Are there any mechanics in the forum?

[Clark2008]

I have a long and involved car question and will just go into it if there's anyone here who thinks they can diagnose the problem!

Thanks!

:hi:

[Clark2008]

1. OR... just IM me.

Either way.

:)

[ElsewheresDaughter]

2. my husband knows plenty...what is the matter?

[Clark2008]

3. OK.. here goes.

I have a 1995 Mustang - never, ever had a problem out of it other than general repairs (clutch, brakes, belts, etc.).

I had a diagnostic run on it in the spring because it smelled gas-rich and discovered it needed O2 sensors and the throttle needed adjusting. Still not a huge problem.

Well, on Friday after a trip to the grocery store, it just stopped running - I could get it to stay started in the parking lot. I finally let it cool off, got it to start and got it home. It ran fine.

Got it home, checked the coolant (a little low, not bad, though) and started it up again a bit later and moved it in an out of the driveway. It ran fine.

Next day, got in it, it started fine, but the minute I put my foot on the gas to go - it backfires and is so sluggish, it just won't go.

My step-dad manages a little gas station that does minor repairs and they've been looking at it for two days. They've replaced the fuel pump and the plugs, but it gasoline keeps flooding the plugs. They can't seem to find the problem. Oh, and it's fuel injected - if that helps.

Any thoughts?

Edited to add that I did not get the O2 sensors or the throttle adjusted yet. I'm a single Mom with little cash flow (deadbeat ex husband) and was saving for such repairs.

[Schema Thing]

4. I'm no expert on 95 mustangs

....but I'm thinking it seems that your earlier problem is exacerbated, so the 02 sensor and throttle adjustment are likely culprits.

At this point however, you'll need another computer hookup and diagnostic.

[Dave Reynolds]

7. Check the fuel pump relay,

it is a little relay under the hood where the relays and large fuses are.

Unplug it, exchange it with the relay for the ABS system, and see if it changes anything.

Or, just go to an auto parts store and pay 10 bucks for a new relay, can't hurt.

If that does not help, remove the Mass Airflow sensor and spray the tiny little wires with any kind of electrical contact cleaner, but be very careful to not touch the wires. Let it dry and reinstall.

[Clark2008]

8. LOL! That was my VERY FIRST guess.

The Mass Airflow sensor and my second was the IAC valve.

But, of course, these mechanics don't want to hear from a "girl."

I think it will be funny if I'm flippin' right.

Thanks!

[Dave Reynolds]

9. I just had major problems with my old 94 Explorer,

177,000 miles. Turns out that it WAS the fuel pump in mine, but the relay and the MAF sensor were also likely suspects.

I learned on a Ford forum that the MAF should be cleaned once every 25,000 miles or so.

Hope it get fixed up without a lot of expense.

[Clark2008]

11. You know, it's hard to complain when you have a car that old

with that many miles having it's first major problem.

I hear all the time on this forum about how American cars aren't as good, but, hell, my 11-year-old car is just now having a hissy fit? I'm not complaining.

(And I'm speaking of ownership. I know cars are made everywhere, but I'm speaking of Ford as an American company.)

[HamstersFromHell]

10. Check the water temp.sensor (not the one got the temp gauge)

Sounds to me like it's telling the computer the water's cooler than it really is, so the computer is enrichening the mixture...hence peed on plugs and gas smell.

[Wcross]

5. They did check the rotor & distributer cap, right? n/t

[Clark2008]

6. It has a computerized cap

Not a standard distributor cap.