I have a 2001 Mustang 3.8l automatic and am having some problems finding what is wrong. I have noticed a loss of power recently and also shifiting around the 50mph mark which I beleive is 3rd gear, the engine kind of pulls back and is delayed at shifting. Around that same time, there is a crackling kind of noise. The fuel efficiancy has also tanked recently. I have reaplaced the EGR valve, replaced the TPS, cleaned the mass airflow sensor, and dont know what else to do. I just want to know what the problem is. I have taken it to a few mechanics and they just say it could be alot of issues and dont tell me what. The car is stock except for a K&N cold air intake. Any help would be much appreciated!!!!

 

Fuel filter? You seem to have tried most other things that would come to mind.

 

I replaced the fuel filter today and drove it around with no change. I know it is not the tranny because when I am taking it easy on the car and driving normal, it drives perfect with no problems excepct with the power loss. I am going to replace the cats this week as I was getting codes on them and just turning them off. I forgot to mention that in the previous post. Any other ideas? Thanks for the help!!

 

Well, those codes are a big indicator, if your cats are clogged that's really killing you!

 

Any codes? Plugs/wires/coil?

 

Well the main problem I have right now is the shifting between gears is sluggish and jerky at high rpm's. Would the cats fix that? I have been driving it all week and it has handled like a dream when driving soft and normal. I was thinking of replacing the wires and coil next. The plugs are pretty new. I replaced them in Janurary.

 

Similar problem in my 99 v6 auto. From researching a little I pieced together that it could possibly be the O/D band slipping slowing the shifting down in 3rd gear.. Just a thought

 

i think maybe time to service trans fluid and possibly put a custom tune on it help get full use out of the cold air intake and will help the lack of throttle