[shenny]

I am not a car or mustang expert, so I was wondering if I could get the members' ideas/insights on this:

I have a '91 Mustang, 2.3L (4cyl), automatic with about 105k miles on it. Last June, I got the plugs and wires replaced on it after the check engine light appeared. Soon after, I started noticing that my car would slightly lurch, or kick, when I was driving 45-65 mph on an incline. It wouldn't happen on a downslope.

I sent it in to a shop in Jan, but the mechanic just drove it about, came back, and said it seemed fine.

Since then, The Lurch has gotten progressively worse, and shows up between 35-65 on an upslope. Now, it's also accompanied by a rattling sound when I press on the gas. Once I manage to pass 60/65 mph, the driving seems to be fine...although I haven't tried to push my car too much lately.

Also, I've noticed that my car has started to drink more gas than usual. It's an old car, of course, so possibly it's only because of that.

Anyway, what're your thoughts or ideas on the possible issues here? Transmission? Fuel pump? Other?

I'm actually getting it sent it to the dealership tomorrow, so I'll post what his analysis is, too.

Thanks!

[Tominator]

When was the last time the timing belt was changed?

Sounds like it may have slipped a tooth or two.

[shenny]

Huh, I didn't think of that one...and apparently neither did the mechanic. So, I sent it in to the dealership yesterday, and five hours later I got a call where the mechanic said my problem was with the ignition and coil pack. (?!) There was a bit of back and forth between me and the mechanic where I tried to pin him down on exactly how the ignition and coil pack were causing my car's lurching behavior, but all I really got from him was that it needed to be fixed before they could determine what *else* needed to be fixed afterward. And it would cost $950 for parts and labor, etc.. Since I couldn't get him to say that shelling out this money would fix the car's problem, I decided to take the baby home.

Unfortunately, I've noticed a side effect of sending it to the dealership. And that is, my car will not start until the third turn of the ignition. I didn't think much of it when I took it back from the dealer (thinking it was a one time thing), but after I tested it a bit when I got home, it's definitely a new problem. Needless to say, I regret taking my car into the dealership in the first place as now the car doesn't start well, and it still lurches.

In any event, does a problem with the ignition and coil pack make sense to any of you as far as being the cause of a car lurch? It didn't to me, even after talking to the mechanic...but then, I don't know that much about my car.

[Litupstang]

First, try taking the car to a place like PEP Boys and have the timing belt
replaced. PEP Boys would sure be a lot more reasonable than the dealer.
This would also eliminate the possibility of the timing belt being a problem.
Should the car continue to have a problem then the mechanics at PEP BOYS
would already have a headstart on figuring out the total problem.

I just now see you have replaced the wires, so no problem there.