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:

    Steering System (Description and Operation)
    The steering system has a typical rack-and-pinion design consisting of the following: Steering System Components - 3.8L Engine (CII Power Steering Pump)   Steering System Components - 4.6L Engine (CIII Power Steering Pump)   ...

    Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)
    If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Ford Motor Company. If NHTSA receives si ...

    Assembly
    1. Install the locking lever cam and pin. 2. Install the lock actuator lever and pin. 3. Install the lock actuator lever return spring. 4. Install the ignition lock cylinder lockout lever. 5. NOTE: The lock lever with two teeth is installed on the left ...