Very slow acceleration/burning smell

[Traceylynne]

My 18 year old son’s car just started with this issue this morning, after driving completely fine last night. He had to drive it to work super early (4:30am), so is there right now, and just texted me that he barely made it there.

He says it has very slow acceleration, and just no power. I asked if the rpm’s would go high at all, and he said it would make it to 5000 but very slowly. He thinks he also noticed a burning smell. He just thought this car last week, after saving all his money.

The check engine light stays on because of the tire pressure sensor needing to be recalibrated after new tires. So I’m not sure if it would be on with this new problem or not.

Sorry for this vague question! My farm girl mind goes to the catalytic converter, but he said he didn’t notice any knocking sounds. Maybe a throttle body issue??

Any help is very much appreciated

-a concerned mom

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

That burning smell could be from plugged up cats, especially if that smell is like rotten eggs.
If he has access to a lift, he could try hitting each cat with his fist (not too hard!). If they rattle like a can of marbles, it's a sign that the ceramic substrate has broken down.

 

[Juice]

Tire pressure warning has nothing to do with the check engine light. So unless he has a flat or two, that's not it.
Need to check for engine codes.

 

[86GT351]

My 18 year old son’s car just started with this issue this morning, after driving completely fine last night. He had to drive it to work super early (4:30am), so is there right now, and just texted me that he barely made it there.

He says it has very slow acceleration, and just no power. I asked if the rpm’s would go high at all, and he said it would make it to 5000 but very slowly. He thinks he also noticed a burning smell. He just thought this car last week, after saving all his money.

The check engine light stays on because of the tire pressure sensor needing to be recalibrated after new tires. So I’m not sure if it would be on with this new problem or not.

Sorry for this vague question! My farm girl mind goes to the catalytic converter, but he said he didn’t notice any knocking sounds. Maybe a throttle body issue??

Any help is very much appreciated

-a concerned mom

Even with the Check Engine Light on previously, you need to get it scanned to see if there are any additional codes. Whomever told you that the CEL is on due to tire pressure should not be dealing with customers. I have never in over 40 years in the business seen that.

 

[Eman]

As stated check engine light has no connection to the TPMS, that light is a different light altogether. A code scan is a good place to start. How well has maintenance been performed? Clogged fuel filter would cause no accel and a lean condition and hot exhaust if pushed which 5k rpm sounds like.
On the other hand 18yo's friends could have stuck a potato in the tailpipe.

 

[Kev555]

Probably found the issue by now but check the back callipers haven't locked up which is common on Mustangs not used daily, would explain sluggish behaviour and burning smell or is it a manual? clutch burning? CEL more than likely is linked to the sluggish issue

 

[MrBhp]

Even with the Check Engine Light on previously, you need to get it scanned to see if there are any additional codes. Whomever told you that the CEL is on due to tire pressure should not be dealing with customers. I have never in over 40 years in the business seen that.

Possibly a dishonest seller.