"Service AdvanceTrac Required" message 2012 Ford Mustang GT

ANSWER : Hi there. If the “service AdvanceTrac” warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues including, a faulty wheel-speed sensor, a faulty steering-angle sensor, faulty rotational-speed sensor, issue with the steering rack or something that is lodged in one of the wheels. Due to these facts, it’s safe to assume that this warning light is the reason your power steering is not working correctly. The best way to begin the diagnosis issue is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a traction control light inspection, so they can determine the root source of this issue and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : Hello – wow, great job on the preventative maintenance front! Yes, following the same theme as replacing your brake fluid – given the years (vs the miles) on your Mustang – flushing the power steering fluid and replacing the filter inside the reservoir is a great idea from the preventative maintenance point of view. I recommend a power steering system service by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, and perform this service. You might also consider a transmission fluid & filter service as well, since you appear to be keeping your Mustang for the long run.

ANSWER : Hi there. For the year 1997, there are 6 different gear ratios used for the differentials and in the year 2002 there are 2 different gear ratios used for the differentials on the Mustangs. I recommend checking the gear ratio by counting the teeth on the ring gear and the teeth on the pinion gear and divide them to get the ratio.
The ratio’s used on the 1997 Ford Mustang are:

2.26
2.47
2.73
3.08
3.27
3.45

The ratio’s used on the 2002 Ford Mustang are:

3.27
3.55

If your vehicle has the ration of 3.27, you could have a direct match, however, if your vehicle has 3.55, then you will have to either get another axle for your car if you want a direct match or settle for a lower gear ratio. A lower gear ratio will make the vehicle go faster on the highway but slower when taking off. If you need further assistance with switching out your differential, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : The issue is the fuel pump relay on your fuel system. The fuel pump relay is getting hot and shutting off the fuel pump. Then when you shut off the engine and key to the ignition switch, the fuel pump relay cools off and then makes a good connection to the fuel pump. I recommend replacing the fuel pump relay.

If you need further assistance with your engine stalling after it starts sputtering when it is at operating temperature, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hello. The P1299 code does not mean that you need the cylinder head temperature sensor. The sensor only detects temperature and will not affect how the engine is overheating. The fact that you are getting this code is because you have an overheating problem. The overheating needs to be repaired prior to anything else. I would not worry about replacing the sensor. If you need to have this diagnosed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose why it is overheating] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection

ANSWER : You’ve got electrical problems. First, you’d want to check all the fuse boxes and all the fuses and relays. See if anything’s blown or not getting power and if anything’s out. If they all went out at once, you’ve got a main power loss somewhere. The wires shorted out are going to one of the doors or something. You’re going to have to trace that up. If it lost it gradually, one after the other, then my advice is to start by checking one component at a time. Start with one window and take the door apart. Check to see if the motors are working by putting power in the ground to it. Check to see if the switch is getting power and then when it sends power if it’s turned on. Analyze it bit by bit. It’s the best way to do it rather than doing them all at once.

If you need help having this diagnosed, have a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your home or office to inspect your electrical system.

ANSWER : Yes, definitely replace the cable. It was a design flaw on those, and as they get old, they short out internally. It happens all the time. And don’t just get those cheap splice kits and put it in and done. Buy the whole cable assembly. You don’t have to buy it at Ford, the aftermarket places sell them. But you’ve got to buy the new cable that’s new and sealed. This way you won’t have to think about buying it for years and years.

ANSWER : If you want to swap the 2002 and 2005 4.0 engine then there should be same basic engine will be the same but you will have different external components that will need to be swapped out to match the car it is going in. The one thing to see is the older engine will not have the variable valve control on some 2003 engines. You will need to verify before replacement. If it does not have the variable valve control then the engines cannot be swapped.