2003 FORD MUSTANG pinpoint

„
Frequencies have a range of plus or minus 2. A reading of 10 Hz can be displayed as an
8 Hz through 12 Hz.
d. Place the vibration sensor on or near the suspect area outside the vehicle.
e. Continue the road test, driving the vehicle at the speed the symptom occurs, and take another reading.
f. Compare the readings.
„A match in frequency indicates the problem component or area.
„ An unmatched test could indicate the concern is caused by the engine, torque converter,
or engine accessory. Use the EVA in the rpm mode and check if concern is rpm related.
„ Example: A vibration is felt in the seat. Place the sensor on the console. Record the
readings. Place the vibration sensor on the rear axle. Compare the readings. If the
frequencies are the same, the axle is the problem component.
Vibrate Software®
Vibrate Software® ( Rotunda tool number 215- 00003) is a diagnostic aid which will assist in pinpointing
the source of unacceptable vibrations. The engine's crankshaft is the point of reference for vibration
diagnosis. Every rotating component will have an angular velocity that is faster, slower, or the same as
the engine's crankshaft. Vibrate Software® calculates the angular velocity of each component and
graphically represents these velocities on a computer screen and on a printed vibration worksheet.
The following steps outline how Vibrate Software® helps diagnose a vibration concern:
zEnter the vehicle information. Vibrate will do all the calculations and display a graph showing
tire, driveshaft and engine vibrations.
z Print a Vibration Worksheet graph. The printed graph is to be used during the road test.
z Road test the vehicle at the speed where the vibration is most noticeable. Record the vibration
frequency (rpm) and the engine rpm on the worksheet graph. The point on the graph where the
vibration frequency (rpm) reading and the engine rpm reading intersect indicates the specific
component group causing the concern.
„An EVA or equivalent tool capable of measuring vibration frequency and engine rpm will
be needed.
z Provide pictures of diagnostic procedures to aid in testing components.
Combination EngineEAR/ChassisEAR
An electronic listening device used to quickly identify noise and the location under the chassis while
the vehicle is being road tested. The ChassisEARs can identify the noise and location of
damaged/worn wheel bearings, CV joints, brakes, springs, axle bearings or driveshaft carrier bearings.
EngineEAR Basic Unit
An electronic listening device used to detect even the faintest noises. The EngineEARs can detect the
noise of damaged/worn bearings in generators, water pumps, A/C compressors and power steering
pumps. They are also used to identify noisy lifters, exhaust manifold leaks, chipped gear teeth and for
detecting wind noise. The EngineEAR has a sensing tip, amplifier, and headphones. The directional
sensing tip is used to listen to the various components. Point the sensing tip at the suspect component
and adjust the volume with the amplifier. Placing the tip in direct contact with a component will reveal
structure-borne noise and vibrations, generated by or passing through, the component. Various
volume levels can reveal different sounds.
Ultrasonic Leak Detector
The Ultrasonic Leak Detector is used to detect wind noises caused by leaks and gaps in areas where
there is weather- stripping or other sealing material. It is also used to identify A/C leaks, vacuum leaks Klj . 12 ba
152003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

