95 GT 5.0 problems...please help!

carter242000 · 12-27-2003

Hey everyone, i just bought a 95 GT 5.0, automatic with 56,000 mi.
Almost immediately after buying it the check engine light started coming on, it doesnt stay on very long, but happes often...also when i really step on the gas, there is a "stratchy, rattleing" noise coming from under the car. Vibration from the catalytic converter?

I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to working on my own car...any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Fordgazm · 12-27-2003

You need to get the codes . Every time the engine light comes on it stores a code in the computer . You can get the codes out with a code scanner . They cost around 30 bucks at about any auto parts store . Get the codes and let us know what they are . The codes will get you in the ball park , but are not always completely correct . For example it could tell you it is the oxygen sensor when really the problem is it's just getting too much fuel and the oxygen sensor is reading it .

Get the codes

carter242000 · 12-27-2003

Thanx Fordgazm, i'm going to try to pick up a scanner this weekend, and i'll post the codes...really appreciate the help.

Fordgazm · 12-27-2003

No problem , thats what were here for

forq2 · 12-28-2003

while were here i get the check engine light occasionally and when i took it in to get the codes he said it said it was from the air intake...well the day before i took out the air silencer and told him and he said ya thats prob what its doing just more air than supposed to so its all good. is this accurate?

Fordgazm · 12-28-2003

no . That is inaccurate . The mass air meter knows how much air is going into the engine and it will adjust everything from there . It should still run fine with no codes after the silencer comes out . If your geting a code , then something is not working right . I would re-scan it and post up the codes and we can tell ya what it's doin

Calric · 12-28-2003

how big are those code scanners, how accurate and how easy are thye to use?
and will one scanner work on every car>?

Fordgazm · 12-28-2003

the scanner is about the size of a deck of cards . They are very accurate . They pull the codes straight from the cars computer . One scanner will work for alot of different cars , but not ALL cars . You need a scanner that is for your type of computer . Just look at the box the computer is in and it will have a listing of all the cars it will work on

forq2 · 12-29-2003

i will have to get a scanner then does wal mart or napa carry them but it will be a while because i have xmas and a ticket to pay off yet and im broke

mattdeez · 12-29-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by carter242000
...also when i really step on the gas, there is a "stratchy, rattleing" noise coming from under the car. Vibration from the catalytic converter? I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to working on my own car...any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Try wiggling the exhuast when its cool..the tail pipes...the h-pipe, see if you can determine if its loose...it should feel pretty rigid and only give slightly when you shake it...that could be the source of the noise.

carter242000 · 12-29-2003

I checked that it felt pretty tight, havent been able to actually get under it yet though...my brother is the one that suggested it might be vibration in the converter...its unlike anything i have ever heard from a vehicle so i'm really confused and frustrated.

mattdeez · 12-29-2003

you could tap the cats w/ a rubber mallet see if the element is broken inside.

carter242000 · 12-29-2003

What will happen if the element is broken and i dont get it fixed? I just picked up a code scanner at wal-mart for $25, so hopefully it can tell me something. One other question, any opinions on those $5 fuel injection system cleaners? do they work? i got the prestone one.

Tominator · 12-29-2003

The light might be triggered by something so simple as a loose spark plug wire.

Start by checking every electrical connection you can see. Corrosion or a loose wire has given me more fits than anything else.

Remove the negative battery cable for 10 minutes and replace it then see if the light comes back on. Removing the cable clears the codes from the computer btw.

The rattle may or may not be a symptom of the check light.

carter242000 · 12-30-2003

thanx tom, i'm going check that out....