McLeod

I just got a '95 Mustang GT, and I am having some issues with it. The car is pinging badly at medium throttle. Full throttle and light thottle are fine. The CEL is also coming on at times for a breif moment, then it shuts off. I noticed when I am sitting at the traffic lights it idles nice and smooth, but every once and a while it will miss once or twice then go smooth again. I am also disappointed with the power so far, and the car has very little bottom end pull.

New parts on the car include cap, rotor, plugs and wires (all motocraft parts). I am not sure how to check the CEL codes on these cars? I am sure reading the code will give me some idea of what the problem may be. Perhaps the EGR valve isn't working properly?

I also want to check the timing on the engine. This car doesn't have a sticker that indicates what the timing should be set at. What is the proper setting, and how do you get the ECM to remove all ignition advance so I can set the base timing?

Any help you can provide is appreciated.

Hurricanedt77

I'd run about 14 advanced, alot of guys keep it pinched up to around that point on the 5.0's. I run a carbed set up so I dont know much as far as the computer issues. I'd imagine a bad throttle possition sensor or something of that nature, I was told that autozone runs free computer checks. May be a good idea to stop by and give it a ago, sorry I coudlnt be of more assistance. Good luck

McLeod

Thanks for the information. Any other input? I am new to these cars, so help is much appreicated.

McLeod

Well, I figured out how to read the codes, and I got the following:

124 (M) TP voltage was higher than expected

172 (R,M) Oxygen sensor not switching - system is or was lean - Single, Right or Rear HO2S

176 (M) Oxygen sensor not switching - system is or was lean Left or Front HO2S

181 (M) Fuel system was lean at part throttle Single, Right or Rear HO2S

189 (M) Fuel system was lean at part throttle - Left or Front HO2S

So, my guess is the low power and pinging is caused be a lean condition. What problems can set these codes? fuel pressure regulator? Weak fuel pump?

Again, advice is much appreciated.

settled4automatic

there should be a spout connector next to the distributor, unplug that, then start your car and set your timing. shut the car off before plugging that back in. if it still pings after setting the timing, i'd let it cool down and pull the o2 sensors and make sure they're not all fooked up and dirty.

McLeod

Well, I thought at first the lean condition was caused by the fuel system, but then I decided to check the MAF sensor. Sure enough it was full of dirt. Cleaned it up with some electrical contact cleaner, and problem solved! The car now drives like it should. Before it was so slow, I could hardly pass a car on a two lane. Now I can pass five at once.

r.barn

nice, i would go ahead and put new O2 sensors in too.
I couldnt believe how much better mine ran when i replaced mine.

RawGtPower

the spout connector is on the left side of your air intake. That has to be removed before advancing your timing otherwise your car will automatically set your base timing back. If the timing was already advanced, then set your timing back to 10 degrees(stock) I advanced mine to 12 degrees and it started to ping.