NOTE:
A serpentine drive belt decreases the usefulness of this test. In these cases, use a
vibration analyzer, such as the VA, to pinpoint accessory vibrations. An electronic listening
device, such as an EngineEAR, will also help to identify noises from specific accessories.
Remove the accessory drive belts.
z Increase the engine rpm to where the concern occurs.
z If the vibration/noise is duplicated when carrying out this test, the belts and accessories are not
sources.
z If the vibration/noise was not duplicated when carrying out this test, install each accessory belt,
one at a time, to locate the source.
Vehicle Cold Soak Procedure
To carry out this procedure, proceed as follows:
zTest preparations include matching customer conditions (if known). If not known, document the
test conditions: gear selection and engine rpm. Monitor the vibration/noise duration with a watch
for up to three minutes.
z Park the vehicle where testing will occur. The vehicle must remain at or below the concern
temperature (if known) for 6- 8 hours.
z Before starting the engine, conduct a visual inspection under the hood.
z Turn the key on, but do not start the engine. Listen for the fuel pump, anti- lock brake system
(ABS) and air suspension system noises.
z Start the engine.
z CAUTION: Never probe moving parts.
Isolate the vibration/noise by carefully listening. Move around the vehicle while listening to find
the general location of the vibration/noise. Then, search for a more precise location by using a
stethoscope or EngineEAR.
z GO to Symptom Chart — Idle Noise/Vibration to assist with the diagnosis.
6: Check OASIS/TSBs/Repair History
After verifying the customer concern, check for OASIS reports, TSBs and the vehicle repair history for
related concerns. If information relating to a diagnosis/repair is found, carry out the procedure(s)
specified in that information.
If no information is available from these sources, carry out the vehicle preliminary inspection to
eliminate any obvious faults.
7: Diagnostic Procedure
Qualifying the concern by the particular sensation present can help narrow down the concern. Always
use the "symptom" to "system" to "component" to "cause" diagnosis technique. This diagnostic method
divides the problem into related areas to correct the customer concern.
zVerify the "symptom".
z Determine which "system(s)" can cause the "symptom".
„If a vibration concern is vehicle speed related, the tire and wheel rpm/frequency or
driveshaft frequency should be calculated.
„ If a vibration concern is engine speed related, the engine, engine accessory or engine
firing frequencies should be calculated. Klj . 9 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

occurs on first
(morning) brake
application
pads.
Caused by humidity and
low disc brake pad
temperature.
z Squealing noise— a
continuous squeal z
Disc brake pads
or linings worn
below minimum
thickness. z
INSTALL new disc brake
pads. REFER to Section 206 - 03 for front disc brake
pads or Section 206 - 04 for
rear disc brake pads.
z Squealing noise— an
intermittent squeal
brought on by cold,
heat, water, mud or
snow z
Disc brake pad. zAcceptable condition.
z Groaning noise—
occurs at low speeds
with brake lightly
applied (creeping) z
Disc brake
pads. z
Acceptable condition.
z Grinding noise—
continuous z
Disc brake pads
or linings worn
below minimum
thickness. z
INSPECT the disc brake
pads, brake discs and
attaching hardware for
damage. REPAIR or
INSTALL new components
as necessary. REFER to
Section 206 - 03 for front
disc brakes and Section 206 - 04 for rear disc brakes.
z Moaning noise zBrake linings
contaminated
with grease or
oil. z
INSPECT the brake pads
and shoes for
contamination. REPAIR or
INSTALL new components
as necessary. REFER to
Section 206 - 03 for front
disc brakes or Section 206 -
04 for rear disc brakes.
z Brake
vibration/shudder—
occurs when brakes
are applied z
Uneven disc or
drum wear.
z Uneven disc
brake pad or
lining transfer.
z Suspension
components. z
Go To Pinpoint Test A .
z Brake
vibration/shudder—
occurs when the brake
pedal is released z
Brake drag. zINSPECT the disc brake
pads or linings for
premature wear. REPAIR
or INSTALL a new caliper
or wheel cylinder as
necessary. REFER to
Section 206 - 03 for front
disc brakes and Section 206 - 04 for rear disc brakes.
Symptom Chart—
Driveline Noise/Vibration Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Axle howling or
whine— front or rear
axle z
Axle lubricant
low. z
CHECK the lubricant level.
FILL the axle to
specification.
z Axle housing zINSPECT the axle housing Klj . 17 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

