2003 FORD MUSTANG engine

high idle during the
first cold start of the
day
lifter/lash
adjuster).
z A continuous, speed-
dependent rattle from
the engine — occurs
during idle or high idle
during the first cold
start of the day and
disappears as the
engine warms up z
Piston noise or
valvetrain noise
(bled down
lifter/lash
adjuster). z
Go To Pinpoint Test G .
z Idle vibration—a low-
frequency vibration (5-
20 Hz) or mild shake
that is felt through the
seat/floorpan z
Cylinder misfire. zUsing a scan tool, CHECK
the ignition system. CARRY
OUT a cylinder power test.
REFER to Section 303 - 00 .
z Engine or
torque
converter out of
balance. z
VERIFY the torque
converter to crankshaft pilot
clearance is correct,
REPAIR as necessary. RE-
INDEX the torque converter
on the flex plate by 120° on
a 3 bolt converter or 180° for
a 4 bolt converter. REFER to
Section 307 - 01 . RETEST
the vehicle.
z Idle vibration—a high-
frequency vibration
(20–80 Hz) or buzz,
that is felt through the
steering wheel or seat z
Exhaust system
mounts bound
up. z
VERIFY concern occurs at
engine firing frequency.
CHECK that the exhaust
system vibrates at the same
frequency as the engine.
ADD 9– 14 km (20–30 lb.) to
the tail pipe to test, CARRY
OUT Exhaust System Neutralizing in this section.
z Body mounts
loose. z
INSPECT the body mounts.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Power steering
lines grounded
out. z
INSPECT that the power
steering lines are not
contacting the chassis or
each other. REPAIR as
necessary. Symptom Chart—
Squeak and Rattle Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Squeak— heard
inside the vehicle
when
closing/opening
the door z
Insufficient
lubrication on
the door hinge
or check strap. z
LUBRICATE the hinge or check
strap.
z Internal door
components
loose, rubbing or
misaligned. z
CHECK the inside of the door.
TIGHTEN or ALIGN as
necessary. USE the Rotunda
Squeak and Rattle Kit to isolate
any rubbing components.
z Squeak— heard
inside the vehicle
when z
Worn or
damaged glass
run/channel. z
REPAIR or INSTALL a new
glass run/channel. REFER to
Section 501 - 11 . Klj . 31 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

Symptom Chart—
Transmission (Manual) and Transfer Case Noise/Vibration Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Clutch rattling noise—
occurs with clutch
engaged, noise
changes/disappears
with clutch pedal
depressed z
Flywheel bolts,
clutch housing bolts
or clutch pressure
plate bolts loose. z
TIGHTEN the bolts to
specifications. CHECK
the bolts for damage.
z Clutch squeaking
noise— noise is heard
when the clutch is
operated. Vehicle
moves slowly or
creeps when the clutch
is disengaged. Can
also be difficult to shift
into first and reverse
gear z
Pilot bearing seized
or damaged. z
INSTALL a new pilot
bearing. REFER to
Section 308 - 01 .
z Clutch squeaking
noise— occurs with
clutch pedal
depressed/released z
Worn clutch pedal
shaft or bushings. z
INSPECT the clutch
pedal for wear or
damage. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 308 - 02 .
z Clutch whirring/rattle
noise— occurs when
clutch pedal is
depressed z
Worn, damaged or
misaligned clutch
release bearing. z
INSTALL a new clutch
release bearing.
REFER to Section 308 -
01 .
z Clutch grating/grinding
noise— occurs when
clutch pedal is
depressed z
Clutch pressure
plate fingers bent or
worn. z
INSPECT the clutch
pressure plate release
fingers. INSTALL a new
pressure plate as
necessary. REFER to
Section 308 - 01 .
z Contact surface of
clutch release
bearing worn or
damaged. z
INSTALL a new clutch
release bearing.
REFER to Section 308 -
01 .
z Clutch chatter— a
small amount of noise
when clutch pedal is
released at initial take-
off z
Clutch engagement. zAcceptable operating
condition.
z Clutch chatter/grabs—
in some cases a
shudder is felt. Occurs
with clutch pedal
depressed/released z
Damaged or worn
powertrain/driveline
mounts. z
INSPECT the
powertrain/drivetrain
mounts. INSTALL new
mounts as necessary.
REFER to Section 303 -
01A for 3.8L engines or
Section 303 - 01B for
4.6L (2V) engines.
z Binding or dragging
plunger of the clutch
master cylinder or
slave cylinder. z
CHECK the master and
slave cylinder
operation. INSPECT
the components for
damage or wear.
INSTALL a new master
or slave cylinder as
necessary. REFER to Klj . 40 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

