1997 tbird misses throughout throttle range

[tbird1167]

Okay, I am having issues with my 1997 thunderbird lx, i have a 4.6, with the air silencer removed, and that is it for any type of half way mods. With in the last four months, I have replaced the following parts, all O2 sensors, plugs, wires, removed the egr valve and cleaned out any carbon build up put back on with a new gasket, and I have replace the sensor or valve (forgive me because i am not sure what it is called) on the front end of the car behind the pass headlight, along with all of the vacuum hoses that lead up to it. Now, my check engine light is off and I am still having a very annoying miss through out the throttle range, and when I am in park or neutral, and slam the gas, it is really rough during the rev. What in the H$%# is wrong with my car, I am thinking that the TPS is in need of a replacement? does anyone have any thoughts on my situation? I am new to the ford family, I come from a long line of GM Fans so I apologize for that! Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[DGFourSixLX]

Sounds like a good time...
Have you replaced the Mass Airflow Sensor? It's the round metal cylinder with a plastic piece on top, right behind the airbox. This sensor is fairly likely to be faulty. My little brother has a '96 Cougar and had the same problem, even after changing the plugs, wires, and oxygen sensors. A trip to the Ford dealer solved the problem, as they installed a new MAF. The car runs beautifully now. Have it checked anyway, this is not a guarantee. Good luck...
-DG-

 

[Rolling-Thunder]

I'll second the MAF sensor check.

You can clean them, too.

 

[tbird1167]

Thanks for the reply, I have already cleaned the MAF about three weeks ago, and the problem never got any better, I am sitting at about 115XXX miles so it is looking like replacement might be the best way to go.

 

[Rolling-Thunder]

Shop around for best price on the MAF. Do not buy one from a place like AutoZone, or Advance Auto, as those are reman's.

Dan Newman at Joe Cooper Ford usually has the lowest prices, even when you figure in shipping charges. Plus, he is a great guy! You can call him at
1-800-266-6049.

Expect to pay around $150 for a new Ford MAF.


Have you tried disconnecting the MAF, and taking it on a short test drive?
See if it accelerates any better. It may idle funny with it disconnected, plus it may throw a code. If it does, you can reset the computer by pulling fuse 15 in the engine compartment fuse panel. Then try to start the car (it won't), put the fuse back in, and the computer will be re-set.

 

[tbird1167]

thanks for the info, i have one one order form my local ford dealership and it will be in on friday so I am hoping that the problem will be solved and i will be on my way to upgrading and beating the h@#$ out of my friends' z28

 

[DGFourSixLX]

Hope the new MAF solves your problem, keep us posted on what happens.
-DG-

 

[tbird1167]

okay, here we go , I have replaced the MAF, new plug wires (the old ones were cheap replacements and they sucked),TPS, oh yeah,on the wires I just went with the normal Motorcraft for the moment. I have to say that the care runs a tremendous amount better, it is unreal how well she is running. So for the moment I am very satisfied, and now I am able to get in line to start some real mods.

 

[tbird1167]

okay, now I am a few days into having my car back to normal (it is actually better running than it has ever been) but the biggest problem is that it sounds real clean and fast from the get go, but as soon as i drive past some one or when my buddy drives by it sounds like crap, my exhaust sucks severely! I have made arrangements to put on true duals with a h pipe, dynomax ultras up front where the third cat is and then running duals straight out the back. has anyone done a set up like this yet, I am wondering how well it will sound with six feet of pipe after my mufflers, I do a lot of highway driving and i am needing it to not be horribly loud at 75 to 80 cruising. help!

 

[Birdman93]

Good luck installing 2 mufflers where the 3rd cat sits-first time you hit a speed bump you'll have an open dual setup for free.

 

[DGFourSixLX]

Hmmm...
Yeah I would have to agree w/Birdman, two muffs up front probably isn't a good idea. How about finding one with dual ins/outs, and put that either where the third cat was or down near where the stock resonator is (in front of the differential housing aka pumpkin). Just a thought...there are a lot of other options. This is only one that I have not personally seen or tried. Good luck...
-DG-

 

[Birdman93]

Here's another idea:

Keep the resonator in the current position. In place of two mufflers, run one of the Dynomax Corvette-style mufflers with two outlets-that should make the car sound sweet!

 

[tbird1167]

thanks for the advice, after doing some good measuring, i now see that the mufflers will look like crap up front, so, i am back to the beginning , I am going to explore some other mufflers and then make a decision

 

[boogity24]

thanx alot. my chicken is having just about the smae problems. yall answered my question before i had the chance to ask it