Are these things COMMON for stock 05-09 Mustang GT's? (Intake noise, poor shifter, etc)

OctaneStreet

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Hey guys, I purchased my dream 06 GT about two months ago and I've been in love with it since. However, I do have some questions about a few things I've noticed, and I wanted more insight as to whether or not they were normal for these cars.

  • The AUTOMATIC shifter/shiftknob: Is it supposed to be and feel clunky when shifting from say PARK to DRIVE? Is it normal for the shiftknob to be a little finnicky before it clicks into the right gear? If it isn't normal, does this mean I should change out the tranny fluid and possibly rear diff fluid?
  • Stock Intake Noise: I notice that every time I get on throttle, I hear this beautiful sounding intake noise/whistle; and while it sounds incredible I'm wondering if this is normal for these cars. This is my second car and I'm coming from a turbo'd 4 banger which had no where near as much intake sound as the V8 seems to in my Mustang (which makes sense since it's a much bigger motor). I just worry that there's some kind of leak somewhere in the intake that's causing that nice whistle, causing me to possibly lose power. I'm aware that if this was the case I'd most likely be getting some kind of code on the dash but I just want to be sure. Also, if this is normal, does the sound get even better after installing a cone/pod filter with a tune? I just can't imagine it being much better than the (hopefully) stock sounding intake noise.
  • Parking Brake/E-Brake: Is it normal for these cars to have a fairly weak e-brake? The car will still roll back if in neutral on a slight hill with the e-brake applied (I don't park my car like this, it's an automatic, but I wanted to check if the e-brake was in good condition so I tested it like this). The car does have some resistance compared to when the e-brake is completely disengaged, but I ask because my old car wouldn't roll back at all in this same scenario (2014 Hyundai with manual e-brake lever as well). I'm just wondering if it's worn out and needs to be serviced, or if they were just made with less resistance in older vehicles.
Thanks all who take the time to help a fellow pony enthusiast out.
 

Tony Conti

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I can't comment on the shifter part cause mine is standard and also I've only had the JLT series 3 intake so I can't compare the noises between stock air box and aftermarket either. BUT yes the Parking Brake/E-Brake is pretty weak to start. Especially when the car has some miles. You can adjust the parking brake to help with this though. As for the intake noise, if you have a stock box you should give it a good look over. There are a few places you could have a leak from. Stock air boxes don't usually make a lot of noise.
 

Midlife Crises

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There is a “sound tube” that connects the air duct to the firewall. It has a diaphragm in it to transmit engine sound to the interior of the car. You can remove it and plug the holes in the firewall and engine air duct.
 

Lime1Gt

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I would remove the air intake from throttle body to and including the filter cover and check for cracks in the tubing. You could also have loose clamps or the lip of the tube can be rolled over from improper installation over the throttle body. Ask me how I know. I did it to mine after cleaning the TB. Had to buy a used tube because it split. Also make sure the filter is installed properly and all the cover tabs are engaged and the clips are fastened.
The e-brake cables on early model had issues with the end boots cracking and would allow moisture in and seize the cable. Sometimes they would seize in the On position and overheated rear brakes would occur. There is a TSB for it.
The shifter issue may be from a binding plastic slide. Check this excellent video.
 

RED09GT

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The sound tube didn't appear until the 2010 model so that won't be the issue in this case.

The only one I can comment on is the E-brake. That is common for a rear disc car that doesn't have the drum style e-brake inside of the hub. It is difficult to get enough pressure on a single pad to hold the car still. My 2002 focus is worse than the mustang.
 

OctaneStreet

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The sound tube didn't appear until the 2010 model so that won't be the issue in this case.

The only one I can comment on is the E-brake. That is common for a rear disc car that doesn't have the drum style e-brake inside of the hub. It is difficult to get enough pressure on a single pad to hold the car still. My 2002 focus is worse than the mustang.

Ah thank you, this clears that up for me. Never thought of that to be honest but it makes total sense. Also, I was betting against the fact that my car had the sound tube so thanks for clearing that up as well; though I will be doing a bit more research / looking under the hood near the firewall to find out for sure.

I can't comment on the shifter part cause mine is standard and also I've only had the JLT series 3 intake so I can't compare the noises between stock air box and aftermarket either. BUT yes the Parking Brake/E-Brake is pretty weak to start. Especially when the car has some miles. You can adjust the parking brake to help with this though. As for the intake noise, if you have a stock box you should give it a good look over. There are a few places you could have a leak from. Stock air boxes don't usually make a lot of noise.

Thank you for confirming the regularity of my parking brake "issue"! I really appreciate that. Knocks one thing off the list at least haha, but yea perhaps it needs some adjustment since I have 110,000kms on my beast. Definitely going to give my intake setup a lookover, thank you again!

There is a “sound tube” that connects the air duct to the firewall. It has a diaphragm in it to transmit engine sound to the interior of the car. You can remove it and plug the holes in the firewall and engine air duct.

Thanks for trying to help me out; but I believe the sound tube feature was introduced in the 11+ models, or possibly the 10+ models as another commenter here said. I tried to google 05-09 sound tube but couldn't find anything earlier than the 11's! I am well aware of the sound tube feature in general though! Thanks again, and if we're wrong please feel free to correct us.

I would remove the air intake from throttle body to and including the filter cover and check for cracks in the tubing. You could also have loose clamps or the lip of the tube can be rolled over from improper installation over the throttle body. Ask me how I know. I did it to mine after cleaning the TB. Had to buy a used tube because it split. Also make sure the filter is installed properly and all the cover tabs are engaged and the clips are fastened.
The e-brake cables on early model had issues with the end boots cracking and would allow moisture in and seize the cable. Sometimes they would seize in the On position and overheated rear brakes would occur. There is a TSB for it.
The shifter issue may be from a binding plastic slide. Check this excellent video.

Wow, watched the video in its entirety and man is it good. Mine gets MILDLY stuck in park so I have a feeling in a year or two I'm going to have to be removing and replacing that track as well! Although, I could probably prevent it if I go ahead now and clean that part that gets all sticky and actually causes the issue... Hmm. But thank you very much for the wisdom, I'm going to do a thorough check of my intake system this weekend. I'm pretty certain the filter is installed correctly as I checked the condition of it when I purchased the car; but there's no harm in double or triple checking! Thanks a lot man, truly.
 
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Midlife Crises

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Thanks for trying to help me out; but I believe the sound tube feature was introduced in the 11+ models, or possibly the 10+ models as another commenter here said. I tried to google 05-09 sound tube but couldn't find anything earlier than the 11's! I am well aware of the sound tube feature in general though! Thanks again, and if we're wrong please feel free to correct us.
My 2010GT came with it. One of the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.
 

MasterofDisaster

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I've been happy with my 08's parking brake. Pressing the brake pedal while pulling the lever helps.

As far as the noise, buy a two or three foot section of heater hose, and put it to your ear while the engine is running. It works like a cheap stethoscope, and you may be able to locate the source of your intake noise.
 

Pentalab

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My 2010 came with the sound tube. When the Roush M90 blower was installed, out came the sound tube anyway. Where the sound tube used to pass through the firewall..... is now where the plastic tube for the Roush boost gauge goes. Boost gauge is mounted in the extreme left round air vent.

So the sound tube does serve a useful purpose.... as an existing hole through both firewalls. The real firewall is a few inches aft of the 'firewall' u see in the eng bay.
 

GriffX

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The e-brake is part of the German TUV inspection and must block the wheels and no more difference of 50% between sides and its working. I adjusted the nut at the lever. Document 206-05-1 iihs.net/fsm
 

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