Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Acceleration Control (Diagnosis and Testing)

Inspection and Verification

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the acceleration control system to duplicate the condition.

2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical concerns apply:

Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical
  • damaged accelerator pedal and shaft

  • damaged linkage

  • damaged accelerator cable

  • high engine idle speed

  • damaged throttle body

3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair as required.

4. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s) and GO to Symptom Chart .

Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Excessive effort needed to depress accelerator pedal and shaft
  • Worn accelerator lever pivot bushing.
  • Accelerator cable binding.
  • Worn or damaged throttle body.
  • INSTALL a new accelerator pedal and shaft.
  • INSTALL a new accelerator cable.
  • INSTALL a new throttle body.
  • Accelerator pedal and shaft feels rough or raspy
  • Frayed or binding accelerator cable.
  • Worn or damaged throttle body.
  • INSTALL a new accelerator cable.
  • INSTALL a new throttle body.
  • Accelerator pedal and shaft binds or sticks
  • Kinked accelerator cable.
  • Foreign object caught in accelerator pedal linkage.
  • Worn or damaged throttle body.
  • INSTALL a new accelerator cable.
  • CHECK the accelerator pedal linkage.
  • INSTALL a new throttle body.
  • High engine idle speed
  • Kinked accelerator cable.
  • Foreign object caught in accelerator pedal linkage.
  • Incorrect engine idle speed.
  • INSTALL a new accelerator cable.
  • CHECK the accelerator pedal linkage.
  • REFER to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual for diagnosis and testing of the idle control system.
    Acceleration Control (Description and Operation)
    Component Locations   The throttle is controlled by the accelerator cable which is connected to the accelerator pedal and shaft. The accelerator pedal and shaft should travel smoothly from ...

    Accelerator Pedal and Shaft
    Removal and Installation 1. Push the accelerator cable nylon bushing out of the accelerator pedal and shaft arm. 2. Remove the accelerator pedal and shaft. Remove the nuts. Remove the accelerato ...

    Other materials:

    Door
    Removal 1. Remove the door trim panel. For additional information, refer to Section. 2. Disconnect the necessary electrical connectors to remove the harness and grommet from the door. 3. NOTE: This procedure requires an assistant. NOTE: Mark ...

    Crankshaft Main Bearing Journal - Clearance
    Special Tool(s) Plastigage 303-D031 (D81L-6002-B) or equivalent NOTE: Crankshaft main bearing journals must be within specifications before checking journal clearance. 1. Remove the crankshaft main bearing caps and crankshaft main bearing. ...

    Instrument Cluster Self-Diagnostic Mode
    To enter the instrument cluster self-diagnostic mode, press and hold the instrument cluster SELECT/RESET button, turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, and then continue pressing the SELECT/RESET button (five seconds) until tESt is displayed in th ...