HELP! ENGINE SMOKE from my FOX BODY MUSTANG! MUCH WORSE Than I Thought

[@3rdgenfox]

Wires need to be replaced and they cant be ziptied together either they need space apart becuz of the current goin through the wires...also congrats on having over 10k🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@dwaynesurratt]

I think that wire plugs into the ac compressor it looks like the plug was open. Give it a tune up new plugs, cap , rotor

[@noelhinrichs2262]

As a father of a female, grand dad and long time gear head I have such admiration for you and your love for all things car. You appear to be doing these car repairs on your own and with no real mentor and back up. You are amazing and deserve soo much credit. Stick to it and never give up. 👍👍👍

[@car_lifepassion252]

Change the ingition wires if its sparking

[@rdmachines8992]

Pretty sure that plugs goes to the coolant overflow tank cap

[@fotiii1]

Yeah if you look at the video early on you can see the coolant overflow is unplugged. Good luck👍🦊

[@Shakerhood69]

Definitely looks like the coolant overflow plug.

[@kevinjohnson9736]

I'd buy a new set of spark plug wires. That style of Mustang is one of my favorites. The second style also. Actually I love them all....lol

[@mel_s197]

Haha I feel the same, all mustangs are awesome

[@A1ssk]

Hope not the v6 trash or 4 now smh

[@kevinjohnson9736]

@@A1ssk No, Just the V8's. As for color, I prefer Grabber Blue.

[@omarmoran3097]

Yeah I was saying the same thing every time i get a new used car I always change the spark plugs and if I can the timing belt. Cause u will never know when the last time they changed it

[@mitchellkisinger1963]

I love your channel. Keep up the good work. Your enthusiasm for Mustangs and learning to work on them is awesome! My wife and I crack up with the way you always throw in the "that's what she said" comments.😂

[@MorbidThrasher666]

Found another fox channel,woohoo. Glad u fixed most of the problems and btw love the pants :) Subbed.

[@peterplowman7800]

Great video GDM, I'm an SN95 fan myself, but I can understand the appeal of the Fox. 1:32 - Plug wire insulation has broken down allowing the spark from the coil to go somewhere else (in your case, the arcing has pock marked the valve covers in this shot). 2:15 - that connector plugs into the top (that is, the 12 o'clock position, close to the pulley) of the AC compressor (you're literally about 7-8 inches away from where it goes at this time stamp); if you want to get the AC system going it'll need to be plugged in (also you'll need a compressor suction line, discharge line, liquid line, AC receiver/dryer assembly, the bracket for that assembly, a low pressure switch (that plugs into that gray connector by the passenger side firewall), and a high pressure switch (which plugs in close to the passenger side front of the car); also you'll need a condenser if you don't have one). Battery going dead? No clue but be wary of anything that didn't come on the car from the factory. Blinker? Same - the headlight switch is different on Fox and SN95 (the SN95 ones from the early years tend to melt, so be aware that your SN95 may start having issues, but replacement is a pretty quick job, even if you have to cut the harness wiring). Just keep fixing things and eventually you'll run out of stuff to fix (hopefully, though money is also something you can run out of on restorations)! I hope you find this helpful, have a great day!

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

holy cow thank you sooo much for all of this great information!! I think we are in the minority liking the SN95. But we need to stay strong together 😆💪😍

[@sjtucker806]

Wonderful job GDM! So glad you found the fix. Two things to consider, 1- New plug wires are a must replace if they are shorting like that. 2- In future and especially on newer models never disconnect the battery like that when the car is running. You can cause the voltage regulator to over-supply the engine computer and fry your electronics. A better way is to take a digital multimeter (15 bucks at any home improvement store) and test the battery terminals. You should see 11.0 to 12.5 volts when the car is off and 13.4 to 14.2 volts if the alternator is working when the car is running. So much good luck and support as you continue this journey!!!

[@scottjohnson1210]

Check the visors to see if the light stays on and the glove box

[@chudster08]

The visor vanity mirror lights were my problem

[@edwardsalinas3627]

love your videos. You show dedication to learn and to not be afraid to show it. You ask question, admit when you're not certain about things and exhibit personal drive. The community is great and helpful as well. Hope you continue to grow (as well as your channel) and have a lot of success.

