car acting funny

[ewclement]

It turned hot here in Chicago so I put the top down and took the 04 bird, with 45k miles, for a ride. When the car got hot it stated shaking after I had stopped for a while at a light. When I got to the expressway and started to accelerate it stated shaking down shifted and took off. Every time I tried to accelerated the same thing happened. Even going up a hill I felt hesitation. What could be the problem?

[mctbird02]

Re: car acting funny

Sorry to learn about your TBird troubles - a fellow Thunderbirdnester will give you an answer. This is a great website. I have a question for you - why do you call your car color "marlow"? Unless it's an inside joke - your records should say, "Merlot".

Best wishes for fabulous "TBirding"!
McTBird02

[acar]

Re: car acting funny

from what I understand if the car overheated the computer cuts the power to protect the engine from damage.Once it cools down or the problem is corrected she should come back on line. It's a good failsafe when working properly to protect your investment as a whole lotta people just don't pay attention till real bad things happen.

[5bird7]

Re: car acting funny

Ed, did you check your dash for any lights showing up? engine light, wrench light?
It could be a c.o.p. or two going out.

[taflocks]

Re: car acting funny

i am betting on stale gas.

[justjon]

Re: car acting funny

Isn't it always the COPS?

[Gobird]

Re: car acting funny

If it overheated it could be the thermostat. Mine had to be replaced and this overheating would put the car into fail safe mode.

[terryp]

Re: car acting funny

Since you are taking your first ride of the season, I suspect your alcohol laced Gasohol has started to separate in the tank. Cook County pumps Gasohol and since you are Chicago probably have some of the old winter blend fuel left in the tank. Get some fresh 91+ octane fuel in there and I be the car will run better and better the more you drive it.

[BilboBaggins]

Re: car acting funny

If I remember correctly, when you turn your ignition key you may want to watch the dash for blinking lights i.e. 2 blinks then 4 blinks etc - this is how the engine codes display. I noticed this when I had a burnt out bulb for the passenger side airbag light. You can probably find these codes online or from a mechanic friend or your dealer. Heck just noticing the blinking may be helpful.

Hope everything cleared up with your bird.