Problems With The 03 Cobra's

Sneaky Snake · 10-20-2002, 12:51 PM

I've heard about some of them like a slight steering pull, vibration at around 80 mph.and bad gas from the factory. I have encountered a problem that I dont see anybody else talking about. My cobra arived at the dock and wouldnt start so they towed it to the shop and found the #7 coil was bad. They replaced it and it was good to go again. I put around 500 miles on it and figgured I'd put a K&N air filter in it. I drove it after that and when I was in 6th gear and the #7 coil went out again. Since I got it replaced again I took the K&N air filter out again and its got 900 miles on it. I dont know if the filter caused the problem or something else was the cause. They told me the first one failed cause of a wire short ( the wire got pinched ) but the second one just went out. I am just wondering if all this is a coincidence or if other people have encountered the same problem?

cobragb · 10-20-2002, 03:04 PM

I haven't heard of this problem. And I don't think the K&N could have anything to do with a bad coil, I think it is just one of those bad part things. I have over 1000 hard miles on mine without any problems.

blown92gt · 10-24-2002, 08:36 PM

The K&N could not have anything to do with it. Get it fixed and if it happens again I would say that they didn't fix it right the first time.

ksteinbach · 11-18-2002, 05:29 AM

I was considering a '03 Cobra, but now understand that production has been halted because of engine defect/failures. Does anyone know anything more about this? Is Ford planning a recall? My last Mustang was in '87 and I have been in Japanese sportscars ever since, meaning trouble-free. Dare I buy one of these Cobras when they supposedly get them right?

**cobrabitn** · 11-19-2002, 11:45 AM

If they stop production then that should tell you something. I'd wait and see if they get the issue addressed.

mollydog · 11-21-2002, 04:12 PM

If you would check fords quality checks then you would know why production was stopped for about a week. Ford does this on all types of vechicles they make. Its only a quality check, thats all

**cobrabitn** · 11-21-2002, 07:10 PM

A little birdie told me it is more then that. What quality are they checking?

Kincaid · 12-10-2002, 04:47 PM

although it isnt a major problem it lies in the exhaust (cat problem) with the snakes as well as a "minor concern pertaining to engine heat melting some wires in the dash" the mach 1 is rumored to have problems as well and production will be stalled for awhile longer.

Kincaid · 12-10-2002, 04:49 PM

while checking out an 03 snake at a dealership i noticed a small dent, about 2 in. around, on the trunk area of the coupe...so when the salesperson said they were selling at sticker... i asked how much off while pointing out the dent..their reply was "that is a stamping dent straight from the factory so the price is the same." is this fact or fiction

My1stFord · 12-11-2002, 09:52 PM

1700 miles here and runs like a bat outta hell.. slight pull to the right - no biggie really and the typical hood closing problem which I've had adjusted.

As far as the factory stamped dent goes..

I dont care what the hell the salesman said where it came from, I wouldnt leave that lot till the dent was pulled.

"Naaaaah this car wasnt a TAXI - That's Yellow PRIMER under the paint Mrs. Jones..." If you've never seen the movie Used Cars... Rent it

fastoldman · 12-14-2002, 06:29 PM

Since I work for a Dealership I feel somewhat qualified to answer the dent issue.

Dealer - "I can't take anything off sticker ,because that is a factory stamping dent."

Customer - " Well, how much can you take off for that dent in your skull,as that stupid answer has me stamping outa here!"

smashedheadcat · 12-15-2002, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fastoldman
Since I work for a Dealership I feel somewhat qualified to answer the dent issue.

Dealer - "I can't take anything off sticker ,because that is a factory stamping dent."

Customer - " Well, how much can you take off for that dent in your skull,as that stupid answer has me stamping outa here!"

NICE!!

Speaking of which, I got pick up my buddy's '03 cobra a few days ago. He had it in for a warranty issue. I guess when they removed the protective plastic off of his car, it left a little residue on the paint. Soooo.... the ford dealer decided to have it buffed off, which, in turn, burned the paint up a little bit. Also, his seat belt wouldn't latch (passenger side). Anyway, Capital ford in Goldsboro, NC is about 80 miles or so away, and he asked if i'd go pick it up for him. CERTAINLY!! Anyway, the service was terrible. They called and said it was done, but I still waited almost 2 hours for them to finish up paperwork.

chrisfll · 01-10-2003, 12:44 AM

I just purchased a new 2003 Cobra Convertible in December. In the first 1000 miles, it has intermittantly stalled four times while at idle and once while coasting. (And yes, I have 14 years experience from driving my 5-speed, 1989 LX 5.0 and did not have any problems with that car.)

The first Ford service dept stated that the idle set from the factory was too low and reset it. However, the car still idling roughly and stalled again shortly (~3 miles from the dealer) after I picked it up.