[@FredSallam]

Parasitic draw generally happens when you have multiple systems competing for current. In my 1967 Shelby GT350 Mustang I had to upgrade my alternator to 150 amp to make sure my throttle body fuel injection system and stereo had enough current to run at the same time. Judging by the frayed spark plug wires your fox body also needs new spark plug wires, cap and rotor, coil, and spark plugs-what happens is that your car’s computer is trying to constantly adjust fuel, electricity, and air to achieve a Stoichiometry based on damaged components which also can lead to premature wear of other components.

[@jovansolomon9871]

The plug is for your coolant level sensor. It's suppose to be plugged in on your overflow cap. For your turn signals check the flasher. It's that round thing in your fuse box under the steering wheel

[@justinlovince8816]

I had a 95 sn95. I originally was looking for a fox body but a friend of mine have me a good deal on the sn95 with several upgrades and after owning one for a few years I fell in love with it. I do think they are the most underrated model of mustang

[@highdensitynetwork]

Good job. These older cars always need love. It's very rewarding to tinker with them and get things fixed!

[@charlieconnelly4988]

Turn signal issue may be your multi function switch in the column. My 97 gt went out twice. Draw may be the radio, check all the fuses in engine bay and under dash. Radio if it's the original two deck system the radio has to be plugged into the seperate CD player

[@petercollins1803]

It is great to see another Mustang Girl. I have a 94 Gt Convertible!!! LOVE IT and it doubles as my chara at for kids...Spidery and Batmobile

[@Metlupass2]

Looks like you need a new speedo cable as well. I can see it bouncing around on you. You should do a basic tune up. It's not hard to do. Spark plugs, wires, cap, and rotor.

[@etherrien19841]

Ha ha I noticed the same thing

[@dzrotary]

Hi Check the flasher or check the fuse with a tester.Also check the hazard switch and wiggle it back and fourth a couple of times to clean the contacts.Sometimes there is old grease and does not allow the contact to meet. Good luck and great job fixing the idler valve

[@LurchSLOWVGT]

Usually the trays at the autoparts store pull out even farther than you did and they keep boxes of bolts to refill the tray sometimes it just doesent get refilled

[@briansloat3625]

Replace the spark plug wires. They are worn out if they are shorting/arcing. Check all the fuses. May have some blown fuses. Once you verify all the fuses are good, you can move on to other troubleshooting. Always check to easy stuff first. On a side note, the trip to Ogden involved 12+ hour days. Weather was nice enough to top the top on the 2020 EcoBoost Vert, I had as a rental. Also the mufflers are boxed up, just need to know where to send them.

[@anthonymuro1642]

The wire plugs into the cap on coolant overflow bottle. The draw is probably the light under the sun visor. I would do plugs wires cap and rotor.

[@davidbroman5840]

I had the same power problem on my 89, it’s due to bad grounding issues... check and see if your negative battery terminal gets super warm after driving.

[@the10rking]

Usually if the car just dies while driving it’s the TFI module in the distributor it over heats , that wire goes to the a/c compressor it unplugged

[@kevinjohnson5280]

I'll be at Mustang Week! Been every year for last 10 years or so. You're gonna love it! Make sure you go to all the events if you're going all week, ie.. Retro Meet, multiple meet and greets, cruise-ins, Fox Body Cruise (if you're bringing the fox)...etc. If you have time, check out the Mustang Owner's Museum in Concord, NC as well. Hope to meet you there!

[@TheNova64000]

Get a volt meter, disconnect the battery cable , and run the the meter between the battery cable and the battery to see if it is drawing power. Try to isolate the draw by removing fuses one by one until the meter shows that the battery isn't drawing power anymore. Personally I'd start with the radio since it is having issues. Maybe it wasn't wired right. If the power wire that is only suppose to have power when the key is on, was wired to a power source that is constantly energized, that would drain the battery. Also look for anything electrically that appears to have been messed with by the previous owner...

