Questions and Answers

New Ford Mustang Falling Apart Q. Hi Mr. Ciulla, I recently purchased (2 weeks ago) a brand new 2002 Ford Mustang GT Coupe. Here is the info by your list on the web site: 1. 2002 Ford Mustang GT Coupe 2. 4.6 liter 8 cylinder 3. Manual transmission 4. 800 miles 5. Fuel Injected 6. ABS 7. P/S, A/C, cruise

As soon as I drove it off the lot, I noticed a slight click coming from directly underneath the car when I shifted into low gears (louder than the expected shifting noise of a manual transmission). I also began noticing the same noise, a rattle or very audible click when I would let the clutch pedal out to get power while accelerating. I just thought it was normal, which, in some cases I understand it is normal.

But then it started to get louder and louder. Now, if I'm going slowly through a parking lot (15 mph in second gear) and I tap the gas lightly so that the car slightly rocks back and forth as the torque kind of bounces from one direction to the other inside the gear box, it is associated with the same loud clicking noise described above. It sounds and feels like the gearbox mounts are lose and the whole unit has too much free play when torque (very little torque) is switching back and forth while in gear.

Now, I don't drive the car that way all the time. The only time the car does this rocking is if I wasn't gentle enough in the low gears while looking for a parking space, etc., which will sometimes happen to everyone. I operate a manual transmission very well, and understand the way one works down to the throw-out bearing and synchronizers (I'm an engineer and study a problem extensively when I encounter one). I'm thoroughly convinced that I'm neither shifting too hard, or at the wrong RPM, and I've done nothing to create a transmission problem, in fact, I'm still in the break-in period--not to mention I noticed the problematic sound the first time I shifted the car.

I didn't want to think there was problem because I was so excited about getting the Mustang in the first place. But now, when I back up and then put the clutch pedal down in preparation for 1st gear, there is a very loud bang that comes from the transmission. It's all getting worse by the day, and the most amazing part of this whole situation is that I brought it in to my dealership twice and two different mechanics told me the noise was normal--even after one rode with me. I am convinced that Ford would not leave noises like this in their flagship sports car, because it makes the car sound like it has a mechanical problem, and I think that's just the case.

Are my gearbox mounts coming loose? Do I need my U joints tightened? Or am I just going crazy? Or does Ford actually leave that much play in the gears so that they make an embarrassing noise?

Sincerely,
Jarrod

A. I'm not trying to be a wise ass here Jarrod, but why are you coming to me with these questions? You should be at the dealer having them deal with these problems. This is a brand new car and none of the things you describe should be happening. So make a list of the things that are wrong and take it to the dealer and tell them to fix it.