasn't
 
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foxconv

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  • Feb 23, 2016
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Mine does. It has a later model looking steering wheel. Ill check again if its a 89.
 
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foxconv

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#19
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Oops it was a 91. Got it confused with my other mustang I sold. It shouldn't matter though.
 

mikestang63

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#20
  • Feb 23, 2016
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foxconv said:
Oops it was a 91. Got it confused with my other mustang I sold. It shouldn't matter though.
Click to expand...

it actually does- of you had an airbag light going off in an 89 then someone had changed the harnesses and gauges,- 89 and 90 engine harnesses are different.

carry on
 
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