[@HeadrushStudio21228]

Blinker not working is most likely the ignition switch under the steering wheel. It’s a common problem. Can be a fire hazard too. Mine did that when I got it

[@sHiFtY-5-oh]

flasher relay is most likely what causing the blinkers to not work its up behind your hvac controls on 90-93 foxs

[@brandonmetz3972]

Get a separator for your plug wires after changing them to make sure they don’t touch. if they do, they can possibly melt where they meet and have cross fire between inconsistencies in the insulation which could be your power draw,

[@DanielLopez-ht4ov]

Check for blinker fluid and if it doesn’t work look for the fuse box and the relays. Or might be the build might be out too

[@coletrick8748]

So basically the previous owner used an aftermarket bolt that was too short? How did it not just fall out? I’m confused 🤷‍♂️

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

I have NO idea how it stayed in for so long! I think it was hanging on with one thread and a prayer lol 😂

[@1savg93]

Check your turn signal flasher behind the glove box usually. I think its different places depending on the year.

[@blainecouch1766]

The spark plug wires are old and the insulation has cracked. They spark all the time but its hard to see during the day. Replace the spark plug wires and do plugs while you are replacing the wires. And the connector goes to the front of the AC compressor and operates the fan clutch when you turn the AC on.

[@FIXR7]

it seems I was correct about the unmetered air but it was coming from the loose ISC valve. The ISC normally has std. hex head bolts. As others have said; Get a new set of ignition leads and get a quality set of separators. btw get leads that are an exact fit and from my point of view, get grey or black ones because it makes them "disappear" in the engine bay.

[@427lucky]

While you look for the current draw you can get a negative disconnect switch ( or just take off the negative battery lead if your not going to be using the car for a few days. Battery will be fine when you connect to go.

[@Groovemachine41]

For turn signals...check fuse first. If fuse ok, check the flasher/relay at bottom of dash near steering column. Could also be a bad turn signal switch. You can also lubricate the speedometer cable to get rid of the shaky speedometer needle. Smoke from engine bay most likely caused by leaking valve cover gaskets...then oil leaks down on exhaust manifolds. Love the Fox body's ...I have a 87 GT

[@itspk4209]

The best part about everything you do is the fact you dont give up and always try for a different solution 💯

[@jvanausdeln]

When the engine heats up it causes the wires to heat up and fail by their design, replace the wires to fix your issue #1. Also ford distributor caps are notorious for these years to be extremely loose by design, check your cap for tightness (by wiggling the cap on distributor) and replace if can be moved around, or inspect the cap closely for cracks. Also the module on the side of the distributor tends to get weak with age and cause spark breakup (the jump you see in the tac), it should have heat paste under it and that is a good tell of age. Enjoying the videos and always happy to see new people learning new things. I’ve been a professional technician for a while and learning is what keeps us all entertained.

[@jvanausdeln]

(Look up your ICM and read about what it is to understand)

[@Evil-E-69]

Love the Foxbody that was the car we all wanted in High school. Glad to see you taking care of it. Like a lot of others said on here change out the plugs wires and cap and that will help you on the some other electrical issues. Will be watching to see how it all comes along!

[@spydaman2022]

You did a great job! If you want to fix your bouncing speedometer… You'll have to replace the cable

[@michaelmeynier5045]

Definitely, I saw that too. Needs a new cable, wouldn’t hurt to upgrade that

[@spydaman2022]

Michael Meynier Yes I had an 87 t tops And a 90 hardtop both five speeds and both at one point had the wobbling speedometer LOL

[@michaelmeynier5045]

S P Y D A M A N yea same here. When I bought my latest fox that was one of the first things I replaced.

[@spydaman2022]

Michael Meynier Be prepared to replace more😂🤣😂 Love the foxes I'm actually looking for one

[@tmccutchan8022]

I 💘 love love love the SN95! It was the first video I watched on the channel!!! Love love love 💘 the SN95!

[@tinabutkus4619]

Far as your blinker not working check your flasher switch. Under the dash and check the fuse for the turn signals And if needed replace a bulb in the rear taillight socket ! Hope it’s a help ?

