lrodptl

My 2000 Taurus wagon runs rough after rain storms and it is accompanied by a flashing check engine light. A few hours later it is back to normal. Any ideas?

tbird100636

A flashing check engine light means the engine is misfiring. Were it only happens in the rain, if you have a 3.0L Vulcan then you have bad plug wires, and if you have a 3.0L Duratec you have a bad coil. To confirm this, get a spray bottle and fill it with water. With the engine running in a dark place spray the wires and or coils with the water. After spraying you should see a light show (Electricity arcing) between plug wires and between wires and metal surfaces. Just don't have your hands on the car while this is happening. The engine will start to miss. If all this happens replace the plug wires or ignition coil(s). Good Luck!!!

lrodptl

The engine is a Duratec,I just sprayed it out but saw nothing and the engine remained smooth with no ce light flashing. This seems to happen after heavy rain only. Should these episodes be logged in the PCM identifying the specific plug or coil? Thanks.

tbird100636

There should be codes set for each or multiple cylinders. Should be codes P0301-P0306 for each respective cylinder and/or P0300 for mutiple cylinder misfire. Take out the coil and see if there is any signs of corrosion or water on it. Also check the spark plugs.

lrodptl

Those rear plugs appear to be a bitch! Thanks.