Just got a P301 code
toughguy5
11-25-2009, 08:42 PM
yes i did, it says CYCLINDER 1 MISFIRE, on my actron scanner, my windstar is a 2000, it has 114,354 miles and runs very good.i change my oil and tranny fluid when needed. so can anybody pinpoint this problem so i dont change everything under the hood. the plugs are about 2 years old they are ford moto plat plugs and the wires looked great when i replaced the plugs. i cleaned out my egr ports about a year ago. oh the weather now i very damp and rainy here in SF. thanks all.
wiswind
11-26-2009, 07:26 AM
First thing that came to mind is EGR ports, but as you say that they were cleaned a year ago, it is not normal for them to clog again so soon.
Going in the order of cheap and easy.
A can of Berryman's B-12 Chemtool to the gasoline tank will clean up the fuel injectors.
I don't know that dirty fuel injectors are as common on the newer windstars as my older version, but it is a good idea to clean the with the Berryman's once in a while (maybe 1 to 3 times a year...depending upon how much driving you do).
The Berryman's is one of the cheaper brands, but has worked a number of times where MANY others have failed to do so.
You can get it at AutoZone and other auto supply stores.
I use the one in the metal can.
You may need 2 cans to treat 1 tank of gasoline......read the can to see how much it will treat.....your gasoline tank will be 20 gallon (standard) or 25 gallon (optional).
How old is the fuel filter?
I like to change mine every year. A clogged fuel filter will increase the workload on the fuel pump as well as restrict the fuel system from delivering the needed amount of fuel.
The fuel filter is cheap, but can be kind of a pain to replace.
The 1999 and newer windstars seem to have more issues with the coil pack failing.
So that is possible.
The epoxy body develops a crack....and the high voltage arcs through that.
The coils will ohm out as good......but the lack of insulation to ground, etc is letting the arc happen.
It is possible that you have a problem with the spark plug wires.
When the motor is running at idle, when it is dark outside, lift up the hood and look for signs of arcing around the spark plug wires....which would indicate that the insulation has lost it's electrical insulating properties.
A spark plug wire can also break inside or otherwise increase in resistance.
Going in the order of cheap and easy.
A can of Berryman's B-12 Chemtool to the gasoline tank will clean up the fuel injectors.
I don't know that dirty fuel injectors are as common on the newer windstars as my older version, but it is a good idea to clean the with the Berryman's once in a while (maybe 1 to 3 times a year...depending upon how much driving you do).
The Berryman's is one of the cheaper brands, but has worked a number of times where MANY others have failed to do so.
You can get it at AutoZone and other auto supply stores.
I use the one in the metal can.
You may need 2 cans to treat 1 tank of gasoline......read the can to see how much it will treat.....your gasoline tank will be 20 gallon (standard) or 25 gallon (optional).
How old is the fuel filter?
I like to change mine every year. A clogged fuel filter will increase the workload on the fuel pump as well as restrict the fuel system from delivering the needed amount of fuel.
The fuel filter is cheap, but can be kind of a pain to replace.
The 1999 and newer windstars seem to have more issues with the coil pack failing.
So that is possible.
The epoxy body develops a crack....and the high voltage arcs through that.
The coils will ohm out as good......but the lack of insulation to ground, etc is letting the arc happen.
It is possible that you have a problem with the spark plug wires.
When the motor is running at idle, when it is dark outside, lift up the hood and look for signs of arcing around the spark plug wires....which would indicate that the insulation has lost it's electrical insulating properties.
A spark plug wire can also break inside or otherwise increase in resistance.
fy171
11-26-2009, 08:18 AM
i just had the same problem check everything as wiswind suggested and it turn out to be the coil pack tested ok but was faulty, 2002 windstar 76 K
12Ounce
11-26-2009, 08:40 AM
Because it worsens in wet weather, I guess: cables and ignition pack.
Because only one cyl misfires, I narrow my guess to: cables. (But I would, at least, remove and thoroughly wipe off the pack ... inspecting for cracks, etc.)
Because only one cyl misfires, I narrow my guess to: cables. (But I would, at least, remove and thoroughly wipe off the pack ... inspecting for cracks, etc.)
toughguy5
11-26-2009, 09:18 AM
thanks everybody, going outside now to check, will update when i am done.
toughguy5
11-26-2009, 11:23 PM
just fixed this problem, it seems the number one plug wire was hanging a little bit to low to the exhaust manifold and melted and cracked, it took more time to remove the cowl and parts than to replace the wires. thanks all for your help.
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