[@HotRod9967]

Welcome to the world of car repair, it's a pain sometimes but always worth it in the end, good luck !

[@ceeph36]

Sun visor lights are notorious in the foxes for draining the battery. Just snip the wire going to them cause if it isnt an issue now it will be in the future. If you saw sparks in the ignition wires then you definitely need to replace the plug wires.

[@bretthibbs6083]

the idle issue is for sure the idle control valve. The spark plug wires need to be replaced immediately. it could be a blown fuse for the blinker. I would check all the fuses

[@ralphpineo9584]

Check bulbs for the turn signal and or the flasher that is located in the fuse panel under and to left of the steering column.

[@2000blackstang]

Blinker is probably the relay that's in the fuse box under the hood. Replace that and it should work.

[@phantomfox9093]

Ignition switch plug under dash bolted to colum is the most common problem for foxes plug separates from itself causing the car to start and run then will not restart later.

[@itsraheem]

you are literally learning so much working on your own car!!! keep going it has been fun watching you grow.

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

Thanks! Will do! 😊

[@gtnos1993]

The empty plug goes to the AC compressor, and the sparking is from bad plug wires so to a complete cap, rotor and plugs also. lastly the blinker is the multi switch on the steering column is bad just replace the whole blinker switch.

[@dcreager3]

The wire don't spark when cold, as the wires get hot the silocone gets week alowing the week spots to spark.

[@marklafollett6266]

Also, your multifunction switch could cause your blinkers not to work. Check your fuses first and the bulbs.

[@Mustangguy9702]

Disconnect the negative battery cable and hook up a multi meter in series between the ground cable and the ground on the battery. Switch the meter to amps. You wanna see .05a draw. So if your higher than that start pulling fuses one at a time until the draw disappears

[@shawnmass1274]

You were wondering about your turn signal? It probably needs a new turn signal switch. You can replace the whole turn signal knob, just loosen a couple screws under your steering wheel and pop the cover off (steering wheel cover) and find a new one on Amazon for like $20-$30. The switch is built in to the turn signal knob. Then just plug in the new one and put cover back on. Easy fix!

[@patrickkovacs2785]

Happy to see you fixed the revving issue. Until you can look for the battery drain issue, you could disconnect the battery if you plan to leave it parked for a little while to save it.

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

Not a bad idea actually! Thank you! But until then, I need to keep it hooked up to see if my battery keeps draining

[@patrickkovacs2785]

@@GirlsDigMustangs good point! I had a 96 mustang in college and now 8 years later I have a 2020 Ecoboost. Really impressed with it. It's a lot more powerful than I anticipated. Your videos are a ton of fun to watch!

[@5fifty794]

Yes the plug looks like it goes to the a/c compressor. A good first mod would to replace the TB with a bigger one like a 65MM. Check you fuses for the blinkers not working. I would also due a full tune-up: clean the MAF sensor, change the plugs, fuel filter, cap and rotor. Get new ignition wires with loom dividers too! Hope this helps.

[@heavychevyss2784]

blinker fuse under the dAsh cost 12 bucks and is under the dashboard by the steering column

[@steveskrobot9496]

I agree,the Fox is the favorite! With your blinkers,first check your fuse,if the fuse is fine, the flasher unit could need replacing.Its a small cylinder shape thing usually located down under the dash near the column.Easy to replace,only a few dollars at the auto parts shop.Hope you solve the problem!

[@mg52977]

check the fuses that's possibly why your signals aren't working.. and change the spark plu wires that's why its sparking ..it wont cause a draw from the battery..as far as that loose wire look along the firewall and see if anything is loose from there or under the harness

[@JWGARCIA79]

"It may be too long," again thats what she said 😆 😆 😆

[@steveroberts8651]

The draw could be a starter problem being your draw on the battery. I just had this problem with Jeep Grand Cherokee. 3 batteries and an alternator later replaced starter now no problems starting Jeep. Love the videos keep'em coming

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

I hope not! Sounds like it could be SOO many different things 😭

[@Mark-fg6si]

Might be a fuse for the blinkers and the radio antenna may not be plugged into the back of the radio

[@ramonc1]

the cable go in the air condition compressor right on front

[@kemosabegt350geuss6]

If you have a parasitic draw and someone has installed an aftermarket radio that is the first place to look. When a butcher is looking for a power source they start nicking and probing into wires. Good starting point.Les Harp had a good suggestion. Plug wires need separation. Get some wire separators they are inexpensive and available at most part stores. You go girl!

