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:

    Normal Schedule
    The following checks or procedures should be carried out for all cars, minivans, light trucks, sport utilities, vans, 4x4s, natural gas and propane vehicles. 8,000 Km (5,000 Miles) Change engine oil and install a new oil filter. Rotate tires and inspect fo ...

    Coupling
    Removal and Installation 1. CAUTION: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated the clockspring must be re ...

    Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Actuator - 3.8L
    Removal and Installation 1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to Section. 2. Drain the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Section. 3. Remove the upper intake manifold. For additional informat ...