Problem with a 2002 3.8 V-6
 

I have a 2002 3.8 V6 Auto that I purchased in August. It has a problem with, what seem to be, fuel starvation when I first accelerate. For about the first1 or 2 seconds, the engine feels like it is laying down from not getting enough fuel then it begins to accelerat normally up to the first shift. When it shifts the first time, their is a brief hesitation. The dealer I purchased the car from says they can find nothing wrong.

Has anyone else had this problem with their 2002? If so, what do you do? What did the dealer do?

My moms car does the same thing. Although its a completely different car. But hers is supposed to do that. Its a lag to keep the tires from spinning.

Hmmm....Im no mechanic.
Did you buy the car new or used cause if it was used it may have been driven hard.

Thats just my opinion though.
Hope you find out whats wrong.
Haley;)

I have the same 02 stang-auto and mine does the same thing. My buddy told me same answer, it's supposed to do that. I have traction control on my car, that's automatically on. If you turn it off the car won't hesitate.

-Jill

If you look at the a Dyno sheet for an engine it has more HP at higher RPM's. So when your car shifts to the next gear it goes to a lower RPM and there for it is making less HP resulting in a feel of loss power. If you put gears into your mustangs rear end it gets your car into higher RPM's faster therefore making that lag time shorter. It is normal all cars do that some more than others depending on how the car is set up. Hope this helps.