4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang Technical discussions on 1996-2004 4.6 Liter Modular Motors (2V and 4V) within.

Major Sputtering and Hesitation

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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 05:20 PM
  #1  
RichM1983's Avatar
RichM1983
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Default Major Sputtering and Hesitation

Hey guys I need some help. I tried to search on google and on here and couldn't find a similar symptom to what I have happening.

The problem..... Today I took a guy for a ride in my 03 Cobra after work. I started the car up and pulled out of the lot and coasted down a hill. The car ran for maybe 1-2 minutes and when I pulled out on the road I proceeded to beat on it a little. The temp. gauge was still low. The engine had not warmed up.

When accelerating the car would hesitate and sputter really bad. It did this over and over. 1st and 2nd would do it every time I tried to do a pull. Once the car was warmed up to normal it would run and not hesitate at all, or at least I couldn't feel it. It was almost like the traction control was kicking in but it was definitely turned off.

Is this normal since the car was still cold? Thanks for the help in advance.

Mods: 2.8 pulley, Bassani exhaust with a catted x, C&L Maf, and a CAI.
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 06:48 PM
  #2  
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EddyG
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: North carolina
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Originally Posted by RichM1983
Hey guys I need some help. I tried to search on google and on here and couldn't find a similar symptom to what I have happening.

The problem..... Today I took a guy for a ride in my 03 Cobra after work. I started the car up and pulled out of the lot and coasted down a hill. The car ran for maybe 1-2 minutes and when I pulled out on the road I proceeded to beat on it a little. The temp. gauge was still low. The engine had not warmed up.

When accelerating the car would hesitate and sputter really bad. It did this over and over. 1st and 2nd would do it every time I tried to do a pull. Once the car was warmed up to normal it would run and not hesitate at all, or at least I couldn't feel it. It was almost like the traction control was kicking in but it was definitely turned off.

Is this normal since the car was still cold? Thanks for the help in advance.

Mods: 2.8 pulley, Bassani exhaust with a catted x, C&L Maf, and a CAI.

I would replace the coil packs. And check the spark plug wires. How long has it been since the coil packs have been changed or are they factory. I know this because my car did the exact same thing it sputters with no check engine light. It may also cause a rough idle. And good amounted of power.
Old Jan 12, 2012 | 03:43 PM
  #3  
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cliffyk
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From: Saint Augustine, FL
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The OP has an '03 Cobra--no coil packs, no plug wires--COPs...

OP, first try disconnecting the battery for 5 - 7 minutes to clear the KAM (Keep Alive Memory)--this will force the PCM to re-learn the idle air and short term fuel trim(s), along with other things.

It's always best to get that out of the way so as to start at a known "place". Check the ECT sensor and make sure it's working properly. Do you have a wideband O2 system, if so what does the AFR look like when it's running crappy?
Old Jan 12, 2012 | 06:27 PM
  #4  
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EddyG
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: North carolina
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Originally Posted by cliffyk
The OP has an '03 Cobra--no coil packs, no plug wires--COPs...

OP, first try disconnecting the battery for 5 - 7 minutes to clear the KAM (Keep Alive Memory)--this will force the PCM to re-learn the idle air and short term fuel trim(s), along with other things.

It's always best to get that out of the way so as to start at a known "place". Check the ECT sensor and make sure it's working properly. Do you have a wideband O2 system, if so what does the AFR look like when it's running crappy?
whoops didnt know that. i guess thats why they say you learn something new everyday.
Old Feb 7, 2013 | 09:50 AM
  #5  
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stang.99
 
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From: qc
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Did you solve the problem ?
Old Feb 7, 2013 | 07:47 PM
  #6  
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silverpony41
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 206
From: Texas
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I too am having similar issues. I changed the plugs the coil packs and still cant fin the problem. Good luck im still trying. But i have a 2002 supercharged and built 2 valve.
Old Feb 8, 2013 | 10:17 PM
  #7  
RichM1983's Avatar
RichM1983
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Joined: Mar 2006
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I did get this solved. It was the FRPS. Also the car should be warm before any beating.
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