When rechecked by the service department, none of the sensors registered a problem. I had the car checked by another SVT Ford service dept, and told they couldn't find anything.

I suspect a bad MAF sensor, but has anyone else had this or similar problem? It is still intermitantly happening, especially when the engine is hot and in warm weather here in Fort Lauderdale.

If anyone has any ideas or has seen this problem, please let me know.

Thanks,

chris in Ft. Lauderdale

Red03 · 01-13-2003, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisfll
I just purchased a new 2003 Cobra Convertible in December. In the first 1000 miles, it has intermittantly stalled four times while at idle and once while coasting. (And yes, I have 14 years experience from driving my 5-speed, 1989 LX 5.0 and did not have any problems with that car.)

The first Ford service dept stated that the idle set from the factory was too low and reset it. However, the car still idling roughly and stalled again shortly (~3 miles from the dealer) after I picked it up.

When rechecked by the service department, none of the sensors registered a problem. I had the car checked by another SVT Ford service dept, and told they couldn't find anything.

I suspect a bad MAF sensor, but has anyone else had this or similar problem? It is still intermitantly happening, especially when the engine is hot and in warm weather here in Fort Lauderdale.

If anyone has any ideas or has seen this problem, please let me know.

Thanks,

chris in Ft. Lauderdale

Chris,

I had a problem with mine stalling, but after the dealer replaced the IAC motor I have had no problems. Another problem could be you have a air leak somewhere, these cars absolutely HATE air leaks. But I would have your dealer replace the IAC motor, not just adjust it. Hope this helps.

blown92gt · 01-14-2003, 08:53 PM

My 01 has also died like this, also my friend just bought a 02 GT and started having problems with only 200 miles. They kept checking it and couldn't find anything so they put something that hooks up to the computer that takes a picture of the codes etc . The next time it died he pushed the button that takes a pic and they found the problem. I'll have to ask again exactly what it was but their was a few sensors they changed and he hasn't had a problem since. Also the check engine light never came on either of our cars.

10-20-2002, 12:51 PM	#1
Sneaky Snake Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 5	Problems With The 03 Cobra's I've heard about some of them like a slight steering pull, vibration at around 80 mph.and bad gas from the factory. I have encountered a problem that I dont see anybody else talking about. My cobra arived at the dock and wouldnt start so they towed it to the shop and found the #7 coil was bad. They replaced it and it was good to go again. I put around 500 miles on it and figgured I'd put a K&N air filter in it. I drove it after that and when I was in 6th gear and the #7 coil went out again. Since I got it replaced again I took the K&N air filter out again and its got 900 miles on it. I dont know if the filter caused the problem or something else was the cause. They told me the first one failed cause of a wire short ( the wire got pinched ) but the second one just went out. I am just wondering if all this is a coincidence or if other people have encountered the same problem?

10-20-2002, 03:04 PM	#2
cobragb Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 143	I haven't heard of this problem. And I don't think the K&N could have anything to do with a bad coil, I think it is just one of those bad part things. I have over 1000 hard miles on mine without any problems. __________________ '03 Torch Red Cobra Convertible FFR AC Cobra #1529

11-19-2002, 11:45 AM	#5
cobrabitn Dr Jekyll on the street, Mr Hyde on the track Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Rock Hill SC Posts: 14,649	If they stop production then that should tell you something. I'd wait and see if they get the issue addressed. __________________ Cobrabitn 2016 Ruby Red Metallic with Caribou accent F-350 Crew Cab Stump Puller! 6.7 Diesel Automatic with Chrome Package, Off Road Package, 3.55 Locking axles, and Ultimate Lariat Interior Trim Package! 2017 Shelby GT350 Coupe - track car! Mods: JLT True Cold Air oil catch can 2009 Vista Blue Shelby GT 500 Coupe - Garage Queen Tinted Windows JLT True Cold Air Kit Pro-Dyno Tune 526 rwhp - 511 rwtq 1994 Rio Red Indy Pace Car #22 "Runabout" Snake in the grill MGW shift knob 1996 SVT Cobra Wheels 1969 New Lime Mustang Mach 1 Sportsroof - Second owner - bone stock with shaker. One SVT Cobra, one Shelby GT500, one 69 mach 1, and a Shelby GT350 is better than nothing! Custom Data Plates for your Mustang or Ford! Buy "Cool Merchandise" at Data Plates Plus www.dataplatesplus.com See my MSR Video here!

12-10-2002, 04:47 PM	#8
Kincaid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lansing, Mi Posts: 8	birdie was right although it isnt a major problem it lies in the exhaust (cat problem) with the snakes as well as a "minor concern pertaining to engine heat melting some wires in the dash" the mach 1 is rumored to have problems as well and production will be stalled for awhile longer.

