Lack of acceleration

Hello,

Can you get me the code from the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)/Check Engine light? I have included instructions on how to retrieve them in the diagrams down below. Please get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Hello,

This sounds like you have a clogged catalytic converter. but to be sure lets run down this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down this guide and report back.

Personally, I would suspect 1 of 3 possibilities. (1) A clogged catalytic converter. This would not allow the engine to breathe out, causing too much back pressure on the engine, and seriously restricting it. (2) A lack of air flow. Less likely, but if the air filter is unbelievably dirty, the engine won't be able to get enough air in to create the power that you're looking for. (3) A lack of fuel pressure. A clogged fuel filter, or a failing fuel pump, could cause this. Much like the issue with the air filter, the engine wouldn't get enough fuel to do what you're asking it to do, resulting in performance issues.

All that said, is the service/check engine light on? If so, let's get it scanned. Even though this is a 1995, it does have OBD2 (required as of model year 1996). Take it to the parts shop and if they ask what year it is, tell them it's a 1996. Otherwise they may try to cop out of checking it. Report back here with the code numbers (not just their translations, but the actual numbers). We can use that to point us in the right direction.

If you can shoot and upload a decent video of it happening, that might be helpful as well.

If the light is not on, then I'd start with checking catalytic converter performance. The simplest way to do that is to remove the oxygen sensors that are on the exhaust pipe, between the engine and the catalytic converter. This allows the engine to breathe some because the back pressure won't build. But, it'll be loud. Like really loud. Like "wake the neighbors" loud, so do it when no one around would be asleep. I'm attaching images to aid you in pulling the sensors. If memory serves, you'll need a size 7/8 inch wrench to get them off.

The other possibility that I haven't mentioned above is potential serious transmission issues. Hopefully that's not it.

Hello,

I would check the throttle body, paying close attention to the throttle bore where the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is and clean it real good. When the throttle bore and throttle get to much black "sludge" on them they will contaminate the signal from the TPS to the Power-train Control Module (PCM) and cause this problem. I have included a link for you to go to down below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please go through this guide and get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Hello again,

Is the transmission not kicking down when you go to Wide Open Throttle (WOT)?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Hello again,

Well at highway speeds it should have a little get up and go when you drop a gear, but I have a supercharged 1997 Mustang GT with a built 4.6L that is putting out around 375 - 400 horses and that won't pin you back in your seat at freeway speeds. Well maybe a little when drop a gear, but it takes a lot of ponies to pin you back in your seat at freeway speeds.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Hello again,

Do you have any Direct Trouble Codes(DTC)(s) set?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Hello again,

I have included the information for your vehicle's three DTC's in the diagrams down below. Please go through the guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out, please.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros