[mchapa]

I would like to start off by saying that I regret asking a question on these conditions... I wish I would have found this forum out before hand. That said, I own a 2003 mustang 3.8L and have, what I think, a fairly serious problem. I am not a huge car person I dont know much about repair, but enough to know where to look and hopefully describe the situation. My car, once started will chirp away then shut off while on idle and every time I come to a stop. I did find a previous post on here ( the one that made me sign up) with the exact problem, so I think, but murphy's law does not allow me to find it again. To eliminate the obvious it is not the belt, nor the tension or idle pulley. I first thought it was the alternator, so I replaced it. Nothing, then on my father suggestion, he mentioned the water pump since we both determined that it is comming form the center of the engine. Of'course the problem is my father is in Texas and is only going by what I say. So I replaced the water pump and still same problem. He then mention to remove the drive belt and run the car without the belt to see if the sound is still there...... sure enough, the sound is still there. I have no clue where else to look or where else to turn to. I know its the pulley that is right under the water pump, as that is the only one that turns with the belt off. To say it lightly I feel completely defeated. I have heard maybe its the cam sensor, cam bearing, etc..... I got no clue. Has anyone come across or can better troubleshoot this problem? I hope I am being clear enough. Please ask away if not.

-Michael

[b1gdaddy98]

Engine Chirping with the Multi Rib Belt Removed, (Ford Cars and Trucks Only): Ford V6 and V8 engines only with a CAS (cam angle sensor). Starting in the 90's ford started to manufacture engines equipped with a CAS. This sensor assembly is basically a distributor housing with a sensor and trigger plate mounted to a center shaft and is driven by the camshaft. The problem is, Ford slowed the oiling to the distributor housing which causes the housing to seize to the center shaft. The CAS seizes due to lack of oil making a high-pitched chirping noise, like a loose belt. To check for this condition remove the drive belt and restart the engine. If the noise is still there suspect the CAS, remove the unit and (by hand) spin it. If the unit has failed it will be rough to turn, either dissemble the unit to clean or replace the CAS housing with new. Be sure to mark the position of the trigger plate/housing before removal, it MUST go back in the same position or drivability problems will follow.

Checking Accessory Bearings: A bearing is designed to provide rolling support to a shaft of any kind such as: alternator, starter, water pump, power steering, air conditioner, air pump etc. If a chirping noise is being produced after you have checked the drive belt a bearing could be going out. To check for this condition remove the drive belt and rotate each accessory to make sure there is no grinding or rough spots in the operation.

[mchapa]

Originally Posted by b1gdaddy98 To check for this condition remove the drive belt and restart the engine. If the noise is still there suspect the CAS

Thank you much for the response, really like your avatar icon by the way. Yes I did remove the belt and it DOES still make the sound.So the CAS? OK I will look for it in my book here hopefully find it and figure this out. Thanks again.

-Michael

[b1gdaddy98]

haha, thanks I just got the avatar...a lot of ppl up here have stuff like that so i decided to get one. Hope you get it fixed though!

[mchapa]

Yeah me too this is killin me? I am simply empty without my car. ;-)