08'MustangDude

I just got a 2008 4.0, and have two issues:

1. Coolant smell inside the cabin after operating temperature, and blower on. That usually means
the heater core has a leak.

2. Coolant temperature gauge on the cluster does not work, needle is all the way down, even past
the "C" mark.

I have called the people I bought it from, they asked me to bring it back, but I can't
return it till Thursday. I wanted to take it in a 450+ miles trip to test it's reliability
on once to twice a week trips as such... I don't want to run out of coolant...

Could anyone tell me where the temperature sender is so I can test the gauge function?
I am also afraid that if it is the sensor, the electric fan won't kick on.

JimC

Coolant smell is usually the thermostat housing on the 4.0. Check that area, look under the intake manifold, and see if there is coolant spray there. You may even see the split seam in the housing. The thermostat housing is a regular failure point on the 4.0.

The gauge could just be the stepper motor in the cluster.

08'MustangDude

Yeah, after reading around here, I saw the issue, and the aluminum one as a replacement
is recommended. I will still take it back and let them know the issue is common, and see
if they will fix it, and I will replace it the next time with the aluminum, and see if they'll fix
the cluster...

Thanks for reply.

08'MustangDude

I don't think the A/C works either. Is there a certain temperature that it will
not turn on? I started it up, put the A/C on, MAX, and the compressor clutch
does not engage. So, three problems now...

08'MustangDude

Sorry, can't edit my post above to add this, but I checked the T-stat housing, there is
no spray or crack, no residue either. I ran it a while, and nothing was spraying or leaking
out. I will replace it with a metal one anyway, later...

The TEMP gauge is kind of working.. The needle is pointed straight DOWN when cold, but
as it warms up, it starts to move clockwise, up towards "C", but only moves like 40 degrees.

..And then I saw the rust at the bottom of the door seams......

JimC

I see that you are in PA, so probably less than 30 degrees or so? If so the AC usually won't trigger - but try it on defrost and the defroster makes use of the AC compressor so you should see it engage.

08'MustangDude

Will try that with the compressor later today...

Also found the CD changer in the Shaker 500 is either jammed or doesn't work.
I made six MP3 cds, go to lead them, and I get an Error, or No Disc, and I can't
load them. Six circles display on the screen, and the mechanism just makes
noise for a while, then stops. If I eject, or press load after all that noise, then I
get a No Disc. I was getting an initialization error. I just keep finding stuff wrong
with it...

Did not smell coolant yesterday into this morning, ran it 400+ miles.

Transmission makes noise shifting sometimes, some shifts are harsh too.

07 Stang

Try looking into this thread for help on the Shaker 500. Seems that it does not like copied CDs. https://mustangforums.com/forum/audi...ker-500-a.html

08'MustangDude

I can't even get CDs into the unit. I took it to the dealer today, and they are
going to fix the issues. A transmission issue popped up en route. There is
a slight pause when you go into reverse, then it hits it a little hard.

They said FORD has to reset the head unit, which they will pay for.
If not, I mean, they're $60-$200+ on eBay, and I can get the 1000.
As long as they're not married to the vehicle, and don't need a PIN
to use it.

They are going to replace the dash cluster, apparently they can't replace
just the stepper motor for the temp gauge. The needle does move, it
just changes starting position. The needle was facing " " down, then moved
clockwise towards "C". Then it started out "" then moved clockwise towards
center...

They are going to service the transmission free as well. So, they will have
another $600+ into the car.

They pressure tested the coolant system, no loss, they said no leaks.

SO, I will keep it...

07 Stang

Snap some photos of your new ride.