03 Cobra problems ?

[spiced]

I have three noticable problems with my new Cobra. 1. 2nd to 3rd shifts, power shifting is almost impossible. When I hit third its like I pushed the shifter into rubber and at that point it ain't going into third, have to leave the clutch in and drop it into neutral then gently push it into third. The second senario is it goes in hard and grinds the gears. Under light driving it goes into third like it goes through two notches kinda weird. 2. The left front brake squeals. The dealer has put two new pads on deglazed one set and turned the rotor. Still squeals. They can't seen to figure out that its not the pads. 3. The drivers window has started making a light clack/clunk sound as it goes up and down.

So if anyone has had any of these problems please let me know I'm not alone. If anyone knows what the fixes are that would also be a please let me know.

Other than that I like my car except for a little bump steer and rear wheel hope it handles great, accelerates "OH YEAH", and has a good ride (the wife likes that.) Had a chance to open her up been to 130 a few times then two weeks ago got a good clear stretch of road slightly uphill and they must have set a limit (any way to fix this?) on it of 140 the pedal was down and she wasn't even breathing hard. After we got slowed down for the approaching toll gate (could smell the brakes as we drove threw the booth had my beeper so didn't have to stop) my daughter "Dad we were doing 140?" yeah "COOOL!!" do me a favor and don't tell Mom ok? Ok.

Overall I think Ford did a good job for a car that doesn't cost 60K.

Later,
SPICED :tmb: :cbra:

[JT COBRA]

I installed triax steeda shifter and adjustable

quadrant kit!!!!!!!

SEEN all of my shifting problems dissappear!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think the plastic quadrant is too weak for the increase

pressure plate force???????

hope it helps

Thanks

JEFF

[rachrse]

Had the problem with the drivers side window, took it in they replaced the motor everything is fine now. I had the squeal with the brakes on my 99 turned out to be a bent caliaper bracket they replaced it fixed the problem. Rachrse

[Paul]

I had the same problems shifting my new Cobra. I took it back to the dealer, they found no cure. They called SVT and SVT said that they made the clutch release very near the floor. I had installed think (1/4") floor mats which I had to cut a hole in under the clutch so the pedal would go all the way to the floor. I could hardly shift it at all and reverse was nearly impossible. Now that I have over 7,000 miles on it, it is shifting much better, but 3rd is still tricky. I have to make a conscious effort to ensure the clutch pedal is all the way to the floor when speed shifting.

I too have a squeaking left brake shoe, they (dealer) found nothing wrong with it. I don't worry about it much, as the brakes seem to work fine.

All in all, I am very happy with my 03. Fastest car I have ever owned, being a previous owner of a 96 and 97 Cobras.

Paul

[Waltman]

I had my '03 Cobra (Red Torch) since September 20, 2002, and right now the odom. reads 1,457 miles. No problems with brakes, nor gear shifting. However, shifting correctly takes some getting used to. On the other hand, the driver side window squeaks only as it goes up :mad: and about to close, never when it goes down. I'll have it looked at next time I have them change the oil, unlesss it worsens before that.

http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=Waltman&album_id=97685&image_id=7&courtesy=1

http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=Waltman&album_id=97685&image_id=24&courtesy=1

[Waltman]

UPDATE

After two attempts at my local dealer, they finally fixed the squeaky driver side window, at first they just lubed it!!. Even though I told them they need to dissasemble the door panel and align the glass. The did this time, plus they replaced a couple of "other things"?. Also they replaced the left fog lamp, since it had too much condensation buildup. N/C :D

[counihan]

Third gear is a bear. 2200 miles and I still falter; you're not alone. However, mine actually goes in better under load ("foot in fan") versus easy driving; surprised yours acts differently. Perhaps the shift kit the other fellow recommended earlier is a "fix".

[counihan]

Oh, by the way. Engine rpm is ostensibly limited (fuel flow shutoff) to prox 6500 and speed to 150. Saw a few other statements re 140 max. You could install an alternate computer chip to circumvent (I personally don't know where to tell you to look). HOWEVER, per a discussion with the SVT Hotline, the speed limit is aerodynamic safety related. At 170± the tires lose traction as it begins to "fly". If you want to exceed 180+ you need to replace the front end with a Cobra R assembly, etc., etc. Also of note, the supercharger goes into overrev at prox 6800. FYI, ...redfire coupe in Bakersfield...; I'll keep my eye out for your unit next time I'm in the Sac/Bay area (color?).