Section 308 - 02 .
z Grease or oil on the
clutch disc facing. z
CHECK the input shaft
seal and rear main oil
seal. REPAIR as
necessary. INSTALL a
new clutch disc.
REFER to Section 308 -
03A for T50D
transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions.
z Clutch disc surface
glazed or damaged. z
INSPECT the clutch
disc surface for a
glazed, hardened or
damage condition.
CARRY OUT a disc
check. INSTALL a new
clutch disc as
necessary. REFER to
Section 308 - 01 .
z Damaged or worn
clutch pressure
plate. z
INSPECT the clutch
pressure plate for wear
or damage. INSTALL a
new clutch pressure
plate as necessary.
REFER to Section 308 -
01 .
z Flywheel surface
damaged or glazed. z
INSPECT the flywheel
for damage or wear.
CARRY OUT a
flywheel runout check.
INSTALL a new
flywheel as necessary.
REFER to Section 303 -
01A for 3.8L engines or
Section 303 - 01B for
4.6L (2V) engines.
z Clutch chatter noise—
noise when clutch
pedal is released at
initial take- off. Clutch is
hard to engage and
disengage z
Pilot bearing worn,
damaged or not
correctly aligned in
bore. z
INSPECT the clutch
pressure plate release
fingers for uneven
wear, clutch
components burnt or a
seized pilot bearing.
INSTALL a new pilot
bearing as necessary.
REFER to Section 308 -
01 .
z Clutch vibration zLoose flywheel
bolts.
z Damaged or loose
clutch pressure
plate.
z Excessive flywheel
runout. z
Go To Pinpoint Test L .
z Transmission
rattling/clattering
noise— noise at idle or
on light acceleration
from a stop. Gear
selection difficult z
Gearshift lever joint
worn or damaged. z
INSTALL a new
gearshift lever. REFER
to Section 308 - 03A for
T50D transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions. Klj . 41 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

z
Gearshift lever
loose. z
TIGHTEN the bolts to
specification. REFER to
Section 308 - 03A for
T50D transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions.
z Gearshift linkage
rods worn or
damaged. z
CHECK the linkage
bushings for wear.
INSTALL new linkage
rods as necessary.
REFER to the
appropriate workshop
manual for the service
procedures.
z Transmission
rattling/clattering
noise— occurs in
neutral or in gear, at
idle z
Incorrect fluid level
or fluid quality. z
CHECK that the
transmission is filled to
the correct level and
with the specified fluid.
REFER to Section 308 -
03A for T50D
transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions.
z Transmission
rattling/clattering
noise— noise at idle in
neutral z
Worn or rough
reverse idler gear. z
CHECK the reverse
idler gear. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 308 - 03A for
T50D transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions.
z Rough running
engine, cylinder
misfire. z
CHECK the ignition
system. CARRY OUT a
cylinder power test.
REFER to Section 303 -
00 .
z Excessive backlash
in gears z
CHECK the gear
backlash. ADJUST as
necessary. REFER to
Section 205 - 02A for
Ford 7.5 rear axles or
Section 205 - 02B for
Ford 8.8 integral axles.
z Worn countershaft
gears. z
REPAIR as necessary.
REFER to Section 308 -
03A for T50D
transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions.
z Transmission whine—
a mild whine at
extreme speeds or
high rpm z
Rotating
gears/geartrain. z
Acceptable noise.
z Transmission whine—
a high pitched whine,
also described as a
squeal z
Transmission gears
are worn (high
mileage vehicle). z
Result of normal gear
wear. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 308 - 03A for
T50D transmissions or
Section 308 - 03B for
TR3650 transmissions. Klj . 42 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