[@californiakev1071]

The fuse for the blinkers are on the right side of the dash it’s kinda behind the radio area

[@464camaro]

The battery draw can be tested by the car in the off position. Them undo the ground battery cable. The tap the negative battery pole. If it sparks then there is something in the car drawing power. The spark will be small not big depending on the draw. The wires will light up when they are too old and need replacement.

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

Thanks for this tip! I will have to try this 🙏

[@James-sir]

You can always cut the bolts shorter if they are to long

[@62bigblu]

If the bulb works on the blinker check the flasher. Its behind the glovebox if I remember correctly. It was a while ago when I replaced mine.

[@dwaynesurratt]

Also on the blinker it is probably the blinker switch. The thing that you push up/down

[@stevelong6164]

A/C compressor wire, the connector is at the top of the compressor pulley. Huge vac leak from your IAC, fix that first and see what other issues calm down. You’ll need to do wires, cap, rotor and plugs.

[@adamlunsford9822]

Try replacing the Relay switch for your turn blinkers. I had a 93 LX and the blinkers would work but really slow. The relay is not hard to do at all and i would change the plugs and wires also if the wires have cracks in them.

[@musclecargaming8618]

If I recall when you first bought these mustangs you wanted to keep them stock yet now you want to upgrade them.😂 truly a mustang lover in my eyes

[@6spd85notch]

The spark plug wires are old and dry so the spark is jumping from wire to wire. If you touch the wires you’ll most likely get zapped. Time for plugs and wires and a distributor cap. A tune up. Make sure the gap is right on the spark plugs when you change them and make sure they’re tight because the washer on the plug has to flatten. The iac is common sense.

[@larryparton9061]

The plug goes to your ac compressor and if it’s smoking when you first start up it’s valve seals

[@bigerv6535]

Hi..your great check the fuse for your blinkers if ot that change ur flasher... Try that and see if it fix ur problem....

[@ttstang43]

imo on the sn95's, the right suspension and wheels make them look damn good... you can make them fast as anything can be made fast.. reason there not sought after they are the slowest of the stangs because its when ford decided a different route power plant wise!! mustang week is freaking awesome... i love it.. 2017 is when i went... cant wait to get back!!!

[@rayrayd9958]

Mustang week in Myrtle Beach is the best in the nation !! Labor Day week....its still a go even with CoVid....look it up for exact dates in September

[@gtnos1993]

The car she has is a 5.0 car not a shit non PI 4.6...

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

Yes I completely agree Brad! The Sn95's, when done right, look REALLY good. I am going to do some light mods for engine, appearance, and suspension to make this look amazing.

[@kyleknittle8661]

And for the turn signal is it only the right one or do both sides not work

[@azactor]

I had a 1995 6-cyl for 10 years (bought it new). Then I had a 1995 Convertible GT, Black-on-Black for about 5 years. Now I have a 2003 GT that I've been driving for 9 years now.

[@donnivantatum]

About your blinker problem...im pretty sure you have checked your fuses? A couple years ago when I had my fox body I was jumping it off and my cousin put the jumper cables on backwards and it sparked of course...afterwards my blinkers would not work so I would check the wires to the turn signals or something along that path...hope this helps👍🏾

[@marklafollett6266]

Definitely change plugs and wires. Mine did the same thing. Buy the spacers that separate the wires, you don’t want them touching.

[@franciscochakorta5747]

Buy a ignition tuneup kit! It comes with sparkplugs,distributor cap,rotor ignition, ignition wire set,dielectric grease. It sound like it needs a full tuneup...

