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Something is Seriously Wrong with my Car!

So here is the situation. I have a 91' LX 2.3L 4Cyl that only has 94 K miles on it. I bought it used and it has had little problems since I got it. The main one is that it would stall out or shutter when accellerating out of 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. I am your typical starving student and finally saved up some money to take it in to the shop.

The shop ran some diagnostics on it and the first thing they had to do was replace the alternator. It wasn't putting out enough voltage or something like that. Well, after they cleared that up they said that the computer reported a ton of codes. So they cleared the codes and when they diagnosed it again it came up with like 10 more codes! So they call me and tell me that they think they have narrowed it down to a fritzed out computer that is creating problems out of thin air. They wanted to send the computer to Florida to get it reprogrammed and what not but I figured if it is the computer than I can replace it myself for half the cost.

After I picked it up from the shop, it is going crazy. It shutters and stalls every time I try to accelterate, and the check engine light goes on and off randomly. Its way worse than before...it's pretty much undrivable now. But what I am wondering before I fork out more money for a computer is if this could be the cause of some sensor rather than the whole computer itself???

If anyone has had any problems like this or knows anything about the computer system on a 91 mustang PLEASE help me out! I would appreciate anything right now.

Thanks alot,

K. Friedline

Reply to
zev
Loading thread data ...

So, I am replying to myself to add a symptom.

The car idles ok. The problem occurs when I put it into gear and accelerate. As soon as I step on the gas it shudders and eventually stalls or it decides to catch itself and THEN shudders and stalls. I've taken it for a few test drives to try and find more symptoms.

The check engine light isn't so random as I thought. I only goes on when the engine stalls but what is weird is that the airbag light also comes on sometimes too...

Reply to
zev

IF the shop is saying it's the computer BECAUSE the codes are from ten different things.. like egr, fuel pressure, ten unrelated items.. yeah.. I'd say it was a bad computer too..

Reply to
Chuck (in SC)

Check the condition of the battery. It may have shorted/blow cell or three.

If it checks out, I would suggest getting a computer from a junkyard. Shouldn't be too much at a self-serve and seeing if it makes a difference.

Reply to
Brent P

clean the air idle bypass with carb cleaner, it is like a cylinder bolted to the throttle body on the front side. That should fix it. It sets the idle and can stick when accelleratering and the car bogs or stalls.

Reply to
Dr. Moria

WRONG

Reply to
Backyard Mechanic

I agree.. there are a ton of 2.3's out there in the weeds and the computers really dont fail all that much. But it should be from the same year and Manual trans.

Reply to
Backyard Mechanic

I didn't read that the first time, that's not just wrong but way off the scale wrong.

Reply to
WindsorFox[SS]

Thanks alot for the responses. I feel alot more comfortable changing out the computer now. I have called around a few pic-a-parts and think I have found what I am looking for as far as the serial number on the computer goes.

I'll let you know what happens.

Reply to
zev

sounds like the bypass to me, clean it with carb cleaner.

Reply to
SteveG

By that do you mean the Idle Air bypass Control???

Reply to
WindsorFox[SS]

So I changed out the computer today and still have the exact same problem....

Stalls alot getting started....but once I get it up and going it runs ok....only if I really step on it again after cruising will it hiccup a little...

I am starting to wonder if it is the fuel pump causing all this ruckus...any thoughts???

Appreciate the help.

Reply to
zev

Did you have the codes read again? If the codes are the same after swapping the EEC, you'll have to start working your way thru them. For example if you're getting a code for the EGR valve or its associated position sensor, you may have to replace it (about an $80 part), and so on down the line.

You didn't mention if you had done a tune-up recently. You probably ought to do some or all of the following:

A) Clean the throttle body w/sensor/TB safe cleaner B) Remove IAC and clean it along with the ports on the TB C) Remove the EGR valve and clean it along with the ports on the TB/EGR

spacer. D) Pull apart both main engine harness connectors at back of intake and

spray with electrical contact cleaner, alow to dry and snap back together. E) If MAF equiped spray the sensor with the same electrical contact cleaner.

Good luck!

John

93 GT
Reply to
jmvannoy

Besides what the other response mentioned, did you check the battery?

My '97 was not drivable when a cell in the battery died.

Reply to
Brent P

no, chage your fuel filter now.

nope

YES!

told you..................

Reply to
Dr Moria

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