flange runout.
Symptom Chart—
Transmission (Automatic) Noise/Vibration Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Rattle— occurs
at idle or at
light
acceleration
from a stop z
Damaged engine or
transmission mounts. z
CHECK the
powertrain/drivetrain mounts
for damage. REPAIR or
INSTALL new mounts as
necessary.
z A loose front exhaust
pipe heat shield. z
REPAIR or INSTALL a new
heat shield as necessary.
z Loose inspection
plate or dust cover
plate. z
CHECK for loose bolts.
TIGHTEN to specifications.
REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
z Loose flex plate to
converter nuts. z
CHECK for loose nuts.
TIGHTEN to specifications.
REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
z Whine— pitch
increases with
vehicle speed.
Starts in first
and second
gear,
decreases or
goes away at
higher gears z
Damaged or worn low
one- way clutch.
z Damaged or worn
intermediate one- way
clutch.
z Friction elements.
z Damaged or worn
planetary or sun gear. z
INSPECT the transmission
for wear or damage. REPAIR
or INSTALL new components
as necessary. REFER to
Section 307 - 01 .
z Whine— the
pitch changes
with engine
speed z
A worn or damaged
accessory drive
component. z
CARRY OUT the Engine
Accessory Test. REPAIR or
INSTALL new components as
necessary.
z Incorrect fluid level. zCHECK that the transmission
is filled to the correct level.
ADD fluid as necessary.
REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
z Partially blocked filter. zINSPECT the filter. CLEAN or
INSTALL a new filter as
necessary. REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
z Worn or damaged
torque converter. z
CARRY OUT the torque
converter service and
replacement check. REFER
to Section 307 - 01 .
z Worn or damaged
front pump. z
INSPECT the front pump.
INSTALL a new front pump
as necessary. REFER to
Section 307 - 01 .
z Whine— pitch
changes with
vehicle speed z
Speedometer cable
or gears. z
REPAIR or INSTALL new
cables or gears as necessary.
z Whine/moan
type noise—
pitch increases
or changes
with vehicle
speed z
Damaged engine or
transmission mount. z
CHECK the
powertrain/drivetrain mounts
for damage. CARRY OUT
Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing in this section.
z U-joints worn or zINSPECT the U- joints for Klj . 45 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

Pinpoint Tests
The pinpoint tests are a step-by-
step diagnostic process designed to determine the cause of a z
Bump—occurs
when shifting
from PARK to
a drive or
reverse
position.
Similar to
Clunk but with
no sound z
Initial gear
engagement. z
Acceptable condition.
z Buzz or hiss zIncorrect driveline
angles. z
CHECK for correct driveline
angles. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to Section 205 - 00 .
z Worn or damaged
main control
solenoids or valves. z
Using a transmission tester,
ACTIVATE the solenoids to
duplicate sound. INSTALL
new components as
necessary. REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
z Vibration— a
high frequency
(20–80 Hz) that
is felt through
the seat or
gear shifter.
Changes with
engine speed z
Transmission cooler
lines grounded out. z
CHECK the transmission
cooler lines. REPAIR as
necessary.
z Flexplate to torque
converter nuts loose. z
CHECK the flexplate nuts.
TIGHTEN to specification.
REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
z Fluid filler tube
grounded out. z
CHECK the fluid filler tube.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Shift cable incorrectly
routed, grounded out
or loose. z
CHECK the shift cable.
REPAIR as necessary.
Section 307 - 05 .
z Shutter or
chatter—
occurs with
light to medium
acceleration
from low
speeds or a
stop z
Electrical
inputs/outputs.
z Vehicle wiring
harness.
z Incorrect
inputs/outputs from
the powertrain control
module (PCM), digital
transmission range
(TR) sensor, brake
pedal position (BPP)
sensor, throttle
position (TP) sensor,
transmission speed
sensor (TSS), output
speed shaft (OSS)
sensor or the torque
converter clutch
(TCC). z
CARRY OUT a Torque
Converter Clutch Operation
Test. RUN on- board
diagnostics or self- test.
REFER to Section 307 - 01 .
CLEAR the DTC's, ROAD
TEST and RERUN on- board
diagnostics or self- test. Klj . 47 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