[@stephenvelden295]

Those wires that are sparking are the spark plug leads. They only have electrical power while the engine is running. Be careful as they are very high voltage. Don't touch them while the engine is running! They need replacing but don't use cable ties to hold them together. Use the correct spark plug wire separators. The accelerator cable needs more lube than that. You need to take off one end and drown it with lube and then hold it up so the lube runs down inside. Move the inner cable in and out for a few minutes too. As for your radio and indicators, first check the fuses. The indicator problem could also be the flasher can but if you have several things not working, it is usually a blown fuse.

[@davidr5340]

My turn signal flasher was located under the dash on the drivers side but that is for a 2001 mustang GT. your flasher might be in same location

[@hectorotani27]

start with all grounds , motor to frame and so on ,blinkers afte u check bulbs check connection at steering wheel , make sure its pushed in all the way ...

[@LurchSLOWVGT]

Check all fuses and relays that should fix your blinkers and radio hopefully

[@brandonshipley3992]

your starting issue might be caused by the ignition switch. there known to fall apart and cause all sorts of issues including the other electrical issues with your radio and blinker . Also easy to check and replace.

[@chicagosfinestmoment4896]

Check all your fuses for the radio and turn signals and the radio might have the wires loose on the back side

[@johnnynorsworthy6323]

Hooray you fixed it you go girl awesome

[@kravenfoxbodies2479]

The small tank beside radiator cap has a female socket and maybe where that wire go's

[@scottbrady5127]

If I remember correctly the order the cylinders fire in on a HO engine is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The cylinders are numbered staring on the left front of the engine with 1 through 4, then 5-8 on the right side with you standing in front of it. You don't want the 6,5, 4 wires right together as they can cause sparking between the plug wires, especially if they are damaged. Having those all zip tied together is putting 5 and 6 together and is probably what you are seeing. Get some new wires, replace them one at a time so you don't get them mixed up and use some wire separators to keep them away from each other. Also, use the short end of the wrench on the bolts on the valve you tightened so you can have the long part in your hand and get the bolts tighter, they may loosen up on you again. You can also get a socket like that to use on your ratchet if you want. Harbor Freight would have them cheap. The parasitic draw can be hard to find. Check things like a glove box light, light at the hatch area, etc that might be on all the time. You can put your phone on record and shut it up in those areas to see if the light is on when you close what ever it is. I hope this was helpful. stay at it and you will work everything out. The cars are great, I am still jealous that you have so many nice ponies, but super happy you do!

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

Thank you soooo much Scott for all of this great information!! 🙏😊😀

[@albelo86]

Needs new spark plug wires and check the spark plugs at the same time. The lose wire that you found is for the AC compressor.

[@pat1475]

Throttle cable. With car off blip the throttle. Get in engine compartment and make sure throttle returned or in idle position.

[@edroyer3]

My alternator on my '87 would draw the battery down only when the stopped at a certain position during the rotation. It would charge fine, but every time it stopped in a certain spot, the battery would drain. Bought a test light and disconnected the positive terminal to see the light burn bright with the ignition off. Replaced the alternator and the problem disappeared.

[@thatfoxbodymustang1358]

If you want to do an easy tune is what I recommend is you swap the intake manifold with a cobra one (on the foxbody) and should add 20-30 more horsepower.

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

I didn't know that! Not a bad idea at all 😀

[@cowboyup351]

You might want to consider separating your spark plugs wires (not good to have them zip tied or that close together) and the wire you asked about at the beginning should be for your air compressor (plugs in on the top of it)

[@GirlsDigMustangs]

Yes thank you. New ones coming soon 😃

[@russell11fitzgerald]

Do you have an aftermarket radio in the car that’s probably the problem or an aftermarket alarm system

[@tylerc7336]

The battery is for starting the car only, after the car is running the alternator takes over

[@Raisen476]

Flasher relay would be my guess on the turn signals not operating. Car sounds great by the way.

[@blackfive073]

These cars are known for having electrical problems. The radio could be the problem or even the multi function switch (turn signal switch) have been known to have problems. Also check the back of the switch those plastic plugs love to break and the wires come unplugged. Do a search on here there are good videos on how the find a parasitic draw. One more thing you should check is the head light switch. Just pull the switch out and see if the plastic plug has cracked or started to melt this is very common with GTs because of the way they are wired.