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I recently had my check engine light come on and it called out the MAF, I
replaced the Maf and it took care of the problem. I may have had a additional
problem as I noticed before that the car would chug when stepping on the gas.
After replacing the Maf it popped a code for a mis-fire on # 2. I replaced
the plugs and dont have the code any more but now it pops a code for
excessive EGR gasses. The car still misses when stepping on the gas
especially when going up a hill. I was going to change the plug wires as I
believe that the last time (previous owner) didnt replace all the wires, but
only one or two (wire colors dont match) Im kinda at a loss on what to try
next, and would like some ideas before I totally give up and take my chance
with the local mechanic. Could this problem be caused from a vacuum problem
or a fuel problem. My thunderbird is a 4.6 v8, I bought it used from a co
worker who took pretty good care of the car and i'm pretty sure he had the
EGR valve replaced prior to me buying it. It has 114,000 miles on it. I love
the car and have not had any problems up to this point. I read about a
program that can be loaded on a lap top for the OBD-II that shows more in
depth anaylis. Can you explain a little about this and any help with
troubleshooting this problem.
Plug wires on these motors can be a certified headache.
Just don't last long enough (by my personal yardstick).
You changed the plugs? What'd the old electrodes look like?
Dark(rich)? Near-white(lean)?? Been using fuel-injector-
cleaner additive? Injectors clogged?
Your "computer" should be more accurate than mine. Hope it
gives you accurate readings.
Cheers,
Puddin'
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 08:50:27 GMT, "Doug" <u17672@uwe> wrote:
>I recently had my check engine light come on and it called out the MAF, I
>replaced the Maf and it took care of the problem. I may have had a additional
>problem as I noticed before that the car would chug when stepping on the gas.
>After replacing the Maf it popped a code for a mis-fire on # 2. I replaced
>the plugs and dont have the code any more but now it pops a code for
>excessive EGR gasses. The car still misses when stepping on the gas
>especially when going up a hill. I was going to change the plug wires as I
>believe that the last time (previous owner) didnt replace all the wires, but
>only one or two (wire colors dont match) Im kinda at a loss on what to try
>next, and would like some ideas before I totally give up and take my chance
>with the local mechanic. Could this problem be caused from a vacuum problem
>or a fuel problem. My thunderbird is a 4.6 v8, I bought it used from a co
>worker who took pretty good care of the car and i'm pretty sure he had the
>EGR valve replaced prior to me buying it. It has 114,000 miles on it. I love
>the car and have not had any problems up to this point. I read about a
>program that can be loaded on a lap top for the OBD-II that shows more in
>depth anaylis. Can you explain a little about this and any help with
>troubleshooting this problem.
I have a 95 T-Bird LX with a 4.6 v8
63,000 miles. I bought the car new in 1995
The computer system is sensitive to electrical and magnetic noise.
I tried using aftermarket plug wires once and it caused more problems then
it was worth.
Typically the spark plug boots arc through to the heads causing all kinds of
weird problems.
Pull the wires for the misfire and carefully wrap the boots with black
electrical tape. See if that fixes the problem.
If it does fix the problem order a complete set of new factory sourced plug
wires.
There are some internet factory parts sites that charge less than your local
dealer for parts.
Other electrical issues with this car include:
Poor wire / cable routing around the engine result in wire insulation wear
thru and shorting to ground or significant wear of plastic parts like valve
covers (passenger side rear, cables to starter, etc).
Black box for traction control , mounted under package tray in trunk is not
shielded.
Two way radios installed in the car cause it to act erratically and affects
cruise control.
Switch mounted on side of tranny for gear selection can fail.
96 and 97 T-Birds have a slightly different computer / ignition module
layout under the hood that has less chance of failing from plug wire issues.
But then you have to fight the plastic intake cracking problem.
The Spark plugs looked good with the exception they did appear white, I
checked the gap of the ones i took out and they were pretty close to specs. I
have not used any fuel additives but have wondered if a fuel injector could
be causing the problem, Is there a way to clean them? Depending on what i get
for answers will depend on where I go next. Thanks for the speedy reply.
Doug
Puddin' Man wrote:
>I gotta '94 'Boid LX V8, 61k mi.