CARRY OUT a driveline
vibration test. REFER to
Section 205
- 00 . REPAIR as
necessary.
z Binding or
damaged
splines on the
driveshaft slip-
yoke. z
CLEAN and INSPECT the
splines of the slip- yoke,
driveshaft and coupling
shaft for wear or damage.
INSTALL a new slip- yoke or
driveshaft assembly as
necessary. REFER to
Section 205 - 01 . REPAIR as
necessary.
z Driveshaft
runout. z
CARRY OUT a Runout
Check. REFER to Section 205 - 00 . REPAIR as
necessary.
z Incorrect lateral
and radial
tire/wheel
runout. z
INSPECT the tire and
wheels. MEASURE tire
runouts. REPAIR or
INSTALL new components
as necessary. REFER to
Section 204 - 04 .
z Driveline angles
out of
specification. z
CHECK for correct driveline
angles. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 205 - 00 .
z Incorrectly
seated CV joint
in the front
wheel hub. z
CHECK the outer CV joint
for correct seating into the
hub. REPAIR as necessary. Symptom Chart —
Engine Noise/Vibration Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Grinding noise—
occurs during
engine cranking z
Incorrect starter
motor mounting. z
INSPECT the starter motor
for correct mounting.
REPAIR as necessary.
REFER to Section 303 - 06 .
z Starter motor. zCHECK the starter motor.
REPAIR or INSTALL a new
starter motor as necessary.
REFER to Section 303 - 06 .
z Incorrect starter
motor drive
engagement. z
INSPECT the starter motor
drive and flexplate/flywheel
for wear or damage.
INSTALL a new starter
motor drive or flywheel as
necessary. REFER to
Section 303 - 06 .
z Engine ticking
noise z
Fuel injector.
z Fuel line.
z Oil pump.
z Valve lifter.
z Belt tensioner.
z Water pump.
z Obstruction of cooling
fan. z
Go To Pinpoint Test B .
z Engine drumming zPowertrain mount. zCARRY OUT Klj . 23 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

as necessary.
z Accelerator pedal
vibration— felt
through the pedal
as a buzz z
Throttle cable loose
or misrouted. z
INSPECT the throttle cable.
REPAIR as necessary.
REFER to Section 310 - 02 .
z Engine
vibration— mostly
at coast/neutral
coast. Condition
improves with
vehicle
accelerating z
Combustion
instability. z
CHECK the ignition system.
INSTALL new components
as necessary.
z Engine vibration
or shudder—
occurs with light
to medium
acceleration
above 56 km/h
(35 mph) z
Worn or damaged
spark plugs. z
INSPECT the spark plugs
for cracks, high resistance
or broken insulator.
INSTALL a new spark plug
(s) as necessary.
z Plugged fuel injector. zREPAIR or INSTALL a new
injector as necessary.
REFER to Section 303 - 04A
for 3.8L engines or
Section 303 - 04B for 4.6L (2V)
engines.
z Damaged spark plug
wire. z
INSPECT the spark plug
wires for damage. INSTALL
a new spark plug wire(s) as
necessary.
z Contaminated fuel. zINSPECT the fuel for
contamination. DRAIN the
fuel system and refill.
z Worn or damaged
torque converter. z
CHECK the torque
converter. INSTALL a new
torque converter as
necessary. REFER to
Section 307 - 01 .
Symptom Chart—
Idle Noise/Vibration Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Idle air control (IAC)
valve moan — occurs
on throttle tip- out z
IAC valve is
contaminated
with oil. z
GO to Component Tests in
this section.
z Accessory drive belt
chirp — occurs at idle
or high idle, cold or
hot. Most common
occurrence is during
humid weather z
Accessory drive
belt worn, or
pulley is
misaligned or
loose. z
INSPECT for loose or
misaligned pulleys. CHECK
the drive belt for wear or
damage. INSTALL new
pulley(s)/drive belt, or
accessory drive components
as necessary. REFER to
Section 303 - 05 .
z Accessory drive
bearing hoot —
occurs at idle or high
idle in cold
temperatures of
approximately +4°C z
Accessory drive
idler or
tensioner pulley
bearing is
experiencing
stick/slip z
Go To Pinpoint Test C . Klj . 28 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

