Added Mods, Getting Error Codes And Now Limp Mode

[Tom Stevens]

I recently got a 2016 Mustang V6 and decided to add some mods to it: a Spectre CAI, BBK throttle body (73mm), and Airaid Poweraid TB spacer. Originally the CAI and TB were added, and got error codes right away... air leak from the TB or inlet valves. The rpm's were also abnormally high, around 1300 at idle. I added a spacer, but the problems persisted. I took it to an auto shop but they couldn't do anything other than find that the rpm's would go to normal if the AC was turned on... but when I went to test drive it today it went into limp mode after 6-7 miles; the engine also seems to be bucking a bit, not scary but slightly noticeable.

I'm going to take it to an automotive shop, but I'd like to get any input as to what the problem might be and what the solution might be.

Thanks in advance,

Tom

 

[Pete fender]

Post the codes.
Sounds like a vacuum leak.

 

[Tom Stevens]

The initial code and one that keeps popping up is P2282, which corresponds with your reply... a vacuum leak. My thinking is that the leak should be easy to find and fix, right? Thanks for the reply.

 

[alexzander]

Maybe you forgot to put a vacuum hose back on?
And a tune might fix the Air to Fuel ratio.

 

[Pete fender]

Check the hose on the throttle body.
It goes to the evap system, it has a tendency to rot.
Check all the hoses the easy way, get a cigar, take any one of the vacuum lines loose, and blow smoke into it.
Smoke will come out where there is a leak.
Here is a link to a video by crazy Scotty Kilmer, showing how it is done...

 

[08'MustangDude]

TB spacers do nothing. The vacuum leak can be any air inlet behind the throttle
body. Usually, it's the TB gasket, or when you add a spacer, didn't use two
gaskets; one at the spacer to manifold, then TB to spacer. Spacers are
a total waste of money. That code actually states: Air Leak Between Throttle
Body and Intake Valves; which is the TB and anything behind it.

Possible causes
Unmetered air leaks between throttle body and intake valves
Air leaks at the intake manifold
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is leaking or the valve is stuck open

Since it happened after you installed the TB spacer, well, that's pretty obvious.

 

[Pete fender]

I recently got a 2016 Mustang V6 and decided to add some mods to it: a Spectre CAI, BBK throttle body (73mm), and Airaid Poweraid TB spacer. Originally the CAI and TB were added, and got error codes right away... air leak from the TB or inlet valves. The rpm's were also abnormally high, around 1300 at idle. I added a spacer, but the problems persisted. I took it to an auto shop but they couldn't do anything other than find that the rpm's would go to normal if the AC was turned on... but when I went to test drive it today it went into limp mode after 6-7 miles; the engine also seems to be bucking a bit, not scary but slightly noticeable.

I'm going to take it to an automotive shop, but I'd like to get any input as to what the problem might be and what the solution might be.

Thanks in advance,

Tom

You added a cold air intake and throttle body, before the spacer.
Try "Reverse Engineering."
Remove the spacer, return it if you can convince the seller it is causing a problem.

Check the throttle body carefully, if removing the spacer does not help.
Either there would be a leak, or the bore is larger than the inlet hole in the manifold.
Check wiring, just to make sure.
Also, the hose that connects to the throttle body, goes to the evap system, and is made f a lighter hose, unless it has already been replaced.
They seem to have a habit of deteriorating, causing leaks when handled.
Some times your fingers get black from checking it.
The lines go under the passenger side inner fender.
If all else fails, on of the hoses may have a leak, but usually throws an evap code, P0456.

Check all of the connections and clamps on the CAI.
One of these may be your leak. the problem.

Once you get the car running, you can add your mods, but check each one separately, as putting everything on at once makes it difficult to troubleshoot.

 

[Tom Stevens]

Update (for those who are interested, lol): The BBK TB didn't work out, or more likely I myself killed it by trying to install it myself and kept it on too long before getting a mechanic to fix my mess. A friend of mine installed JBA shorty headers and an aFe Power 3" catback exhaust, and tried to get the TB to work but was unable to... again, I put the blame on myself. In any case the TB spacer was installed (I have it, may as well use it), and so phase 2 (intake and exhaust) is complete (phase 1 was wheels&tires, HRE FF15 18x9F/18x10R). *I'll revisit the BBK TB in the future when I move out of CA... NV is looking better and better every day, lol. **I know the spacer is also illegal in CA but where I currently reside vehicle restrictions are rather lax. It's actually quite amazing what people get away with, lol. As for my V6 Mustang, it's quite noticeable what the upgrades have wrought, with a Bully Dog GTX tuner added to the mix (strictly for changing the wheel size/speedometer of course *winkwink*lol).

Next up: aluminum driveshaft!
(*Don't hold your breath though, time to save money and pay registrations... )

Phase 3: aFe Featherlite suspension kit, projected buy in late 2020. Phase4: give me some ideas for a brake kit! Looking for a lightweight kit good for both an every day driver but good for running around a track as well. Wilwood brake kits are my first choice, but interested to see what y'all can offer as alternatives.

Last but not least, has anyone claimed "GRANI" for their license plate? If not it's mine!

 

[Tom Stevens]

Well, i'm officially going to Hell... I bought the aFe Featherlight suspension kit. I am such a sucker for a sale, especially when something goes from $3000 to $2000

On the good side, "Grani" is one (big) step closer to being a true street/track machine.