po303 2000 taurus - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

lriker · 03-14-2010, 19:18

Lately my taurus, 24v duratec, has been a little hesitant when acclerating. Happens briefly but once driving it goes away. Today, after not having started the car for two days, my cel light came on. Code was po303. Car acted like it wanted to stall, but didnt. I put in some fuel system cleaner and the cel starting blinking for about 30 seconds or so and then stayed on. I drove car for about an hour and the hesitanting and jerkiness was almost non existent while driving but intermitent when idling. Shut car down for a few hours then drove it again and I didnt feel any issues. What are any suggestions. THank you.

**Bert** · 03-14-2010, 19:40

If the light is still on, see if there are any more codes. Is it running good now? If so, disconnect the battery for 5 min. to clear the codes and run it to see if any return.

**tbird100636** · 03-14-2010, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by lriker

Lately my taurus, 24v duratec, has been a little hesitant when acclerating. Happens briefly but once driving it goes away. Today, after not having started the car for two days, my cel light came on. Code was po303. Car acted like it wanted to stall, but didnt. I put in some fuel system cleaner and the cel starting blinking for about 30 seconds or so and then stayed on. I drove car for about an hour and the hesitanting and jerkiness was almost non existent while driving but intermitent when idling. Shut car down for a few hours then drove it again and I didnt feel any issues. What are any suggestions. THank you.

On a 2000 Duratec, the most common issue, and the first thing to check is the coil on plug and the spark plug for cylinder #3. It's on the back bank, the outer left cylinder. Removing the R. cowl screen and the plastic piece it sits on gives easier access to the back bank.

PaulGMastro · 03-15-2010, 07:55

I had code po304 a few weeks back and it was definitely the no.4 coil pack.
Changed it and it cleared the problem.
HTH
Paul

**Bert** · 03-15-2010, 08:14

Are you still having problems with the running? If you are follow tbird100636s suggestions. If not, post back to let us know.

lriker · 03-21-2010, 07:47

the problem went away. after a day of driving with the fuel system cleaner in the tank, the next day the problem stopped and the cel went out without having to disconnect the battery. However, yesterday after I put in 89 octane and had the ac on, it started the same hesitation issue again for about 30 seconds but then it stopped. Maybe there is a problem but not a major one so any thoughts would help. THanks.

**Bert** · 03-21-2010, 07:59

It can still be the coil as tbird said. If a coil is weak, it can fire intermittantly.

lriker · 03-21-2010, 11:21

might be a dumb question to ask but how do I go about changing a coil and what does it look like. I have done tuneups on my other cars before, plugs, wires, distributer caps, etc... but I have never done it on this car - ford did a tune up 2 years ago. Is it as simple as changing the spark plug and that particular spark plug wire? Thanks. You guys have saved me much headache and money in the past and I hope I can fix this one as well. When I had the car out today it ran well, but when at idle every now and then it would jerk and hesitate a bit so hope I can fix it.

**Bert** · 03-21-2010, 12:48

Here's what they look like removed. It fits over the spark plug. The top (right in picture) is all you'll see before removing it. You can get a good price at RockAuto, one of our sponsors. Also, look in the sponsor forum and get a code for a discount.

lriker · 03-22-2010, 16:36

rtg143, I looked on the rockauto website and there seemed to be quite a few choices on the coil. I will look again to see if i can narrow it down. I know I can get one from ford for about 80 dollars but would rather spend less if I can. Thank you.