Honestly buddy, I don’t owe you an explanation for why I haven’t had a chance to go do those tests yet. My car sits outside and it rains half the ****ing day where I live. I work all day during the week and sometimes at night and on the weekend, too. By the time I'm done working for the day, half the time it's a ****ing monsoon outside. As I already told you, I just bought a multimeter, so I haven't been able to do those tests yet. What are you accusing me of, not having done those tests yet? The TPS I've looked up how to do, and I think I can handle that, but I haven't had time. The 02 sensors, I'm having some trouble with the explanation given in the manual and on other forums, and I asked for clarification. I ran the tests that I have been able to do, but am asking for help on other stuff. I guess I forgot that it's an absolute mortal sin to be a beginner at this hobby, and to ask beginner questions. My bad.
Ah yes, textbook gatekeeping. I’m trying to learn by doing, but here you are running your mouth saying I shouldn’t even be trying to work on my own car because I don’t know how to do something yet. Imagine making a statement like that when someone is asking for help. According to you, I should somehow just know automatically know this stuff, or be banned forever from the hobby. Everyone starts somewhere, but that is apparently a concept that is foreign to you. What a joke. People like you saying **** like that is why the hobby is dying.
As another user so kindly noted, I posted this on another forum, and they are offering real help and being patient with all my beginner questions. Additionally, I have a friend coming to help me do these tests and to teach me the remaining stuff I don’t know how to do yet. Don't you worry, I’ll learn, and I’ll get this diagnosed one way or another. This thread has devolved from being a tech help thread, to something entirely different. I'm finding myself spending more time arguing with internet tough guys than actually working through this issue. I’m tired of having to explain why I want to get the car fixed, why I haven’t had time to run tests, and why I haven't made progress on getting this diagnosed as quickly as some people think I should be. This has gone too far when I find myself typing out an explanation for why I want to get the car fixed because someone is accusing me of "bullshit" over needing a car to drive when my other car is in the shop. I find it absurd that some people would rather spend time poking holes in collateral issues, than explaining how to do a basic test.
It's really a shame. I don't think anyone would disagree that the Mustang community unfortunately doesn't have the best reputation, but as I'm seeing, the scorn is well-deserved. Out of all the cars I've owned and all the people I've dealt with in various car communities, I always seem to find the wannabe hardasses in the Mustang community, even though it's mostly good people. Likewise, in the past when I've gone to car meets and drag strip events, people are overwhelmingly friendly and helpful, but I guess going online brings out the trolls and the ****-talkers.
So at this point, I don't think this thread is productive anymore, and I've grown tired of having to offer justifications for everything. Too many internet badasses and shade tree mechanics.
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who actually tried to help and thanks to those who were patient with my inexperience. There have definitely been some good helpful tips and advice, and I truly appreciate everyone who has contributed in that regard, as I have been somewhat pointed in the right direction, at least. To those of you who have been patient and helped, I certainly hope I can reach out to you on this forum in the future as I continue to learn and develop basic mechanical knowledge and skills.
If anyone wants to have an adult conversation about what the issue, or if you want to know what it was once I get it fixed, feel free to PM me. Thanks.