Weird Problem...I need some help...

[1988WHTGT]

Ok, if I'm going down the road in 4th or 5th gear (probably around 50 mph) the car will start to jump some and act like i'm letting off and on the gas. It finally irritated me enough to where i pushed the gas to the floor while it was doing it. Nothing happened at all. Did rev up or anything, it just sat there for a few seconds and then revved up.. If I push the clutch in and rev it its fine. Any ideas?

 

[jrichker]

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…Codes may be present in the computer even if the Check Engine light isn’t on.

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. You watch the flashing test lamp or Check Engine Light and count the flashes.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

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.

89 through 95 cars have a working Check Engine light. Watch it instead of using a test lamp.

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 Wal-Mart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/pc-7208-90-equus-digital-ford-code-reader-3145.aspx – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $30.

 

[twistedwankel]

I can almost guarantee you it's the TPS - throttle position sensor gone bad.

They are generally non-adjustable and easily replaced. Can make you think the car has gone mad. You are probably running the original one like most of us.