GT Mustangs

Greeny27 · 12-20-2012, 08:48 AM

Well its been about 3 weeks now and ive noticed my car has been driving a bit rough. Smells like gas upon start up and has been getting AWFUL gas milage 15.4MPG average. I recently replaced fuel filter, spark plugs, and wires as well as a oil change. I'm getting concerned that something is wrong. I also am running a bama street tune...... also i am currently on winter tires. Mod's are in my signature as well....... someone please help! If this helps i have about 52k miles 01 V6....... i drove it last week really lightly mostly city driving and got 15.9MPG :/

**Azure** · 12-20-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Well its been about 3 weeks now and ive noticed my car has been driving a bit rough. Smells like gas upon start up and has been getting AWFUL gas milage 15.4MPG average. I recently replaced fuel filter, spark plugs, and wires as well as a oil change. I'm getting concerned that something is wrong. I also am running a bama street tune...... also i am currently on winter tires. Mod's are in my signature as well....... someone please help! If this helps i have about 52k miles 01 V6....... i drove it last week really lightly mostly city driving and got 15.9MPG :/

Maybe your tune is running a little too rich..? That would explain the smell and the bad gas mileage. Maybe try switching back to the stock just long enough to tell if your probs go away. If they do, call up Bama and let them know and they'll adjust your tune.

Greeny27 · 12-20-2012, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

Maybe your tune is running a little too rich..? That would explain the smell and the bad gas mileage. Maybe try switching back to the stock just long enough to tell if your probs go away. If they do, call up Bama and let them know and they'll adjust your tune.

See thats what I was thinking...... can i use one of the strategy tunes to help fix my speedo for the 4.10's? I dont really know how to tune on my own.

**Azure** · 12-20-2012, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

See thats what I was thinking...... can i use one of the strategy tunes to help fix my speedo for the 4.10's? I dont really know how to tune on my own.

I think you could, but I'm not sure what the stragedy tune base is. It could be too agressive, maybe. You could certainly try that, altering only the gear adjustment and run with it for a time. If you still have the symtoms, then you could try the stock tune, knowing your speedo will be off during that time.

Greeny27 · 12-20-2012, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

I think you could, but I'm not sure what the stragedy tune base is. It could be too agressive, maybe. You could certainly try that, altering only the gear adjustment and run with it for a time. If you still have the symtoms, then you could try the stock tune, knowing your speedo will be off during that time.

Wount that rack up extra miles???

kickerofdoom · 12-20-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Wount that rack up extra miles???

Try some seafoam

**Azure** · 12-20-2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Wount that rack up extra miles???

Don't do Seafoam yet. Determine if your problem is the tune first.

With the stock tune...You'll only run it long enough to determine if the tune is your problem. You should know pretty quick as you'll stop smelling the gas. If the gas smell goes away with the stock tune, then call Bama and tell them what you did and they'll adjust your tune.

If your concerned about the miles and your in-accurate speedo, flash the Bama tune back on while you wait to hear from Bama.

**1slosix** · 12-20-2012, 10:37 AM

Sounds like a clogged cat to me if its not the tune...after driving the car for a bit at night look under the car... if one if your cats is glowing you know its clogged

Greeny27 · 12-20-2012, 10:48 AM

Thanks for all the pointers, thing is I only smell gas when its a cold start, another weird thing i noticed is that when im crusing around 2k ish with out the car shifting or me pushing on the gas or taking it off, the rpm's drop like 200ish then come back up..... and you can feel it.... idk thats not normal

**AMDanBailer** · 12-20-2012, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Well its been about 3 weeks now and ive noticed my car has been driving a bit rough. Smells like gas upon start up and has been getting AWFUL gas milage 15.4MPG average. I recently replaced fuel filter, spark plugs, and wires as well as a oil change. I'm getting concerned that something is wrong. I also am running a bama street tune...... also i am currently on winter tires. Mod's are in my signature as well....... someone please help! If this helps i have about 52k miles 01 V6....... i drove it last week really lightly mostly city driving and got 15.9MPG :/

I'm sorry to hear about the issue your experiencing. This sounds pretty odd considering you just did a lot of maintenance. It sounds like we need to look in your tune!