[spiced]

My third gear hasn't gotten any better only worse, I'm going to have the dealer look at it and ask if changing to the Steeda Triax and the clutch linkage will void my warranty. My driver side window seal started squeaking again after the first hard rain a couple weeks ago.
My SVT owners manual states "Redline: 6500 rpm (Fuel shut-off at 7000 rpm). Mine shuts down at 6500. At 140 my car felt solid, at about 125 in my 86 you could feel the front start to get light.
Overrev have any of the folks using larger pullies experienced this. I don't know exactly what you mean by overrev, but I'm assuming that the impellers go supersonic, at that point it can't compress the air (aircraft propellers experience the same thing, as soon as the prop tips go supersonic they quite pulling).
If you are up this way send me an email and I'll give you my cell phone number.

[rachrse]

I now have 3800 miles on the 03 and it seams to just get faster, have had no problems. Could not be happier:bna :bna :bna Rachrse

[James D. Scott]

My Terminator has about 5,000 miles now. Since this is a desert in San Diego and I don't drive in the rain, I am surprised by the squeel in the driver's window.

My 2-3 shift has gotten better with a few miles. I had the floor mat problem as well. However, the shifter sucks as much as ever. If I am not careful, my knuckes turn on the radio.

The biggest problem is alignment. In three return trips it still pulls hard to the right. in some other messages on this forum, it seems that others have the same problem.



Jim Scott

[cawalt]

I see a trend forming here. I have an 03 black cobra coupe and the passenger side window squeaks, and third gear is a bear, especially for me trying to go from 6th to 3rd. I also have a rattle in the dash that's driving me nuts. I've had it in the shop twice and they tried to no avail to fix it. It sounds like it's coming from either the panel or steering column, any thoughts????

Anyway, this is the first SVT I've owned (been a GT guy) and I love it, what a rush.

[LFacemire Jr]

5000 miles and other than an anoing light ticking sound( like the old lifters in the 5.0's) and a viberation sound in the headliner near the driverside window. and Oh ya the condinsation in the foglamps..............BUT I STILL LOVE IT.....................

time to kiss it good noght..:bna

[Mugger]

I have the same noise in the dashboard it's just an anoying buzz or rattleing sound when the car is at freeway speeds or greater.:rolleyes: Also I've been noticeing the ticking when the car running and I'm out of the car, but inside at a stand still everything is fine.....*crossing fingers* The window is still fine

[jshen]

Your shifter problem is no secret with Ford or SVT. It is rubbery for a reason..it keeps down the gear whine. The tradeoff is you either get used to it or put in an aftermarket unit and I've yet to see one I like.

Has anyone tried the PRO-5 replacement shifter? If so, is it any good and does it move the shifter closer to you or shorten the shift?

I installed a Tri-ax and sent it back as the instructions said it was.. very important ...to use their mounting bolts as the floor plate of the Steeda is 1/4 inch thick. The bolts they sent me were the same length as the stock bolts...making them too short as per their warning! I called the guys and told them to get their act together before they market a product.

[Stunt Stangs]

I installed a Pro-5.0 and the throw is @ 1/4" less. It's better but not "awsome". There is much more tranny noise though.

[Olchakla]

I have an 03 Cobra also with 6000 miles. My throw out bearing had already been replaced due to the whinning noise it was making and 3 weeks after getting my car back, it is starting the noise again. I also complained about the poor shifting I have also. I spoke to the SVT group and they said they haven't had any problems reported to them about the throwout bearing or shift assy. Seems like they need to get the message. I had the care back just before Christmas and they wouldnt pull the tranny again until they spoke with SVT to understand why I even had a problem in the begiining.
I also have a battery problem. Just today had it checked out at the dealer and they could not find any probelms. If I sit for more than a day, the battery is dead.
In spike of all these problems, I wouldnt get ride of it for a moment.
Enjoy my car pic, it is promoted on the front page if latest catelog of Dallas Mustang

[Jhendrix]

