I started it this morning and it idled pretty hard - I got on the highway to drive to work and ended up turning around. It was very "bumpy" and the Service Engine Soon light flashed on for a little bit. Could this be a fuel filter problem or am I looking at something bigger? (Im a girl, I just want a heads up when I take it to the dealer, or somewhere to get fixed.)
2006-06-13 03:57:03 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
It could be many things. I need more details about the car. Does it have automatic transmission? V8? To find out what engine you have, lift the hood up. If it says 3.8, then its a V6. If it says 4.6 than its a V8. Always start with the easy stuff first. Check all wires underneath to see if anything came loose. If you start the car and it idles hard and has bad acceleration response, its usually fuel related. Fuel filter is usually 12 dollars. But if car has been serviced regularly, you shouldn't be having a fuel filter problem. It could also be that a spark plug wire is bad. Vacum leaks are usually easy to spot. Run the car with the hood open, listen for hissing coming from the engine. If you listen hard you will hear it. Dont listen to anyone who tells you Fords are bad. The cars are easy to work on and I'm confident you could repair the problem yourself. Oh also see if there are any Late Model Mustang Clubs in your area. They will probably diagnose the problem for you, fix it, and you will meet great people along the way
2006-06-13 04:40:41 · answer #1 · answered by Alex S 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Fuel pump or filters or any other fuel related does not cause that rough of an idle and they don't cause engine lights to come on. The ignition coil is the most likely problem that is the one thing that will cause both a rough idle and cause the light to come on. Usually with fuel problems the car would just quit shut right off not just run rough.
2006-06-13 17:36:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
most of the time a rough idle is because of a fuel filter or fuel pump or both, i would suggest finding a guy to remove the fuel filter and fuel pump and replace them for you. you see most cars now a days have fuel injectors and require like 20+ psi to run right fuel pumps usually run dead about 100,000 miles. just ask someone who know about cars, any guy will be more than happy to talk to a girl for a few mins.
2006-06-13 15:18:32 · answer #3 · answered by hello 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very doubtful on the fuel filter. Sounds more like an ignition misfire concern. The check engine light will offer up a code to diagnois
2006-06-13 06:38:16 · answer #4 · answered by mark m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 90% of the time the check engine light and rough running engine mean time to replace the Oxygen sensor(s). Take it to Auto Zone or Advance Auto and they can read the code associated with the trouble light (for FREE) and possibly tell you what the problem is.
2006-06-13 06:10:30 · answer #5 · answered by mustang_eddie302 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rough idling can be due to many causes including bad gas, dirty fuel tank, and clogged fuel injectors. Also check the gas cap, if it is not on tight it can cause a rough idle and set off the check engine light.
2006-06-13 04:06:06 · answer #6 · answered by Dan M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When was the last time you had It serviced? It could very well be a fuel filter but it could also be that its past due a tuneup. have you got a book on service. a lot of times you can find the answers that you need if you have the book.
2006-06-13 04:07:32 · answer #7 · answered by liza 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's gonnna be an idle air control valve for the stalling or an ignition coil(s) for the rough idling....there is a possibiltiy it could be just a huge vacuum leak like a pcv tube torn, but you won't know till you get the codes pulled. Thoses three things arre gonna be it though,,,one or the other...
2006-06-13 04:20:37 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oxygen Sensors.
2006-06-13 19:31:36 · answer #9 · answered by zipperz41 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is not likely....the service engine soon light deals with emissions related problems.....take the car to Auto Zone.....they can read the code and tell you what triggered the light
2006-06-13 05:44:41 · answer #10 · answered by LARRY S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