Hey everyone, I have a 2004 Mustang V6 that’s not running right now. I’d love to try and fix it myself, but I’ve got zero experience with car repairs. What’s the best way to start learning? Any advice or tips would be awesome!
First, you need to figure out why it’s not running. Get an OBD2 scanner. If the battery still powers the car, you can use it to read the error codes. Look up what the codes mean, and it’ll give you a starting point.
@Josie
Thanks! I know the last time it ran, it kept overheating.
Amory said:
@Josie
Thanks! I know the last time it ran, it kept overheating.
YouTube is a lifesaver. I started knowing just how to change oil, and now I’ve done timing chains, camshafts, and more thanks to YouTube tutorials. Mustangs have a lot of space in the engine bay, and there are tons of step-by-step videos for them. My tip: get a bunch of plastic cups and a marker so you don’t lose track of bolts!
Amory said:
@Josie
Thanks! I know the last time it ran, it kept overheating.
Overheating can mean a lot of things. Start with an OBD2 scan. You can grab a cheap Bluetooth scanner for $12-16 online. Scan it, check the codes, and share them here so we can help you figure out what’s wrong.
@Josie
Got it, I’ll do that. Thanks so much!
Amory said:
@Josie
Thanks! I know the last time it ran, it kept overheating.
Overheating isn’t good. How hot was it getting? All the way up to the ‘L’ on the gauge? You might need to reverse flush the engine. Just stick a hose in the bottom of the engine and flush until the water runs clear.
Amory said:
@Josie
Thanks! I know the last time it ran, it kept overheating.
Like others said, get a scanner. It’s a must-have tool for any car repair beginner. You can get one online for around $15-20. If you can find one with live data features, even better.
Use YouTube, grab some repair manuals, and if possible, find someone who knows cars to guide you a bit.
Step one: write down everything you notice about the car. Does the starter crank the engine at all?
Aki said:
Step one: write down everything you notice about the car. Does the starter crank the engine at all?
The car has been sitting for over a year, so I’ll need to recharge the battery first. Last time it ran, it kept overheating.
@Amory
Start by charging the battery. Once you get it running, observe how fast it overheats. If it heats up quickly, it could be the water pump or low coolant. If it’s slower, it might be the thermostat or a fan issue.
Check if your local community college offers auto mechanic courses. Even a basic class could help a lot.
Fox said:
Check if your local community college offers auto mechanic courses. Even a basic class could help a lot.
Thanks, I was actually thinking about that!
Fox said:
Check if your local community college offers auto mechanic courses. Even a basic class could help a lot.
Thanks, I was actually thinking about that!
That’s a great idea. I went through a high school auto program and then a two-year tech school. There’s always more to learn, especially with newer cars, but starting with some structured training will help a lot.
@Anson
Haha, I’m not that young—I’m 36—but I’m definitely willing to learn!
Find the workshop manual for your car. It’s free for your model year and includes step-by-step procedures for testing and repairs. Good luck!
Hart said:
Find the workshop manual for your car. It’s free for your model year and includes step-by-step procedures for testing and repairs. Good luck!
Haynes manuals are also great—about $20-30 online and super helpful.
Hart said:
Find the workshop manual for your car. It’s free for your model year and includes step-by-step procedures for testing and repairs. Good luck!
Thanks for the tip!
Check your VIN. The V6 in your car is either a 3.8L (8th digit is 4) or a 3.9L (8th digit is 6).