01 mustang v6 running rough at idle and drive. Please help. Replaced a bunch, still can’t figure out issue.

my 2001 3.8 mustang runs rough. Sometimes it runs rough at idle, if it's not running rough at idle it will run rough when put into drive. There is a lack of power and sputtering with a miss when driven, most of the time. It was throwing a code for miss in cylinder 2. I changed the injector and it seemed to run somewhat better but a day later it feels to run the same as before. I have put all new plugs, wires, and a coil pack in. Put a new fuel filter and air filter in. Cleaned the MAF. Not sure what the issue is at all. Please help.

My car has 115000 miles.
My car has an automatic tr

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This may be a sign of a faulty MAP sensor as the vehicle responds adversely to a load put on the motor (i.e. putting it in gear, turning on AC or engaging the brakes). The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor senses engine load and generates a signal that is proportional to the amount of vacuum in the intake manifold. The engine computer then uses this information to adjust ignition timing and fuel enrichment. When the engine is working hard, intake vacuum drops as the throttle opens wide. The engine takes in more air, which requires more fuel to keep the air/fuel ratio in balance. When the computer reads a heavy load signal from the MAP sensor, it adjusts the fuel mixture to slightly more rich than normal so the engine can produce more power. The computer will then retard (back off) ignition timing slightly to prevent detonation that can damage the engine and decrease performance. This may also be caused by other closely related components such as a dirty or failing mass air-flow sensor, a faulty throttle position sensor or potentially a vacuum leak. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Ford Mustang has rough idle are a vacuum leak, an issue with the spark plugs, or a problem with the ignition coil. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue. Oops!
The most common reasons a Ford Mustang engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
Ford Mustang Check Engine Light Flashing

Other common reasons for a Check Engine Light are damaged oxygen sensor, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty emissions control part, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, faulty head gasket, or defective spark plugs to name a few.

How to fix it? Cleaning or replacing the fuel filter and adding a fuel injector cleaning treatment to the fuel tank should take care of clogged fuel injectors. If the rough idle persists, it`s time to take your car to an auto repair shop.
One of the main reasons why your vehicle could be vibrating at idle could be due to worn out spark plugs. When a vehicle`s spark plug is faulty, it can interfere with the air-fuel ratio leading to improperly firing cylinders, resulting in a misfire while idling. Replacing your spark plugs will solve this problem.
Oxygen sensors are a common cause of “check engine” lights. This sensor is located in the emission control system of your car, and is standard on all vehicles manufactured after 1980. The oxygen sensors are used to ensure that your engine is burning the correct amount of fuel, and running at peak performance.
More About Error Code P1450

A P1450 DTC is triggered when the PCM is running a system monitor and detects an excessive vacuum in your car`s fuel tank or Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP). Your car`s PCM monitors the fuel tank`s fuel vapor and pressure.

A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it`s in good condition. If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on.
Low or high fuel pressure from a dirty fuel filter, defective fuel pump, clogged fuel tank strainer, bad fuel regulator or dirty/clogged fuel injectors can cause rough idling. Try replacing the fuel filter and add fuel injector cleaning treatment to your fuel tank to clean and hopefully unclog your injectors.
Motor mounts: It`s the job of the motor and transmission mounts to dampen vibration. When they break, you`ll feel excessive vibration, especially at idle. You can diagnose this yourself by putting your car in neutral. If the shaking lessens, you very well could have broken mounts.
Motor Mounts. Motor mounts keep your engine attached to the car. Weak or broken mounts can`t hold the engine tight in the engine compartment and creates a vibration at idle. If the shaking subsides when the car is in Neutral, this could indicate the motor mounts are responsible for the vibrations.
Common causes of why a car feels sluggish when accelerating include dirty mass air flow sensor (MAF), faulty spark plugs, defective throttle position sensor, clogged catalytic converter, faulty oxygen sensor, clogged air filter, and fuel system malfunctioning.
It happens with other cars too, but Mustangs tend to get a bad rep for it for a number of reasons. One is the meme, but another is that they`re a very popular but not very expensive performance car, which means a lot of Mustang owners aren`t very experienced and don`t know how to handle the car very well.
4 seconds slower than a fk8 type R. And it`s faster than a lot of “good handling” sports cars as well. However any conversation around the Mustang always says they handle poorly but have great straight line speed.
Engine Misfires

Perhaps the single most common cause of rough idle comes in the form of a misfiring engine. As you may know, any automotive engine contains multiple cylinders. Each of these cylinders contributes to powering your car by combusting a mixture of gasoline and air.

Along with faulty spark plugs, a build-up of dirt and grime is the likely cause of cars stuttering when idle. A clogged filter or fuel injection system can starve your engine of fuel or oxygen, causing your car to judder and shake.
Bad solenoid may be causing vehicle to stall.
Along with faulty spark plugs, a build-up of dirt and grime is the likely cause of cars stuttering when idle. A clogged filter or fuel injection system can starve your engine of fuel or oxygen, causing your car to judder and shake.
While it may seem like a small problem on its own, rough idling is a sign that some part of your engine isn`t working properly. Over time, rough idling can result in poor gas mileage, starting issues and major engine problems.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