PINPOINT TEST B: ENGINE TICKING NOISE No
INSPECT the wheel
bearings. ADJUST or
REPAIR as necessary.
TEST the system for
normal operation.
A6 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION
z
Check the front suspension for:
zBroken or loose bolts.
z Damaged springs.
z Worn or damaged upper and lower control arm
bushings.
z Loose or rough front bearings.
z Uneven tire wear.
z Are all the suspension components in satisfactory
condition? Yes
GO to
A7 .
No
REPAIR or INSTALL
new components as
necessary. TEST the
system for normal
operation. A7 RESURFACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS
z
CAUTION: Do not use a bench lathe to machine brake
discs.
z NOTE: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to machine the
brake discs. After machining, make sure the brake disc meets
the thickness specification.
z Refer to Brake Disc Machining in this section. Resurface the
front brake discs. Road test the vehicle.
z Is the vibration/shudder present? Yes
GO to
A8 .
No
Vehicle is OK. A8 CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION
z
Check the rear suspension for:
zBroken or loose bolts.
z Damaged or worn springs or spring bushings.
z Worn or damaged upper and lower control arm
bushings.
z Worn or damaged trailing arms.
z Loose or rough rear bearings.
z Uneven tire wear.
z Are all the suspension components in satisfactory
condition? Yes
GO to
A9 .
No
REPAIR or INSTALL
new components as
necessary. TEST the
system for normal
operation. A9 RESURFACE THE REAR BRAKE DISC OR DRUM
z
CAUTION: Do not use a bench lathe to machine brake
discs.
z NOTE: Follow the manufacturers instructions to machine the
brake discs. After machining, make sure the brake disc meets
the thickness specification.
z Refer to Brake Disc Machining in this section. Resurface the
rear brake discs or drums. Road test the vehicle.
z Is the vibration/shudder present? Yes
CHECK the front
suspension for wear or
damage. RESURFACE
the front brake discs.
TEST the system for
normal operation.
No
Vehicle is OK.
Test Step Result / Action to Take
B1 CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL
RAIL z
Disconnect the first fuel line clip. Yes Klj . 49 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

z
Is the ticking noise gone? CHECK for TSB for applicable vehicle.
REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system
for normal operation.
No
GO to
B2 .
B2 CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL
INJECTOR z
Using an EngineEAR, listen at the fuel
injectors by placing a probe on each injector.
To isolate the faulty injector, disconnect the
injector electrical connector and listen for the
noise.
z Is the fuel injector the source of the ticking
noise? Yes
INSTALL a new fuel injector. REFER to
Section 303
- 04A for 3.8L engines or
Section 303 - 04B for 4.6L (2V) engines.
TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B3 .
B3 CHECK THE BELT TENSIONER FOR TICKING
NOISE z
Inspect the accessory drive. Check for the belt
tensioner bottoming at end of travel or not at
end of stroke.
z Using an EngineEAR, listen at the belt
tensioner.
z Is the belt tensioner the source of the
noise? Yes
INSTALL a new belt tensioner. TEST the
system for normal operation.
No
GO to
B4 .
B4 CHECK THE WATER PUMP FOR TICKING
NOISE z
Using an EngineEAR, listen at the water pump
for ticking noise.
z Is the water pump the source of the noise? Yes
INSTALL a new water pump. REFER to
Section 303
- 03A . TEST the system for
normal operation.
No
GO to B5 .
B5 CHECK FOR AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE
COOLING FAN z
Inspect the cooling fan for obstructions.
z Check the cooling fan and shroud for wear or
damage.
z Was there an obstruction or does the
cooling fan show signs of damage? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL a new cooling fan.
REFER to
Section 303 - 03A . TEST the
system for normal operation.
No
GO to B6 .
B6 CHECK THE OIL PUMP FOR TICKING NOISE
z
Check the oil pump using EngineEARs and
probe at the oil filter adapter to verify the oil
pump as a source.
z Is the oil pump the source of the noise? Yes
INSTALL a new oil pump. REFER to
Section 303
- 01A for 3.8L engines or
Section 303 - 01B for 4.6L (2V) engines.
TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to B7 .
B7 CHECK VALVE LIFTERS OR LASH
ADJUSTERS FOR CORRECT OPERATION z
Check valve lifter/lash adjuster for correct
operation, using EngineEARs.
z Are the valve lifters/lash adjusters Yes
VERIFY customer concern. CONDUCT a
diagnosis of other suspect components. Klj . 50 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...