>
>Plug wires on these motors can be a certified headache.
>Just don't last long enough (by my personal yardstick).
>
>You changed the plugs? What'd the old electrodes look like?
>Dark(rich)? Near-white(lean)?? Been using fuel-injector-
>cleaner additive? Injectors clogged?
>
>Your "computer" should be more accurate than mine. Hope it
>gives you accurate readings.
>
> Cheers,
> Puddin'
>
>>I recently had my check engine light come on and it called out the MAF, I
>>replaced the Maf and it took care of the problem. I may have had a additional
>[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>>depth anaylis. Can you explain a little about this and any help with
>>troubleshooting this problem.
Let me explain. He took pretty good care of the car and had maintenance done
by a mechanic, that is where I think the two didnt go well together. I think
the mechanic cut some corners as when i changed the spark plugs i had a
difficult time getting the wire off number 4, when i pulled the plug it was a
different manufacture than the rest. This led me to believe that the mechanic
had cut some corners. The owner took good care of the car always clean inside
and out. Thanks for questioning the way i put it as i thought about it after
i sent it and thought i should of explained it better. So with that said do
you have any good advice?
johanb wrote:
>>I believe that the last time (previous owner) didnt replace all the wires,
>but
>> only one or two (wire colors dont match)
>
>>I bought it used from a co worker who took pretty good care of the car
>
>Somehow those 2 lines don't go well together ;-)
"Doug via CarKB.com" <u17672@uwe> wrote in message news:5a69c63def842@uwe...
> Let me explain. He took pretty good care of the car and had maintenance
done
> by a mechanic, that is where I think the two didnt go well together. I
think
> the mechanic cut some corners as when i changed the spark plugs i had a
> difficult time getting the wire off number 4, when i pulled the plug it
was a
> different manufacture than the rest. This led me to believe that the
mechanic
> had cut some corners. The owner took good care of the car always clean
inside
> and out. Thanks for questioning the way i put it as i thought about it
after
> i sent it and thought i should of explained it better. So with that said
do
> you have any good advice?
>
> johanb wrote:
> >>I believe that the last time (previous owner) didnt replace all the
wires,
> >but
> >> only one or two (wire colors dont match)
> >
> >>I bought it used from a co worker who took pretty good care of the car
> >
> >Somehow those 2 lines don't go well together ;-)
>
> --
> Message posted via CarKB.com
> http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/ford/200601/1
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 22:12:33 GMT, "Doug via CarKB.com" <u17672@uwe>
wrote:
>The Spark plugs looked good with the exception they did appear white,
So are mine. I'm told it's normal. Always worth considering, 'tho.
>I
>checked the gap of the ones i took out and they were pretty close to specs. I
>have not used any fuel additives but have wondered if a fuel injector could
>be causing the problem, Is there a way to clean them?
Lotta work. Costs a bundle at the shop.
Many recommend fi-cleaner gas additive as preventative. Dunno if
it'd help if they're already clogged. Doubt it'd hurt.
>Depending on what i get
>for answers will depend on where I go next. Thanks for the speedy reply.
>Doug
I dunno why plug wires are such a headache with these motors, but
they are. Diagnostic quagmire.
I had to replace 'em with dealer-bought wires at 40K mi. Still OK
at 61k. Tried after-mkt wires first: they didn't even fit
properly, had to take 'em back.
They cost too much and they can be a pain to install, but I'd put
a 100% dependable set of plug wires on it before doing any further
diagnoses. Twist the old boot at the plug vigorously before trying
to pull it off.
Good Luck,
Puddin'
>Puddin' Man wrote:
>>I gotta '94 'Boid LX V8, 61k mi.
>>
>>Plug wires on these motors can be a certified headache.
>>Just don't last long enough (by my personal yardstick).
>>
>>You changed the plugs? What'd the old electrodes look like?
>>Dark(rich)? Near-white(lean)?? Been using fuel-injector-
>>cleaner additive? Injectors clogged?
>>
>>Your "computer" should be more accurate than mine. Hope it
>>gives you accurate readings.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Puddin'
>>
>>>I recently had my check engine light come on and it called out the MAF, I
>>>replaced the Maf and it took care of the problem. I may have had a additional
>>[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>>>depth anaylis. Can you explain a little about this and any help with
>>>troubleshooting this problem.
