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STILL lean and rich? more thoughts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter custom89stang
  • Start date Start date Aug 10, 2005
C

custom89stang

New Member
Dec 9, 2003
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Seattle, WA
Aug 10, 2005
#1
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #1
okay so i installed a new temp. sensor and tps and plugged the E.G.R but my car still has lean misfire from like idle-1500 and then above that it is fine. and my mechanic said that my car looks like its running rich cause theres a lot of black smoke. I WAS WONDERING what else i can try? anyone? if it makes any difference, when my car hasnt warmed up that much, and i try to get going in first, my car acts like its gonna die and the rpms drop just enough so that it almost dies but then it gets saved somehow (by the computer maybe)? and i then i get going.... (it almost feel like the engine loses connection to the transmission in a way) but anyway, that has been happening for a long time, ever since i dropped a tool on the posotive and negative of the battery and saw sparks fly. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!! the lean and rich thing started happening a little more recently but i just think maybe the two are related? HELP HELP HELP! dont let me sell my beautiful mustang :-( AND A LOT OF YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM CAUSE I BEEN TRYING TO SOLVE IT FOR A WHILE. I cant pull codes i repeat cant because my computer is too old and my mechanic has tried with his 91GT when the CHECK ENGINE light is off and he couldnt do it with his machine at work, so the check engine light HAS TO BE ON. thanks guys
 

ram360

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Oct 19, 2002
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Pennsylvania
Aug 10, 2005
#2
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #2
I don't understand how your computer can be too old to get the codes. I use an 89 eec in my car and I'm able to pull the codes w/ a testlight and a jumper wire. I don't understand how your car can be running both rich and lean at the same time either?
 

jrichker

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Aug 10, 2005
#3
  • Aug 10, 2005
  • #3
I posted the answer to your question in one of your previous posts. The check engine light DOES NOT HAVE TO BE ON to dump the codes.

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3829 – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $35.

If your mechanic is so uneducated that he can't dump the codes, I recommend that you take the car to the Ford dealership. They will charge you an outrageous price, but will have some idea of what they are doing.

Buy a shop manual and qiut wasting your money on a mechanic that needs some remedial training. Frankly I wouldn't trust him anyway. A Chilton's manual for your Mustang is less than $25.

Here's a book that will get you started with how the Ford electronic engine control or "computer" works.

Ford Fuel Injection & Electronic Engine Control 1988-1993 by Charles Probst :ISBN 0-8376-0301-3.

It's about $20 from Borders.com see http://www.amazon.com/ . Select boo...very good, and I found it to be very helpful.
 
C

custom89stang

New Member
Dec 9, 2003
705
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Seattle, WA
Aug 11, 2005
#4
  • Aug 11, 2005
  • #4
ok well i think im just going to buy that NICE scanner, thanks jrichker
 
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