I also complained to SVT about the shifter. My dealer said that was the number one complaint on the Cobra.......but Jeeez..does it run! :)

[Waltman]

My Cobra has almost 2600 miles now. Just returned home after lunch in Chinatown and a nice drive along Malibu (beautiful sunny day) I usually drive my Cobra on the weekends only. Sometimes parked all week long. Engine fires up with no problem. Weather has been cold at night and warm during the days. It shifts OK. Noise is limited to the usual engine and bearing sound, nothing bothersome or annoying. Car blows just about anything on the road and cruises quite pleasantly. Since they fixed the squeaky driver side window and replaced the left fog lamp (condensation build-up) the car is in perfect condition :D

[E.SOTELO]

Originally posted by Mugger
I have the same noise in the dashboard it's just an anoying buzz or rattleing sound when the car is at freeway speeds or greater.:rolleyes: Also I've been noticeing the ticking when the car running and I'm out of the car, but inside at a stand still everything is fine.....*crossing fingers* The window is still fine


no problem mechanical but had a seam showing a tear took it back they replace it the seat cover but it has a lot of wrinkles they said they go away when it get warm does anyone know if thats true.:huh: :huh:

[E.SOTELO]

03 cobra picked up aug 2 of 2002 has 2300 miles on it has won 2 first place at two car shows awsome car this how i looked when i first unloaded on it :jawdrop:

[mot]

I used to do auto upholstery 15 or 20 years ago. That was a standard line back then, looks like they are still using it! It is somewhat true. If you pull around with your palms and work the area around the wrinkles it might get better. Leather is kind of tough to work with. If it doesen't get better you might need a little extra pad on the foam under the cover, or even a little steam in the foam to make it fill out. Hope that helps. :D

[E.SOTELO]

Originally posted by mot
I used to do auto upholstery 15 or 20 years ago. That was a standard line back then, looks like they are still using it! It is somewhat true. If you pull around with your palms and work the area around the wrinkles it might get better. Leather is kind of tough to work with. If it doesen't get better you might need a little extra pad on the foam under the cover, or even a little steam in the foam to make it fill out. Hope that helps. :D


thanks for the tip just so you guys & gals may want to know i went to world of wheel today and also mentioned this problem to a upholstery company that did a lot of the car interiors there and were they nice. the owner said i may have to use dry air on the wrinkes and even said for me to bring the car in and they may be able to correct it. its a shame the ford dealer with the svt speicalest are not equiped to do this kind of work in the shops there. for an svt or any car. thanks again mot.

[mot]

I wouldn't blame svt dealerships. I doubt that any dealerships do their own upholstery. They can do only what the sub-contractor can do. I think if you are not happy you have a right to be though. Svt owners are supposed to get better than normal treatment, and I think normal treatment should address this issue. I will say though, give it a little time and work the cover away from the wrinkle with your palms. It might do it enough.:tmb:

[E.SOTELO]

Originally posted by E.SOTELO
[B]i will i will give it time and ill try this palm trick till spring :cbra:

[Mongoose]

No problems on this end yet, but mine only has 295 mi. on it till spring.

[E.SOTELO]

Originally posted by Mongoose
No problems on this end yet, but mine only has 295 mi. on it till spring. just order wood grain for my triple black 03 to help the interior. saw it in a mercadizes lokk cool. it also had a gray interior

[2003SVT]

i noticed 3rd gear was a pain from day one in my '03. Changing the shifter seems to help. However, for the moment I learned that if you twist the shift knob over to the left a bit it is easier to grip and helps slip in to third better. Just my opinion :p

[mojo03]

Sometimes going from 6th or fifth to third IS a problem, but I don't do that to often. Going from 4th to third isn't a problem.

I had the driver side window lashing replaced because of squeaking.

I had the drive shaft replaced, too, to reduce vibrations around 80. Much less, but still detectable...

[mot]

6th to 3rd at 65 to 70 and punch it. Tell me you don't love it, I will call you a liar!:tmb: That of course is where the speed limit is higher than that. :fryem:

[mojo03]

Hey, Mot, how could I deny that. :)

[mot]

I don't think you can!:spinem: :fryem: :bna

[mojo03]

:D :D :D :D