(+40°F) or colder at
first start of the day
between ball
bearings and
bearing race.
z Power steering moan
— occurs at high idle
and possibly at idle
during the first cold
start of the day in
temperatures of
approximately - 18°C
(0°F) or colder. Noise
can even be a severe
screech for less than
one minute in very
cold temperatures of
approximately - 29°C
(- 20°F) or colder z
High fluid
viscosity, or
plugged
reservoir screen
in power
steering
reservoir
starves pump
causing
cavitation. z
Go To Pinpoint Test D .
z Generator whine —
during high electrical
loads at idle or high
idle, a high pitch
whine or moan is
emitted from the
generator z
Generator
electrical field
noise. z
Using an EngineEAR,
PROBE near the generator
housing. LISTEN for
changes in the noise level
while changing electrical
loads (such as rear defrost,
headlamps, etc.). CARRY
OUT a generator load test. If
the system passes the load
test, the noise is from the
generator bearings,
INSTALL new bearings. If
the system fails the load
test, INSTALL a new
generator. REFER to
Section 414 - 02 .
z Engine- driven cooling
fan moan — occurs
during the first start of
the day. It is most
objectionable near
idle speeds up to
2000 rpm. The noise
increases with rpm z
The viscous
cooling fan
clutch engages
until the fluid in
the clutch
reaches normal
operating
temperature,
causing the fan
to fully engage. z
Go To Pinpoint Test E .
z Drumming noise —
occurs inside the
vehicle during idle or
high idle, hot or cold.
Very low- frequency
drumming is very rpm
dependent z
Exhaust system
vibration excites
the body
resonances
inducing interior
noise.
z Engine vibration
excites the
body
resonances
inducing interior
noise. z
Go To Pinpoint Test F .
z Hissing noise —
occurs during idle or
high idle that is
apparent with the
hood open z
Vacuum leak or
idle air control
(IAC) valve flow
noise. z
Use the Ultrasonic Leak
Detector/EngineEAR to
locate the source. Scan the
air intake system from the
inlet to each cylinder intake Klj . 29 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

port. DISCARD the leaking
parts, and INSTALL a new
component.
z Vehicles with a
plastic intake
manifold. z
Acceptable condition. Some
plastic manifolds exhibit this
noise, which is the effect of
the plastic manifold.
z Automatic
transmission buzz or
hiss z
Incorrect
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 Manual Transmission
Clutch throw- out
bearing whine. A
change in noise pitch
or loudness while
depressing the clutch
pedal z
Worn throw- out
bearing. z
INSTALL a new throw- out
bearing. REFER to Section 308 - 01 .
z Heating, vacuum and
air conditioning
(HVAC) system chirp
— most audible inside
the vehicle. Listen for
a change in noise
pitch or loudness
while changing the
HVAC system blower
speed z
Damaged or
worn HVAC
blower bearing. z
INSTALL a new blower
motor. REFER to Section 412 - 02 .
z Air conditioning (A/C)
clutch ticking —
occurs when the
compressor clutch
engages z
Acceptable
noise.
z Incorrect air
gap. z
LISTEN to the clutch to
determine if the noise occurs
with clutch engagement. A
small amount of noise is
acceptable. If the noise is
excessive, CHECK the A/C
clutch air gap. INSPECT the
A/C clutch for wear or
damage. INSTALL a new
clutch as necessary. REFER
to Section 412 - 03 .
z Intermittent rattle, or
scraping/rubbing
noise z
Loose exhaust
heat shield(s). z
INSPECT the exhaust
system for loose parts using
a glove or clamps to verify
cause. REPAIR as
necessary. REFER to
Section 309 - 00 .
z Wiring, hose or
other part
interfering with
accessory drive
belt or pulley. z
INSPECT accessory drive
system closely verifying
there is adequate clearance
to all rotating components.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Engine ticking or
knocking noise —
occurs during idle or z
Piston noise or
valvetrain noise
(bled down z
Go To Pinpoint Test G . Klj . 30 ba
702003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

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~ ...