99' V6 spitting, sputtering and stalling, HELP

Got a fuel pressure gauge? If you do then connect it to the fuel pressure regulator. If no pressure then turn the key on about 3 times and let it sit for 10-15 mins. It should be between 35-50 psi with the engine off. Make sure it does not drop in pressure. With the engine on it should read 25-40 psi. Other than that I do not know much about your issue without being there. When it makes noise what noises does it make? A chiming noise or something else? If its a chiming noise then it could be your ignition switch moving down far enough to make the car think the key is still in the ignition. Thats what mine does on occasion. Maybe someone with more knowledge could help with your PATS system. Also have you inspected your ignition system lately? Has it been tuned up within the last 60-100,000 miles?

Thanks guys, I'll check those things out.

It's not starting at all now, just turns over like it's out of gas. It has had a consistent problem with the battery terminals. We're always having to clean them or bang them to get a connection for starting. Got new wires and it oxidized again 2 months later. Never had a car have the terminals get oxidized so quick, so often. That couldn't really be the problem you think?

I have a feeling the gauges and theft light going nuts is just a side effect of the battery terminal issues, and the not starting must be something else. But I'll still check it out.

Couple local people so far both point to the fuel pump.

inkstaind1 said:

Thanks guys, I'll check those things out.

It's not starting at all now, just turns over like it's out of gas. It has had a consistent problem with the battery terminals. We're always having to clean them or bang them to get a connection for starting. Got new wires and it oxidized again 2 months later. Never had a car have the terminals get oxidized so quick, so often. That couldn't really be the problem you think?

I have a feeling the gauges and theft light going nuts is just a side effect of the battery terminal issues, and the not starting must be something else. But I'll still check it out.

Couple local people so far both point to the fuel pump.

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Totally. Corroded, oxidized terminals could do all sorts of weird things! Nxt time apply a die electric grease, after cleaning battery and wire lugs with a brush after soaking them in baking soda. They also sell little square felt pads (red and green) that go over the terminal.

The reason your battery terminals are getting corroded is possibly caused by a old/leaking battery id say. At O'Reillys though you could get a combo pack of termimal cleaner and this protector spray for about 3 dollars. Or what I do is put wheel bearing grease on the terminals. Doesn't look pretty buy if you arent showin it off at car shows then id do that. Either way hopefully the battery is the only issue you have!

6stang02 said:

The reason your battery terminals are getting corroded is possibly caused by a old/leaking battery id say. At O'Reillys though you could get a combo pack of termimal cleaner and this protector spray for about 3 dollars. Or what I do is put wheel bearing grease on the terminals. Doesn't look pretty buy if you arent showin it off at car shows then id do that. Either way hopefully the battery is the only issue you have!

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Yeah, but we got a new battery recently and it only took about 4 months to get corroded again, weird.

So we listened for the fuel pump to click with key on, nothing.

Checked the fuse/relay, looks good.

Cleaned the battery terminals, no change.

Sprayed starter fluid into the intake and the engine ran until it burnt thru the fluid then stalled.

Going to replace the fuel filter next, and if that doesn't fix it it sounds like surely the fuel pump, right?

Next question, how easy is it to DIY the fuel pump on these 99 mustangs?

Two bolts and a few lines being disconnected. Just go slow and gentle. I would assume to go ahead and order a fuel pump assembly and filter off of rockauto.com. they are $90 or so. Cheep. But get a test light and ensure there is power getting to the motor. Use the pump ground to test the pump power. Good luck!

Thanks guys for the help. I just replaced the fuel pump with a Spectra Premium from Carquest and the mustang is running like a champ again. Although, I might have a problem. After the install and putting all my tools away I looked at the old pump and noticed what I now know to be the "strainer". There wasn't one on the new one, or I didn't notice it, but it did mention and show it on the directions for the new one.

Am I screwed?

It could be a ground issue, too. Check for a couple of wires on your front fascia (ie: what your hood prop rests on), for one wire attached to it in front of the battery, and also one in front of the passenger headlight. Clean both of these wires (you may even see that they are getting green....mine were) and make sure that there's a good ground going to the car.

My car--when I was driving it--everything started to shut down, electrically.....including what sounded like the fuel pump. I was thankfully a block away from home when it happened, so it went into limp home mode, but I cleaned those two wires and it fixed it right away and haven't had any issues since.

If this fixes your problem, please respond back here.....many people fall into the abyss of a couple of posts and then never post back (assuming that their problems are solved). This will help other people in the same issue, so that they can read this and fix their own problem.