OT...98 Mustang miss/jerk question

[BILLANDLISA HORTON]

I have a 98 3.8 liter standard trans mustang that jerks when going along in 5th gear at about 55 to 60 just steady cruising. it is pretty subtle...sometimes more noticable than others. little jerks like it's missing...but there doesn't appear to be a miss in the motor at all. Idles perfect. Reved still no miss. It has 172,000 miles on it but has been taken really good care of. has new plugs, new wires, new air filter, new feul filter, and new pcv valve. could this be the clutch? doesn't slip at all that I can tell...no problem pulling hills, pulling out...etc...... no codes or problems when hooked to the computer. ANy ideas???? Thanks.

 

[Todd Z]

Could simply be slop in the gears.... Do you maintain the same throttle position while it does it??....

Todd Z

 

[walter clark]

TPS (throtle postition sensor) I have had 3 fords with this issue go bad, some more severe than otthers. My ol 89 cougar and our last stang (both 3.8 V6 i think) had very similat issues. I was going to replace but was told that there are 4 or 5 variations of these and the exact match has to be put back. Any way had it replaced and fixed problem all 3 times. From what I understand there built much like a potentiometer (variable resistor) and over time can develop dead spots thats why it has no effect in idle and in reves it usealy isnt noticed.

 

[BILLANDLISA HORTON]

Yep Todd same throttle position. I've even set the cruise at 55 to make sure I was holding steady. Walter how much does a throttle position sensor cost and where is it located on the car? Can I install? THanks

 

[walter clark]

It is at the butterfly where the throttle cable runs in to the linkage. On mine it was like on the oppisite side from the cable and linkage and it is usaly a blackish plastic with 2 to 3 small screws holding it in there. As for replaceing it yourself I dont se why not I just didnt have the time or want to replace so I took it to the dealer. I think it was about in the $150 ish range +/- 15 for parts labor and all. Cant rember what each cost last time was about 3 or 4 yrs ago. I looked on the net for a pic but all I could find is the sensor it self ill post a link to parts america (advance auto) there saying $25.94 for one.

 

[Todd Z]

Here is my 98 v6, Look where the Chrome intake meets the motor, You will see the IAC motor on top, The TPS is just to the right of that and down, IT is held on with 2 screws..

Hope this helps

Todd Z

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