First timer, first post here.

Just purchased a 2002 Ford Mustang GT Convertible (White) with beige interior. The Mustang only has 11,000 miles on it. It had been stored, garaged for most of its life. Everything on it is original, nothing has been changed.

THE PROBLEM:

The Mustang would not start. I sprayed a little starter fluid in the intake and finally got it to start. It would not idle, and I had to pump the throttle to keep it running around the 3,000 to 4,000 range. The owner said she filled the tank with premium about 4 months ago and added some Stabil to the gas knowing that she would not be driving it in the winter.

I believe the injectors must be dirty. Can I fix this with some additive in the gas or will it require a more thorough cleaning?

 

Was the premium gas she used an ethanol blend. That will separate and you'll be sucking pure ethanol when trying to start it if it sat for that long. This is just my opinion of course.

 

My response to everything idle related: Idle air control valve. Take if off and see if it looks dirty.

Awesome find on a low mileage 02' by the way.

I agree that the injectors may need to be cleaned as well.

 

Old fuel will give you this problem. Fuel does go bad when stored so if it's been in there for more than a few months, I wouldn't be surprised if that's not the issue.

 

11k miles on an 02? Good find. I was told never store a car with a full tank, try to have as little as you can (depending on the climate and how long you store it). The gas will start to degrade (especially premium) just a month after being exposed to the environment and can lower the octane. If it has been sitting in the tank for 4 months, then you may just need to fill her her up with fresh fuel. Also I would suggest getting an oil change, and possibly replacing the battery.