01 mustang v6 running rough at idle and drive. Please help. Replaced a bunch, still can’t figure out issue.
ANSWER : This may be a sign of a faulty MAP sensor as the vehicle responds adversely to a load put on the motor (i.e. putting it in gear, turning on AC or engaging the brakes). The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor senses engine load and generates a signal that is proportional to the amount of vacuum in the intake manifold. The engine computer then uses this information to adjust ignition timing and fuel enrichment. When the engine is working hard, intake vacuum drops as the throttle opens wide. The engine takes in more air, which requires more fuel to keep the air/fuel ratio in balance. When the computer reads a heavy load signal from the MAP sensor, it adjusts the fuel mixture to slightly more rich than normal so the engine can produce more power. The computer will then retard (back off) ignition timing slightly to prevent detonation that can damage the engine and decrease performance. This may also be caused by other closely related components such as a dirty or failing mass air-flow sensor, a faulty throttle position sensor or potentially a vacuum leak. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

Vehicle started running rough while driving. Now running/idling rough running rich.
ANSWER : Hello. From the symptoms you describe, it would appear that your vehicle is having issues with the oxygen sensors. P0172 is the code for bank 1 being too rich. This can be caused by a wide variety of issues. The other two codes are for the sensors on bank 2, having excessively high voltage.

This may be due to the rich condition, faulty oxygen sensors, or faulty wiring. The black smoke and soot is a result of excessive fuel that is not being properly burned, and exiting the tailpipe as smoke. A few common causes for these symptoms are a bad fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, or engine management sensor. As engine management systems can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, I would recommend having the rough idling issue inspected by a professional technician.

The truck intermittently, has a very rough idle, and runs rough,usually after warming up.
ANSWER : Hello. This can be caused by a number of different things. If this occurred right after you had gotten fuel then I would start by testing the fuel pressure. I would do this when the vehicle starts running poorly. It is possible that the bad fuel contaminated the fuel pump and it is not putting out the right pressure. If the fuel pressure is fine then I would check the other sensors readings with a scan tool. One other common thing that I have seen on this engine is a leaking intake manifold gasket. It starts leaking on the bottom side and that leak causes the MAF and MAP to not read correctly which causes it to run like this. If you would like to have this rough running condition looked at, consider having a YourMechanic certified techniciancan come to your home or office to diagnose why it is running rough.

My ’98 expedition, it drives fine for a while, then after a few hours, when sitting still, it idles rough then shuts off.
ANSWER : After some testing done to verify the EGR valve flow to see if the valve is intermittently sticking open causing the stall. This can be done using a scanner with the capability to open and close the EGR valve and monitor the DPFE sensor at the same time. There is a technical service bulletin 05-4-17 to replace the EGR valve if the valve sticks open. The computer system should be retested to verify the proper operation of the EGR valve and DPFE sensor. Once the EGR valve is replaced and system is verified the EGR system is working correctly without the EGR sticking open anymore then scan the computer to clear any codes. Once codes are cleared then the car should be road tested to verify repairs. If you’d like to get this fixed, have a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, perform the necessary tests and properly diagnose your Check Engine Light firsthand.

My ’98 expedition drives fine for a while, then after a few hours, when sitting still, it idles rough then shuts off.
ANSWER : After some testing done to verify the EGR valve flow to see if the valve is intermittently sticking open causing the stall. This can be done using a scanner with the capability to open and close the EGR valve and monitor the DPFE sensor at the same time. There is a technical service bulletin 05-4-17 to replace the EGR valve if the valve sticks open. The computer system should be retested to verify the proper operation of the EGR valve and DPFE sensor. Once the EGR valve is replaced and system is verified the EGR system is working correctly without the EGR sticking open anymore then have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, scan the computer to clear any codes. Once codes are cleared a road test should be done on the car to verify the repairs.

Low idle problem
ANSWER : Hi there. If the idle control valve is good then the problem is typically caused by a vacuum leak or an issue with the throttle body. I usually check the engine for vacuum leaks first. It may be a vacuum leak in one of the hoses or in the intake manifold. The intake gasket is a common failure.

If there are no vacuum leaks, then I would test the throttle position sensor to make sure it is reading correctly. If it is also reading fine, then I would check the throttle body itself. If the bore or plate is worn then this will occur. If you want to have this low idle problem inspected, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair this.

After replacing the power steering pump there was a low idle, idle screw is all out, running rich, and idle speed doesn’t change.
ANSWER : Hi there. The engine has a vacuum leak and is causing the engine to stumble down on the idle. Check all of the vacuum hoses and the brake booster for any leaks. The engine is rich for it’s not burning all of the fuel properly and may also have bad spark plugs. If you need further assistance with engine not adjusting the idle, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

replaced bad coil pack and new coil not sparking car starts but runs rough engine light on blinks sometimes
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for your questions. If your engine was rebuilt about 10 months ago, the question is to determine if the management system has been installed as well. With the symptoms that you are having, it sounds like the coil packs are old and in need of replace. You replaced numbers 1 and 4 and now number 6 is not firing. I recommend replacing number 6, 2, 3, and 5. This will ensure that you have all 6 coil packs that are new.

Just because the coil packs are okay during a test doesn’t mean that they are functioning correctly. Coil packs on Buick vehicles from 1998 – 2005 last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. I also recommend having your fuel injection system flushed. Unless you have new injectors, the old injectors could cause a cylinder to fail, even though it is working correctly. These symptoms can cause the engine to have a rough idle and rough running during conditions. If you need assistance troubleshooting the rough running condition, I recommend having a professional, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the car and move forward with repairs.