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1968 Ford Mustang — delayed engagement into Drive when cold

CamberCamper245Community StarterSep 4, 20261968 Ford Mustang FastbackMiami
1968 Ford Mustang Fastback, about 138,000 miles. After sitting overnight, shifting from Park to Drive can take a second or two before the vehicle actually engages. Once warm it behaves normally. Would you start with fluid, adaptation data, mounts or something mechanical? Mostly looking for the right next step.
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12 replies

CamberFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 1968 Ford Mustang and see if the fault moves. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
CamberFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Capture voltage while the 1968 Ford Mustang is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “delayed engagement into drive when cold,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. I'll poke at it this weekend.
DieselNomadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 1968 Ford Mustang is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
CamberCamper245Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
It did delayed engagement into drive when cold twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
CamberCamper245Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Checked the easy stuff on the 1968 Ford Mustang and found one clue worth chasing before I book a shop. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
TowMechanicish155Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 1968 Ford Mustang does it — then decide on parts. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “delayed engagement into drive when cold,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
QuietGeek9Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Loaded-suspension checks on the 1968 Ford Mustang catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. Save the big job until that test fails. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
CamberCamper245Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 1968 Ford Mustang again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
NoMarkupDaily893Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 1968 Ford Mustang and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. Not driving it hard until I know more.
QuietGeek9Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Two 1968 Ford Mustangs can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
CamberCamper245Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Tried a second charger / second scan and the story on the 1968 Ford Mustang didn't change. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
ApexWrench25Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Capture voltage while the 1968 Ford Mustang is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
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