Random misfire question

Goldmember · Feb 6, 2008

Basically it can only be one of two things, wires or coil pack- got a CEL on the way home tonight, stopped at Advance and had it read- random misfire- I had one of these a couple months back as well for the same problem. Similar conditions, speed, load on engine (75-80 mph, mild incline). I would say wire but OBD II would have pointed the finger at the cylinder where the problem is, wouldn't it? Therefore I think I have a coil pack going bad...

Any input?

Petek · Feb 6, 2008

Yup your right if a plug wire usually causes a misfire you will get a code like P0301 - P0308. i believe the code you have is a P0300. it probably is one of your coilpacks, or maybe moisture is your problem.

Jrgunn5150 · Feb 6, 2008

Yep, it would have pointed the finger, if it wasn't a coil pack

SRT Handz · Feb 6, 2008

time to buy some MSD Coils i see.... :boink:

Willis_98GT · Feb 7, 2008

SRT Handz said:
time to buy some MSD Coils i see.... :boink:

thought stock coils and msds were the same?

Goldmember · Feb 7, 2008

SRT Handz said:
time to buy some MSD Coils i see.... :boink:

My thoughts exactly! I doubt it's any more expensive than OEM, plus you can always paint 'em flat black and ppl will just assume they're stock at a glance (The musclecar guys used to do this quite a bit with aftermarket ignition coils)

However if what willis says it's true I'll be looking at other brands too

Petek It was a PO300, the last time I had this issue it wasn't raining so I don't believe moisture is the problem. It doesn't seem to affect how the car runs at the moment, and it did knock down 20 MPG on the last tank.

It'll be another month or two before I can afford new ones- the car is running very well at the moment- so I'm hoping I have a little time to play with.

Jrgunn5150 · Feb 7, 2008

MSD are not the same as stock, according to all reports they are crappier. I made 500 rwhp with stock packs.

Goldmember · Feb 7, 2008

^^I never would have thought that! I guess my next question would be: is there anything that's a worthwhile upgrade from stock or should I just go OEM?

AaRoN · Feb 7, 2008

Goldmember said:
^^I never would have thought that! I guess my next question would be: is there anything that's a worthwhile upgrade from stock or should I just go OEM?

J.R. said:
MSD are not the same as stock, according to all reports they are crappier. I made 500 rwhp with stock packs.

Not trying to be an :ass3:

Goldmember · Feb 7, 2008

Well that about shut me up LOL Guess I oughta read a little better

AaRoN · Feb 7, 2008

Our stock coil packs are more than sufficient. Some guys with aftermarket wires and coilpacks have seen gains in mpg but not really enough to justify the cost.

Jrgunn5150 · Feb 7, 2008

Lol, alot of part's give gains in MPG, like ignitions, CAi, catback, none of them justify the cost though, unless you can't add. They are cool though.

Goldmember · Feb 7, 2008

Thanks for the tips/advice, OEM it is when they get replaced.

Jrgunn5150 · Feb 7, 2008

I almost bought MSD's for mine until I searched the bigger sites like Corral and Modularfords, the feedback was extremely poor from nearly everyone. And no one saw a gain, so I said screw it.

2REDSTANGS · Feb 7, 2008

That problem has been making me crazy for a while so new spark plug wires could maybe fix it? Just like the Ford Racing ones or does anybody have a brand suggestion ?

Jrgunn5150 · Feb 7, 2008

2REDSTANGS said:
That problem has been making me crazy for a while so new spark plug wires could maybe fix it? Just like the Ford Racing ones or does anybody have a brand suggestion ?

Random misfire? Is it popping a code for you? Because if it's wires, it will directly state misfire on cylinder 6, or whatever. If it's random, it's the coil packs.

For wires, MSD, or FRPP are fine, only comes down to price and what color you like.

Downshift · Feb 7, 2008

Not sure for you guys, but you can use a volt ohm meter to test the coil on 94-95 to see if it is in spec. Autozone should have binder with what the resistance should be. At least the one I work at does.

Jrgunn5150 · Feb 7, 2008

5.0wned said:
Not sure for you guys, but you can use a volt ohm meter to test the coil on 94-95 to see if it is in spec. Autozone should have binder with what the resistance should be. At least the one I work at does.

That would work, but what happens on these car's is eventually the coil packs crack (even if you can't see it), and crap get's in there, then you get intermittent misfiring, drives you nut's trying to find it.

Downshift · Feb 7, 2008

J.R. said:
5.0wned said:

Not sure for you guys, but you can use a volt ohm meter to test the coil on 94-95 to see if it is in spec. Autozone should have binder with what the resistance should be. At least the one I work at does.

Click to expand...

That would work, but what happens on these car's is eventually the coil packs crack (even if you can't see it), and crap get's in there, then you get intermittent misfiring, drives you nut's trying to find it.

Well that wont work too good haha.