Give the Bama team a call and they'll make any necessary revisions and point you in the right direction! Our Bama Performance tuning specialists are here in the building Monday-Friday from 9AM-5:30PM EST and Saturday 9AM-5:30PM EST. You can hit them up directly at 888.226.9764.

-Dan

**Azure** · 12-20-2012, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Thanks for all the pointers, thing is I only smell gas when its a cold start, another weird thing i noticed is that when im crusing around 2k ish with out the car shifting or me pushing on the gas or taking it off, the rpm's drop like 200ish then come back up..... and you can feel it.... idk thats not normal

For the RPM fluctuations, do the idle re-learn and that should help. Slowsix, the V6's have the idle re-learn, correct?

Disconnected NEG from battery for 30 minutes.
Reconnected battery and started car letting in idle while the engine gets to temperature, then wait one minute.
Turn the AC to Max a little over one minute, then turn off.
Then go drive the car for about 10 miles.

DaBluedude · 12-20-2012, 11:13 AM

It could be a long shot but I've seen it before. Does your car feel like it's not pulling as hard as normal? I ask because what it makes me think of is a clogged cat. If you don't have any luck with the tunes etc. I would maybe look into the cats being your issue. Only other reasons I could see for your problem is a fuel/spark issue.

Greeny27 · 12-20-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMDanBailer

I'm sorry to hear about the issue your experiencing. This sounds pretty odd considering you just did a lot of maintenance. It sounds like we need to look in your tune!

Give the Bama team a call and they'll make any necessary revisions and point you in the right direction! Our Bama Performance tuning specialists are here in the building Monday-Friday from 9AM-5:30PM EST and Saturday 9AM-5:30PM EST. You can hit them up directly at 888.226.9764.

-Dan

Thanks Dan! My cars been doing this awhile, with a couple different tunes from you guys

---------- Post added at 05:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:20 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

For the RPM fluctuations, do the idle re-learn and that should help. Slowsix, the V6's have the idle re-learn, correct?

[*]Disconnected NEG from battery for 30 minutes.
[*]Reconnected battery and started car letting in idle while the engine gets to temperature, then wait one minute.
[*]Turn the AC to Max a little over one minute, then turn off.
[*]Then go drive the car for about 10 miles.

Im going to give that a shot!

---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBluedude

It could be a long shot but I've seen it before. Does your car feel like it's not pulling as hard as normal? I ask because what it makes me think of is a clogged cat. If you don't have any luck with the tunes etc. I would maybe look into the cats being your issue. Only other reasons I could see for your problem is a fuel/spark issue.

Idk, i have a custom exaust and only two cats..... no clue what brand or if stock cats, when i start my car up tomorrow morning ill see if smoke comes out evenly from both sides

Greeny27 · 12-20-2012, 01:33 PM

Ok i just did the relearn and she feels better to drive. Ill update when i get to the gas station in the next few days

Greeny27 · 01-07-2013, 11:12 AM

Alright I need everyone's help again, filled up yesterday, 15.58 Mpg the cats don't glow after a long ride. Idk what could be wrong. Any ideas? I talked to a friend today and she said since its colder our cars get worse mpg? That true? It's still like in the 30s here and my car is parked inside most nights. I'm lost guys!

**Project Pony** · 01-07-2013, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Alright I need everyone's help again, filled up yesterday, 15.58 Mpg the cats don't glow after a long ride. Idk what could be wrong. Any ideas? I talked to a friend today and she said since its colder our cars get worse mpg? That true? It's still like in the 30s here and my car is parked inside most nights. I'm lost guys!

