[radanovs]

Hello All. I have a 2000 3.8 Windstar (112k miles) and I got two codes for cylinder 2 and 3 misfire. I changed the spark plugs, wires, cleaned the egr ports and the engine still shakes and idles rough. Does anyone know if this is a common problem and what can I do next? Thanks!!!

 

[Poppy]

http://www.fordforumsonline.com/for...to-check-ignition-coil-pack-3-8-windstar.html

 

[radanovs]

I already did change the coil and still the same problem.

 

[Poppy]

Try moving injectors 3 and 4 to somewhere else and see if the miss follows the injectors.

 

[phantom]

make sure the vacuum line is on on the back side of the motor(by the cowl)Have you double checked that the plug wires are in the correct positions(2-3 swapped)Other than that I agree and try swapping injectors and see if the miss moves.

 

[radanovs]

I just got 2 new injectors and still the same problem. All of the spark plugs have spark. The only other thing I can think of is the computer, compression or broken valve spring.

 

[Poppy]

You might be able to borrow a compression tester/guage from autozone. They and others have a tool loaner program, just leave a deposit and borrow the tool.

 

[MissInformation]

I already did change the coil and still the same problem.

Was that a new coil? Are you still getting the Check Engine Light?

I don't mean to butt in here gentlemen, but, I had a similar issue with my Windstar, it turned out to be the new coil was dead in #2, put in another one and the problem went away.

Is it at all possible that the new coil is Radanovs' problem too? Just a thought.

 

[Poppy]

I just got 2 new injectors and still the same problem. All of the spark plugs have spark. The only other thing I can think of is the computer, compression or broken valve spring.

Please do not apologise for offering a useful suggestion. Is it possible to get a bad part out of the box? Absolutely! I think though that you missed the above quoted post.

MissInformation. Your comments are always welcome, they are thoughtful.

 

[MissInformation]

Thank you Poppy.

However, I did not miss the quote. That's the funny part, all the spark plugs did have spark as well. It appeared to be a dead injector, which was the next course of action. However, it was faster and easier to try another coil, as there was another one of those kickin around and not an injector and it solved the problem.

Like I said, it's just a though.

 

[Cuda_jim]

MissI, Good info.....I had the very same thing happen with a new coil too, but I happened to notice the spark was weak. Swapped it and shazamm! Good to go.
It wasn't a yellow spark either, nice bluish/white but it lacked the 'snap'.....It's kinda hard to explain but after so many years of working on junk you begin to figure things out or just get lucky

 

[Poppy]

Also as Phantom mentioned you could have swapped the 2-3 wires on the coil. You would still have spark, but they would be at the wrong time. DId you double check to make sure they are on the correct lugs?

 

[radanovs]

Yes I checked all of the plug wires and they are fine. I don't see any cracks on the intake manifold and I cleanded the EGR ports because some of them were really clogged. I will try to exchange the coil and then do the compression test because I can hear one (or two) of the the cylinders give a hissing sound when the engine is running. Kind of like when you put your finger in an empty bottle and pull it out quick. Then when I put it in drive the whole engine is shaking really bad creating a thumping sound.

 

[MissInformation]

I changed the spark plugs, wires, cleaned the egr ports and the engine still shakes and idles rough.

I cleanded the EGR ports because some of them were really clogged. I can hear one (or two) of the the cylinders give a hissing sound when the engine is running. Kind of like when you put your finger in an empty bottle and pull it out quick. Then when I put it in drive the whole engine is shaking really bad creating a thumping sound.

I do not mean to confuse the issue here, or distract it with another train of thought, however, Radanovs mentioned cleaning the EGR ports twice.

Being that the vehicle is a 2000 Windstar, I am wondering if he used the upgraded isolator bolts and gaskets per TSB 03-16-1 when he reassembled the upper intake? I am attaching it for reference.

It only occurred to me that if those were the old isolator bolts - Could it be possible that the misfire type symptoms being experienced and the hiss or dull pop type noise described possibly be from the unburnt fuel and hot exhaust gases from a leaky intake??? (hope I explained it right)

As I said, I just wanted to mention it.

I am sure that Poppy is correct that the next logical step would be to check the compression.

 

[timmytaurus]

I had that, it's the COIL PACK. I suspected it because 2 cylinders went at exact same time. Run's real ruff, no power, act's like it's gonna stall. Changed coil and ran like a champ after. I think it's a common thing for these to go. Easy to change out.

2002 Windstar it's mid engine, just behind the intake; follow the spark plug wires. Very, very easy to change, only need minimum skill on cars. I'd buy the replacement first so you have it right there when you pull the old one. Look at the new one to see where the 7mm hex bolts are. First reach in (A little tight, but arms will fit around both sides of engine) an undo all three hex bolt, it will make it easy to disconnect thin wire connector and plug wire if you can move it around. Then unplug thin wire connector, I had to use needle noise in order to pinch the little tab that released the plug. Move the new coil back there pune plug one at a time, plug into the new immediately to get the righ socket. Pull old coil out when done. Plug in the thin wire connector. Move new coil over mounting screw holes. I had to unplug a few wires one at a time again to get them to lay right in order to get the coil to sit right. Put in hex bolt Very Very lightly! only snug, barly snug, or you'll bust it. Start the car and Vrrroom! runs like it's brand new! I had codes P0303, P0304, (Misfire 3&4 plug) from the free computer read at Auto Zone- along with P0171 & P0172. All codes gone after this coil replace. I don't know why Ford put such a crapy part that fails on there cars. Runs like a champ now. Good luck. Part $65 at auto zone.
Tim O.