Help Please.. - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

TNTBuff · 01-22-2010, 16:31

Hello All,

I am very new to this forum, and would like to thank all of you in advance for your assistance... Ok, here we go. I have a 2003 Expedition with the 4.6ltr Triton V8. It has 52000 miles on it, and ran well until about one month ago. it started when I was driving about 40 mph, and the RPMs were around 1200, as I pressed the gas lightly it felt as if it was jumping or shaking, if i press the gas to the floor it struggles for a second or two then takes off. The next day I was driving the same route but could not replicate the problem. A few days later the same thing, but during acceleration it was really jumpy and rough running, the check engine light came on, blinked a few times than the light shut off and the truck ran fine. This same routine has been happening for about a month now. I had the computer read in hopes that a code was stored, no luck.. Please point me in the right direction, I dont want to go an replace all the plugs and coils if only one is bad or if it is somthing totally different. Please help, I have a business trip out of state that i have to drive myself and my co workers, I am getting a little leary of that idea..

**Bert** · 01-22-2010, 17:32

If you have original spark plugs, it would be about time too replace them. While the coils are out, check for cracked boots on the coils and if there's any water down the holes. Clean the MAF with the MAF cleaner. Replace the fuel filter if it hasn't been done.

TNTBuff · 01-22-2010, 19:08

Ok, I will change the plugs and inspect the coil boots. I think the plugs are original, but I was told a while back that if they were platinum plugs they are good for 100k miles. Its cheap enough for me to try. I just changed the fuel filter, and the air filter and inspected all the vac hoses/lines. I'll let you know how I make out.. Thank you again for the help!

TNTBuff · 01-23-2010, 11:26

Just an update.. This morning I changed the spark plugs. I took it for a ride, it ran horrible, the check engine light came on and stayed lit. I drove to Auto Zone and had them check for codes. It came back with cylinders 2 and 3 were misfiring, I purchased two new coils, wen home and replaced them. Took another ride, it ran beutifully, no hesitation, spuddering etc.. Thank you again for you help, I hope this has solved the issue.

Tom

**Bert** · 01-23-2010, 11:59

Glad to hear that you got it fixed. It's not abnormal for more than one coil to go out. Were the spark plugs worn? We never let them go that long. When the gap gets wider and coated, the coils have to send more power to them.

TNTBuff · 01-25-2010, 15:15

Yea, the plugs were in pretty bad shape. I made it from NJ to Maryland without an issue, the truck ran beautifully and we didnt get stuck on some dark wet highway. Thanks again.