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Capri306 · 08-28-2001, 01:37 AM

I think you have more than simple gauge problems, dude. Sounds more like a whacky ground and/or some fried wiring behind the dash. When you pull codes, are you absolutely SURE that you're making a good jumper connection between the two pins? I know a lot of cars that have corroded plugs won't spit codes, either. I had my spade connectors fall apart last spring. Now I have to use alligator clips and a test light.

If you don't wanna rip the dash off and actually trace those circuits out, then I'd suggest getting somebody to do it for ya. One day, I have the feeling, some of those wires are going to cause a fire. If they don't I'm sure it'll come up as a headache somewhere else down the line. This sounds nuts, but check the headlight and turn signal combo switches out. I mean physically remove them and test the switch with an ohmmeter.

As for the oxygen sensors, they're the things screwed into the exhaust just after the headers, and look like big metal spark plugs with three wires coming out of the tips. They should be replaced every 30-40k miles. In your case, they're probably WAY overdue, and if most of the car is original with that much mileage I'd highly recommend plugs (not platinum), cap, rotor, wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, and possibly a coil. A good (read: expensive, about $13-15 US) fuel system cleaner will probably do wonders for you, too.

Is it just doing this when it's cold, warm, or all the time? Are you blowing black smoke? Are the plugs fouled? Since you have a speed density computer system, if there's any vacuum leaks they will wreak havoc until you find them. You have to find out whether you're running out of fuel pressure or spark energy. Simple tests will tell you which is going on, such as finding the spark color and doing a fuel pressure test. Good luck.

------------------
Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online
1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73
1987 Mustang LX Notch

[This message has been edited by Capri306 (edited 08-28-2001).]

08-28-2001, 01:37 AM	#3
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	I think you have more than simple gauge problems, dude. Sounds more like a whacky ground and/or some fried wiring behind the dash. When you pull codes, are you absolutely SURE that you're making a good jumper connection between the two pins? I know a lot of cars that have corroded plugs won't spit codes, either. I had my spade connectors fall apart last spring. Now I have to use alligator clips and a test light. If you don't wanna rip the dash off and actually trace those circuits out, then I'd suggest getting somebody to do it for ya. One day, I have the feeling, some of those wires are going to cause a fire. If they don't I'm sure it'll come up as a headache somewhere else down the line. This sounds nuts, but check the headlight and turn signal combo switches out. I mean physically remove them and test the switch with an ohmmeter. As for the oxygen sensors, they're the things screwed into the exhaust just after the headers, and look like big metal spark plugs with three wires coming out of the tips. They should be replaced every 30-40k miles. In your case, they're probably WAY overdue, and if most of the car is original with that much mileage I'd highly recommend plugs (not platinum), cap, rotor, wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, and possibly a coil. A good (read: expensive, about $13-15 US) fuel system cleaner will probably do wonders for you, too. Is it just doing this when it's cold, warm, or all the time? Are you blowing black smoke? Are the plugs fouled? Since you have a speed density computer system, if there's any vacuum leaks they will wreak havoc until you find them. You have to find out whether you're running out of fuel pressure or spark energy. Simple tests will tell you which is going on, such as finding the spark color and doing a fuel pressure test. Good luck. ------------------ Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73 1987 Mustang LX Notch [This message has been edited by Capri306 (edited 08-28-2001).]