Sputtering-like sound at low RPMs

[Javi]

Hey, all. I've recently had some issues with my 2001 GT. Over the weekend, I noticed that there is a noticable sputtering sound in 1st-3rd gears at low RPMs. I felt like I lost a bit of power, so I did some research on here and replaced the fuel filter, and just this morning, replaced the spark plugs.

I then took it out for a test drive, and the sputtering sound is still there! OMGWTFBBQ! The power seems fine now, but the sound seems a bit louder (maybe I was almost expecting it to be loud). It does go away at the higher RPMs, only to return when I go back into 1st-3rd gears at low RPMs.

I dunno if this is related, but I've always gotten a sort of sputtering sound when I went into reverse. It's the exact same sound as my problem above.

Any ideas here? While I can do maintenance and repair, I suck at diagnosing problems.

 

[mustanggt3685]

o2 sensors? Maybe check those and see if they are fowled up.

 

[Javi]

Where are the O2 sensors? (yes, I suck).


Update: after a drive to work (20 miles, approx.), the sputtering sound seems to have died down a bit - No longer applies in 1st gear, faint in 2nd, noticable in 3rd and 5th gears.

 

[eleanor'03]

o2 sensors are located near on your midpipe. There are two near your headers and two near you catback. It sounds like an exhaust problem to me since you have no loss in power.

 

[Javi]

*bump*

Can anyone point me in the right direction on where to look? At first glance everything seems to be fine.

 

[40th GT]

Before you get down into the 02 sensors, I'd do the simple stuff first. Like check the air filter, clean the TB, use Seafoam all 3 ways, etc.

 

[Smokeurhonda]

Dude i'm having the same problem. it's a misfire from the coil on plug ignition. Every time i wash out my engine bay, water gets into the plugs and misfires when you put a load on it. Does yours do it at low rpm and when you give it more throttle? If so that could be your problem.