Thanks for the advice, I'm going to change the wires, Do you have a specific
brand name that you would reccommend and what did you end up paying the
dealer for the wires? I've checked the autoparts place and the cheapest is
$50, and they go up from there. I dont have a problem with paying a little
more if they are a dependable brand and will work. Thanks again I appreciate
you taking the time to reply.
Doug
Puddin' Man wrote:
>>The Spark plugs looked good with the exception they did appear white,
>
>So are mine. I'm told it's normal. Always worth considering, 'tho.
>
>>I
>>checked the gap of the ones i took out and they were pretty close to specs. I
>>have not used any fuel additives but have wondered if a fuel injector could
>>be causing the problem, Is there a way to clean them?
>
>Lotta work. Costs a bundle at the shop.
>
>Many recommend fi-cleaner gas additive as preventative. Dunno if
>it'd help if they're already clogged. Doubt it'd hurt.
>
>>Depending on what i get
>>for answers will depend on where I go next. Thanks for the speedy reply.
>>Doug
>
>I dunno why plug wires are such a headache with these motors, but
>they are. Diagnostic quagmire.
>
>I had to replace 'em with dealer-bought wires at 40K mi. Still OK
>at 61k. Tried after-mkt wires first: they didn't even fit
>properly, had to take 'em back.
>
>They cost too much and they can be a pain to install, but I'd put
>a 100% dependable set of plug wires on it before doing any further
>diagnoses. Twist the old boot at the plug vigorously before trying
>to pull it off.
>
> Good Luck,
> Puddin'
>
>>>I gotta '94 'Boid LX V8, 61k mi.
>>>
>[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>>>>depth anaylis. Can you explain a little about this and any help with
>>>>troubleshooting this problem.
I got Ford/Motorcraft wires from a dealer back around 2000.
Seems like they were about $90. Labor to install might be
something like $120 (oughta be $30 for my little dollar).
If there are truly good 3rd party wires on the market, I don't know
about them. Someone else might have better info. Such things
change from time to time and I only take a peek when I have a
personal need.
I'd go with the Ford/Motorcraft wires just to avoid any further
headaches.
Best,
Puddin'
On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 18:47:20 GMT, "Doug via CarKB.com" <u17672@uwe>
wrote:
>Thanks for the advice, I'm going to change the wires, Do you have a specific
>brand name that you would reccommend and what did you end up paying the
>dealer for the wires? I've checked the autoparts place and the cheapest is
>$50, and they go up from there. I dont have a problem with paying a little
>more if they are a dependable brand and will work. Thanks again I appreciate
>you taking the time to reply.
>Doug
>
>Puddin' Man wrote:
>>>The Spark plugs looked good with the exception they did appear white,
>>
>>So are mine. I'm told it's normal. Always worth considering, 'tho.
>>
>>>I
>>>checked the gap of the ones i took out and they were pretty close to specs. I
>>>have not used any fuel additives but have wondered if a fuel injector could
>>>be causing the problem, Is there a way to clean them?
>>
>>Lotta work. Costs a bundle at the shop.
>>
>>Many recommend fi-cleaner gas additive as preventative. Dunno if
>>it'd help if they're already clogged. Doubt it'd hurt.
>>
>>>Depending on what i get
>>>for answers will depend on where I go next. Thanks for the speedy reply.
>>>Doug
>>
>>I dunno why plug wires are such a headache with these motors, but
>>they are. Diagnostic quagmire.
>>
>>I had to replace 'em with dealer-bought wires at 40K mi. Still OK
>>at 61k. Tried after-mkt wires first: they didn't even fit
>>properly, had to take 'em back.
>>
>>They cost too much and they can be a pain to install, but I'd put
>>a 100% dependable set of plug wires on it before doing any further
>>diagnoses. Twist the old boot at the plug vigorously before trying
>>to pull it off.
>>
>> Good Luck,
>> Puddin'
>>
>>>>I gotta '94 'Boid LX V8, 61k mi.
>>>>
>>[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>>>>>depth anaylis. Can you explain a little about this and any help with
>>>>>troubleshooting this problem.
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