• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

Strange issue with timing Fixed

  • Thread starter Thread starter 2003 mustang gt modded
  • Start date Start date Oct 29, 2025

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
120
13
28
Florida
Oct 29, 2025
#1
  • Oct 29, 2025
  • #1
Hi, I have 2003 gt, just replaced O2 sensors with motorcraft ones and replaced ignition coils.

While checking engine parameters I noticed timing is eradic, and keeps jumping to 31 deg. And down to 14 deg every couple of seconds at idle. It runs descent at Wot.

I was thinking it might be cam sensor since it was dirty and was little oily. Or icv as mentioned by cars original owner.

Any suggestions will help. Thanks.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
120
13
28
Florida
Nov 3, 2025
#2
  • Nov 3, 2025
  • #2
Does some know why timing is all over the place at Idle, it keeps jumping to 31 deg back to 15 deg and up again to 30s.?

When driving it goes back to normal steady timing?

Is this damaging my engine?
 

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT
Mod Dude
Jul 20, 2014
4,733
3,175
203
Taylorsville ky
Nov 3, 2025
#3
  • Nov 3, 2025
  • #3
With it being a completely computer controlled mod motor-I’d say that’s pretty normal. If it wasn’t, you would have a list of timing component engine codes to go along with it
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
120
13
28
Florida
Nov 4, 2025
#4
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • #4
I can’t upload the file, I was seeing 41 deg advance timing spike. Is that normal? Engine is modified and Ecu was flashed.
 
Last edited: Nov 4, 2025

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
Admin Dude
Jan 4, 1985
42,885
21,064
234
Box behind Walmart
Nov 4, 2025
#5
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • #5

Common Causes of Erratic Timing​


Dirty or sticking Idle Air Control (IAC) valve

The PCM uses spark advance to counter idle airflow fluctuations. If the IAC sticks, the PCM will chase the idle with spark.
Check: If idle RPM drifts or hunts along with the timing, pull and clean the IAC with throttle-body cleaner.


Vacuum leak (unmetered air)

A small leak near the intake manifold, PCV hose, or vacuum tee can cause erratic idle fuel trims and timing correction.
Check: Spray carb cleaner around suspect areas and listen for RPM changes, or use a smoke test if available.


Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP)

A weak or oily CMP can cause timing instability at low RPM if the signal is noisy. The 2V engine uses it for sequential injection and ignition phasing.
Check: Inspect connector and wiring; replace sensor if there’s oil intrusion or intermittent signal in a scan log.


Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP)

Less common, but a marginal CKP can cause the PCM to re-sync timing constantly.
Check: Look for consistent RPM signal in live data — any dropouts mean it’s time to replace it.


Fuel trims and O₂ feedback

You just replaced the O₂s — verify both are switching normally (~0.1–0.9 V) and trims are close to ±5% at warm idle.
If one bank’s trim is off, the PCM will vary spark on that side to chase stoichiometry.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
120
13
28
Florida
Nov 4, 2025
#6
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • #6
B2err-body
DAT
P015C

Thank you for replying previously.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
120
13
28
Florida
Nov 4, 2025
#7
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • #7
Got it, thanks a lot.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
120
13
28
Florida
Dec 4, 2025
#8
  • Dec 4, 2025
  • #8
It was crank position sensor and connector. Thx Noobz347.

There is another issue with the car. Who ever tuned the car, put too much timing advance at 35 deg. @ 1500-2000 rpm.

The long tube headers get really hot, and the clutch as well. And I think it will damage clutch eventually.
 
Last edited: Dec 10, 2025
Reactions: Noobz347
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
2004 Mustang Oxygen (O2) Sensor Issue
  • letumeternum
  • Dec 30, 2024
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
854
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 24, 2025
letumeternum
L
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1996–1998 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
653
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
F
Resolved Stumble issue upon acceleration (1987 GT)
  • FoxDude87
  • Sep 16, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
54
Views
3K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 3, 2024
FastDriver
Engine 1990 LX 5.0L EFI Mustang Fuel Management Problems - HELP!
  • 5.0LXStanger
  • May 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 11, 2025
5.0LXStanger
J
Engine No power after idle
  • JustinTilley86
  • Aug 10, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 23, 2024
General karthief
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
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?