In general the best and safest method is to use the timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and the camshaft pulleys. If no work has been done on the engine a simple way is to listen to the engine as it is running. An engine that is out of time when at idle and being revved will run unevenly, have rough acceleration and possibly a lack of power. If it is really far out of timing it will make lots of nasty noises as the valves hit the pistons.
If your setting up the engine after major work, like a timing belt change or a head gasket replacement, You MUST use the timing marks on the crank and camshaft pulleys to avoid doing serious damage.
Better to buy a Battery Charger than a new battery. If it is 6 years old, fair enough, but they are so easy to charge with a 6 amp or 10 amp charger.
You need a key fob and you need all the spare keys pairing. Call a mobile auto electrician. His pro grade scan tool computer will diagnose any problems and code all the keys. If any of those keys are within 10 feet of the ignition lock, and incorrectly coded they are going to confuse the system.
https://www.google.com/search?q=mobile+auto+electrician+near+me
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Bad wiring connection somewhere. Finding it is the problem, because it could be anywhere. Look underneath for scuffed connectors.https://www.google.com/search?q=1998+Ford+Mustang+V6+automatic.+When+hitting+a+bump+the+radio+turns+off..
" dim headlights "? None of your lights should be 'dim'. You have 4 lights.
Side Lights.
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Low Beam Headlights.
High Beam Headlights.
Here are the fuses, check fuse 5 and D although they covers more items than lights. Your best bet is to find a good local auto-electrician.
we cant hear it.
any own with 22 year old car and drove it for 22 year
will hear noises for sure not serviced/.
we can guess what is knocking 3000 parts to a car.
engine or trans, brakes or suspension, wheel bearings or what/
why not ask the living this, in person called a shop.
we are blind and deaf here, so all we can to is guess wrong.
here is my wild useless guess
EGR fails and engine knocks.
called ENGINE STALLS. and no engine told at all, nor transmission
3.8L
4.6L (2V)
4.6L (4V) = valve count per cyl.
stick shift M/T ,or A/T box.??? (a/t clutch can jam)
or will not sustain running. (I can not see it stall or hear it)
there are a huge list of causes and 20 or more tests
I can do a 100 pages text, just on this. causes are vast.
test 1:
with fast right foot at start can you keep it running?????
ever get a tune up fully in 25 years>? oops
test 2 of 100
start engine with , radio and blower and head lamps all on
do they all go dead at STALL, (as engine stalls )
try new spark spark plugs and HV wire sets, if distributor there, cap and rotor new? (not there sure) but wire sets are. there.
spark plugs 200k miles old? 100k is max max.
clean filters?
battery main 12vdc charged fully and lugs clean.?
oil lever good
fuel pressure good
engine cylinder compression tests pass. over 150psi.
if all electrics die at stall that means some kind if 12vdc power loss.
fuses all good?
scan the PCM is best to see if it sees errors, called DTC,
like P03xx errors that kill spark. or show any problems.
and more we must scan first, or waste vast amounts if time gue$$ing
looks like all 3 engines use wasted spark , no distributor
one engine has 3 coil pack to run 6cylinders.
others have 2x2 packs the V*8
I will stop here NO ENGINE TOLD AT All and I flat refuse to do all 3.
the car needs service, using tools and skills.
you can check fuse
you can scan it,
you can try to start the engine in Neutral.
or start car with driven wheels (L/R) raised unloading tranny if it is jammed.
jumper cable jump starts off line other car running , battery theirs
this solves 12vdc power uses on some.
Question edited for clarity.
Out Fixya Pro Technician has the answer to this question from back in July! It must have had spam on it and has been removed.
Jeff Armer Jul 13, 2022
Hook up a scan tool (a professional grade scan tool ) and check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes in all the modules (computers) on the vehicle . One or more will probably have a code stored to tell you what might be wrong.
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you did it wrong./
most cars to make 2nd key or more needs 1 good key to start
rule #2 the lock smith only makes keys , and can NOT fix
the bad parts in the car, key receiver, or PCM or BCM or there marriage . no can do, only autorepair shops or dealer. t
this is by law, and it works, cars can not be stolen, and is why you fail to know, (this is all by DESIGN and laws here USA)
other countries can be less or more strict, not told yours.
He is not a car tech.
the service manual covers al this ,read it/