12-10-2002, 04:49 PM	#9
Kincaid Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lansing, Mi Posts: 8	you be the judge while checking out an 03 snake at a dealership i noticed a small dent, about 2 in. around, on the trunk area of the coupe...so when the salesperson said they were selling at sticker... i asked how much off while pointing out the dent..their reply was "that is a stamping dent straight from the factory so the price is the same." is this fact or fiction

10-24-2002, 08:36 PM	#3
blown92gt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 58	The K&N could not have anything to do with it. Get it fixed and if it happens again I would say that they didn't fix it right the first time.

11-18-2002, 05:29 AM	#4
ksteinbach Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Frersno, CA Posts: 1	I was considering a '03 Cobra, but now understand that production has been halted because of engine defect/failures. Does anyone know anything more about this? Is Ford planning a recall? My last Mustang was in '87 and I have been in Japanese sportscars ever since, meaning trouble-free. Dare I buy one of these Cobras when they supposedly get them right?

11-21-2002, 04:12 PM	#6
mollydog Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 4	If you would check fords quality checks then you would know why production was stopped for about a week. Ford does this on all types of vechicles they make. Its only a quality check, thats all

11-21-2002, 07:10 PM	#7
cobrabitn Dr Jekyll on the street, Mr Hyde on the track Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Rock Hill SC Posts: 14,649	A little birdie told me it is more then that. What quality are they checking? __________________ Cobrabitn 2016 Ruby Red Metallic with Caribou accent F-350 Crew Cab Stump Puller! 6.7 Diesel Automatic with Chrome Package, Off Road Package, 3.55 Locking axles, and Ultimate Lariat Interior Trim Package! 2017 Shelby GT350 Coupe - track car! Mods: JLT True Cold Air oil catch can 2009 Vista Blue Shelby GT 500 Coupe - Garage Queen Tinted Windows JLT True Cold Air Kit Pro-Dyno Tune 526 rwhp - 511 rwtq 1994 Rio Red Indy Pace Car #22 "Runabout" Snake in the grill MGW shift knob 1996 SVT Cobra Wheels 1969 New Lime Mustang Mach 1 Sportsroof - Second owner - bone stock with shaker. One SVT Cobra, one Shelby GT500, one 69 mach 1, and a Shelby GT350 is better than nothing! Custom Data Plates for your Mustang or Ford! Buy "Cool Merchandise" at Data Plates Plus www.dataplatesplus.com See my MSR Video here!

12-11-2002, 09:52 PM	#10
My1stFord Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NW Houston Posts: 3	1700 miles here and runs like a bat outta hell.. slight pull to the right - no biggie really and the typical hood closing problem which I've had adjusted. As far as the factory stamped dent goes.. I dont care what the hell the salesman said where it came from, I wouldnt leave that lot till the dent was pulled. "Naaaaah this car wasnt a TAXI - That's Yellow PRIMER under the paint Mrs. Jones..." If you've never seen the movie Used Cars... Rent it __________________ Black 03 Cobra Stock at the moment

12-14-2002, 06:29 PM	#11
fastoldman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 30	Since I work for a Dealership I feel somewhat qualified to answer the dent issue. Dealer - "I can't take anything off sticker ,because that is a factory stamping dent." Customer - " Well, how much can you take off for that dent in your skull,as that stupid answer has me stamping outa here!"

01-10-2003, 12:44 AM	#13
chrisfll Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Fort Lauderale Posts: 1	Stalling anyone? I just purchased a new 2003 Cobra Convertible in December. In the first 1000 miles, it has intermittantly stalled four times while at idle and once while coasting. (And yes, I have 14 years experience from driving my 5-speed, 1989 LX 5.0 and did not have any problems with that car.) The first Ford service dept stated that the idle set from the factory was too low and reset it. However, the car still idling roughly and stalled again shortly (~3 miles from the dealer) after I picked it up. When rechecked by the service department, none of the sensors registered a problem. I had the car checked by another SVT Ford service dept, and told they couldn't find anything. I suspect a bad MAF sensor, but has anyone else had this or similar problem? It is still intermitantly happening, especially when the engine is hot and in warm weather here in Fort Lauderdale. If anyone has any ideas or has seen this problem, please let me know. Thanks, chris in Ft. Lauderdale __________________ Christopher

01-14-2003, 08:53 PM	#15
blown92gt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 58	My 01 has also died like this, also my friend just bought a 02 GT and started having problems with only 200 miles. They kept checking it and couldn't find anything so they put something that hooks up to the computer that takes a picture of the codes etc . The next time it died he pushed the button that takes a pic and they found the problem. I'll have to ask again exactly what it was but their was a few sensors they changed and he hasn't had a problem since. Also the check engine light never came on either of our cars.

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