2002 mustang gt starting issue, please help!

cyris676 · 03-26-2007

2002 Mustang Gt. When starting the car, it dies with a backfire. It takes several times to start the car. Sometimes, the engine will shake before it dies. I ran a diagnostic tool and it gave me a code with "Cam Position Sensor." I replaced it and the trouble code went away as well as the "service engine soon" light. However, it did not fix the problem. Any ideas?

CobraBoy · 03-26-2007

unplug the battery for about 20 minutes to reset the computer. if that doesnt work i dont know what to tell ya man. run a diagnostic on it when you are starting it up and see if you are getting any misfires or anything like that. is it possible for your cam timing to be off because of the bad sensor??? anybody else have an opinion on this??

cyris676 · 03-26-2007

OK, I did that but that it didn't help. I appreciate any comments though. Thanks

coolwaterblvd · 03-26-2007

Also if the fuel pump is bad the car will take out timing to compensate for detonation. Make sure your fuel is good replace fuel filter first. I have begun to see a trend with mustang's from 99-02 with fuel pump problems. Also just because a code trips does not mean that the part in particular is bad. I had a bad MAF meter and it sent oxygen sensor codes, and the way I knew the oxygen sensors were good was I had just put them on and I have my air fuel monitor set up to check both sensors.

davidbezotte · 03-27-2007

I have the exact same problem with my 2002 GT Mustang too. They replaced my cam sensor. Then they load tested my wiring and said that it was ok. They told me I have some kind of electrical interference that could be causing it. They said maybe a bad diode or regulator in the alternator. Alot of "could be", but no answer. I've already spent 500 dollars only to be told they don't know. If you find the cause please post it. If I fiqure it out I'll let you know.

davidbezotte · 04-12-2007

Finally my alternator gave out and I was stranded. The alternator was changed. No more starting issues and no more check engine light. It's a shame the Ford dealers couldn't figure it out with all their high-tech equipment. They need to start visiting this site for info!