Colder is better for power and fuel economy. What kills mpgs in cold weather is people letting their car idle forever so that its nice and toasty inside. If your cats had been glowing at somepoint, you really need to get it on a lift and have the cats checked and probably replaced. Bad cats will murder fuel economy.

Is there a cel?

**Azure** · 01-07-2013, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

Alright I need everyone's help again, filled up yesterday, 15.58 Mpg the cats don't glow after a long ride. Idk what could be wrong. Any ideas? I talked to a friend today and she said since its colder our cars get worse mpg? That true? It's still like in the 30s here and my car is parked inside most nights. I'm lost guys!

I'm seeing about a 2 MPG drop since winter hit. I hear that it is normal to see a drop in MPG, but not sure how much. I also let my car warm up, so it idles for several minutes on the really cold days.

Greeny27 · 01-07-2013, 12:06 PM

See I hardly let my car idle when it's cold out. I brought up the glowing cats cuz I was told to check that. I figured cold weather the better my car would run. It seems like my rpms like to drop suddenly and come backup this only happens when accelerating.

**Azure** · 01-07-2013, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeny27

See I hardly let my car idle when it's cold out. I brought up the glowing cats cuz I was told to check that. I figured cold weather the better my car would run. It seems like my rpms like to drop suddenly and come backup this only happens when accelerating.

It should because the air is colder and more dense. This also means it will require more fuel as well. How much lower of MPG are you getting?

**Project Pony** · 01-07-2013, 12:15 PM

Check your spark plugs. Also, when is the last time you changed your fuel filter? Do you have any trouble codes?

Letting the vehicle idle will cost you some mpg. But also, during winter, gas station switch to a different blend of fuel, which isnt as great as what you would get in the warmer monthes.

Your problem doesnt sound like cold, or fuel blend. If your not throwing an engine code, it could be your fuel filter or spark plugs. Especially if your only getting issues with acceleration. Those are good places to start. Check that and get back to us.

**Azure** · 01-07-2013, 12:18 PM

Here's some info about cold weather MPG.

Getting better gas mileage in warm weather? Here's why...

Skulls98GT · 01-07-2013, 12:18 PM

Cold weather means cold dens air. Means you need more fuel, otherwise you will run lean. Your computer monitors air fuel ratio and compensates for it. Run to lean and stuff gets hot and damaged, to rich and you foul out plugs and get crap for power.
You can expect to see up to 5+mpg drop depending on what you drive. My F150 gets about 7mpg less in the winter.

**Project Pony** · 01-07-2013, 12:29 PM

If I had and issue where my v6 was getting 15 mpg, I wouldnt chaulk it up to cold weather. I dont drive very efficiently, and still average 22 around town in the winter. Sub zero temps in northern Montana didnt effect the mileage on any of my vehicles significantly.

Its never a bad idea to do some checks and preventive maintenance.

Skulls98GT · 01-07-2013, 12:43 PM

Oil that's as thick as molasses upon start up, let idle to warm, cold dense air, winter blend gas, and un-dry pavement conditions, all add up. The link Azure posted is right on!!! If you are getting the same in the winter as in summer I want to know your secret.

**Azure** · 01-07-2013, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Project Pony

If I had and issue where my v6 was getting 15 mpg, I wouldnt chaulk it up to cold weather. I dont drive very efficiently, and still average 22 around town in the winter. Sub zero temps in northern Montana didnt effect the mileage on any of my vehicles significantly.

Its never a bad idea to do some checks and preventive maintenance.

I don't think any of us are telling OP not to check the things you mentioned.

As for your MPG's in cold weather, you probably didn't record them at every gas refill either. I'm only seeing 1.5 to 2 MPG loss and I warm my car up for several minutes when it's freezing or below. I'm not really going to the gas station more than I can remember going in the summer, but I sure see it in my data. Plus, this is probably different for different types of engines.

Skulls98GT · 01-07-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

I don't think any of us are telling OP not to check the things you mentioned.

