Hey guys, first post, I was wondering if anyone could help me out with figuring out what MIGHT be the issue I'm having. I am a current owner of a 2000 V6 Mustang (5 speed) and currently the engine is making a horrible knocking noise (like if there is something loose inside the engine). There is also a noise coming from the engine itself where it sounds like 'air' is escaping. All I know is that the car will start without any issues, and it runs for a little bit and then the gas pedal won't give any power to the vehicle. The car ISN'T overheating and it doesn't seem to be missing on the transmission but it just makes an awful noise when it runs; then it doesn't give any HP even though it's on.

I know there isn't alot of info I'm giving but I just wanted an idea as to what you MIGHT think it is so I don't get screwed when I go see the mechanic. Currently it looks like I will have to get my ride towed but I don't want to be at the mercy of a mechanic when I do tow it. Thanks in advance for all the input.

 

Can we see some details like: mileage, what has been replaced and when, loosing any fluids, etc.

What you describe could be many of things, The giving it gas, but getting no powercan be fuel related, spark related, exhaust related, an internal issue, air flow related,etc. More info could point someone in the right direction.

Is the check engine light on? If it is, what code(s) are you getting?

 

Ah, one more question. How did the problem come about? Was it while driving, happen overnight, light problem that progressively got worse, etc.?

 

The car has 119,667 miles. I hate to sound like a complete newbie when it comes to car terminology but if I remember correctly, there are 4 filter looking caskets on the two mufflers that join to one at the back of the car. I replaced one of those and part of me is thinking that maybe something got loose and is rattling around, creating that knocking sound.

I called my dad and he told me that it could either be the fuel pump or the catalystic(?) converter. He told me to turn on the car, put it in neutral, and check to see if air was coming out of the muffler at the back of the car. There was very little to none coming out. He said it might be the catalystic converter then. What do you think?

I'm embarrassed to say this but the check engine light has been on for almost a year and a half now. I'm not sure what code its showing but my brother's boss is dropping by tomorrow to check. He has some device with a laptop that will tell me what code the computer in the car is giving. I'll definitely post that when I get it.

The car has steadily stayed in the "not so great" condition since the whole muffler filter replacement time. Until today when I was driving down the street to get some food, I suddenly lost a significant amount of acceleration. I pulled into a CVS parking lot and by the time I get close to a parking spot, I lost all ability to accelerate. I could floor it and the car's rpm's wouldn't raise at all. I managed to use the clutch alone to slowly move forward enough to get into a parking spot. I walked home and I came back for my car with my brother 3 hours later. The car started with the same knocking sound and was able to drive. So I started driving home which was about a 2min drive. Halfway there in the neighborhood, the car started to lose acceleration again. I ended up pushing my car back to my house.

Thank you for your speedy response.I wasn't expecting one till about tomorrow afternoon. I really do appreciate it.

 

Take it to a good mechanic. I'm afraid that all you are going to get from here are suggestions to just start replacing parts, and it may be something as simple as a cracked exhaust manifold or as bad as a spun bearing.

 

I agree with Ryan's suggestion.

Definitely find out what trouble code(s) your getting and maybe they will help track down the problem.

It sounds like as the car warms, the problem worsens. This could be caused by an o2 sensor, clogged catalytic converter, bad ignition control module, loose timing chain, and a few other things. Maybe the codes will show something that leads to one of these things.

The knocking sound and the power loss may not be related, or they could go hand-in-hand; is it a knock, or more of a tap?

 

no air coming out the exhaust = problem

 

Hey guys; I'm back with some of the codes that my friend's boss was able to get from his computer. The main code that comes up is

P0171 -
Basically this means that an oxygen sensor in bank 1 detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). On V6/V8/V10 engines, Bank 1 is the side of the engine that has cylinder #1.

symptoms:
You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.

I find it hard to believe this would be the cause of the knocking noise.....a sensor issue. What do you guys think? According to the solutions; it states that I would just need to replace out the dirty air filter and clean the sensor...again; sounds too easy. Any ideas.

Some more codes that came up but wasn't able to find out too much were:
p0135
p0401
p1401

Again...thanks in advance for all the help on this.

 

P0135 Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater circuit fault - Bank No. 1.P0401 Insufficient EGR Flow.
P1401 Differential Pressure Feedback Electronic Sensor circuit High Voltage.

Looking at this, I would probably change the o2 in question, although it many not be at fault. I would also look closly at the egr system. A bad egr valve can lead to many driveability issues.

I'm still unsure about the knock though, could you get a sound clip of it, or a vid clip with sound? If I could hear it, maybe a light bulb would pop up over my head.

 

Check your MAF and your air filter, they may need cleaning.