As for your MPG's in cold weather, you probably didn't record them at every gas refill either. I'm only seeing 1.5 to 2 MPG loss and I warm my car up for several minutes when it's freezing or below. I'm not really going to the gas station more than I can remember going in the summer, but I sure see it in my data. Plus, this is probably different for different types of engines.

Right, newer vehicles should not have as bad of a drop. A: They are newer. Lol. B: better technology.

Skulls98GT · 01-07-2013, 01:09 PM

I missed the post I about the OP having the RPMs drop while cruising at 2k. Sorry. Wondering now if its the tune as well. On occasion I have the same problem, when I'm driving in town at lower RPMs. But mine is in the summer as well. (Don't drive her in the winter) it doesn't do it very often (when it does its quite noticeable) its never thrown a code and does not happen very often. So I haven't worried to much about it. It's a 98.... Can't expect it to be perfect.

**Project Pony** · 01-07-2013, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azure

I don't think any of us are telling OP not to check the things you mentioned.

As for your MPG's in cold weather, you probably didn't record them at every gas refill either. I'm only seeing 1.5 to 2 MPG loss and I warm my car up for several minutes when it's freezing or below. I'm not really going to the gas station more than I can remember going in the summer, but I sure see it in my data. Plus, this is probably different for different types of engines.

I run all my fillups through my fuel log software, I keep close track of my fuel economy on all my vehicles. Once again, no significant drop in fuel economy. Key word significant. The op is reporting 15mpg. Thats a significant decrease over what he should be getting. 1 to even 3 or 4 mpg is small and understandable for winter.

Skulls98GT · 01-07-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Project Pony

I run all my fillups through my fuel log software, I keep close track of my fuel economy on all my vehicles. Once again, no significant drop in fuel economy. Key word significant. The op is reporting 15mpg. Thats a significant decrease over what he should be getting. 1 to even 3 or 4 mpg is small and understandable for winter.

What does an '01 sixer normally get?

sam62893 · 01-07-2013, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skulls98GT

What does an '01 sixer normally get?

I have an 01 V6. The motor isn't horrible but it has issues. And I get about 250 miles per tank 280 if I don't floor it. I'm having a brain fart right now so I forgot how to calculate mpg

**Azure** · 01-07-2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam62893

I have an 01 V6. The motor isn't horrible but it has issues. And I get about 250 miles per tank 280 if I don't floor it. I'm having a brain fart right now so I forgot how to calculate mpg

Maybe 20 to 24..?

I've heard many a weird symptom can occur when the alternator is dying. Sometimes codes are thrown, sometimes not. Project Pony, do you think OP should check his alternator?

Also wondering is you are seeing any codes?

Skulls98GT · 01-07-2013, 01:46 PM

Yes I would say if more than 5mpg (unless its a truck) there must be a problem.

Rough idle could be cracked or disconnected vacuum line. But that would trip the engine light.

Moisture in the gas could be it as well. Probably not going to cause such a drop though. But a bottle of Heat is cheap and never hurts anyway.

**Project Pony** · 01-07-2013, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam62893

I have an 01 V6. The motor isn't horrible but it has issues. And I get about 250 miles per tank 280 if I don't floor it. I'm having a brain fart right now so I forgot how to calculate mpg

250 is 16.2 mpg

I get between 300-330 on average putting in 13 gallons per fill up. I only get less than 300 on a tank if I partake in some spirited driving. On the highway if I keep it at 60 I get between 360 and 385.

Im averaging over the last two years 24.72 mpg city and on my regular trips to myrtle beach 28.61 highway.

**Azure** · 01-07-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Project Pony

250 is 16.2 mpg

I get between 300-330 on average putting in 13 gallons per fill up. I only get less than 300 on a tank if I partake in some spirited driving. On the highway if I keep it at 60 I get between 360 and 385.

Im averaging over the last two years 24.72 mpg city and on my regular trips to myrtle beach 28.61 highway.

What size gas tanks do your cars have? 15 Gal?