96 windstar throwing code

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Dec 30, 2005 | 09:17 PM

kermit

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 913

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From: Pensacola, FL

96 windstar throwing code

need some help. i have a 96 windstar that has the 3.8 in it. sometimes it throws a p0301, cylinder 1 misfire code, and stumbles all over itself. then if you rev it to about 1500 for a few seconds it comes out of it, cel stops blinking and stays solid. it will sometimes go for months at a time without happening, then start happening every few days. very intermittent. only usually happens when starting the engine, if it is already running it usually doesnt happen, but has a couple of times.

leaving for deployment next week, would like to get this resolved before i go if i can so i dont have to worry about paying a mechanic while i am gone.

thanks,

jamie

Dec 30, 2005 | 10:32 PM

Monty06

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Joined: Aug 2004

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From: miami florida

check your plug to see if you have a loose tip.
and would be great to pull codes on the van.

Dec 30, 2005 | 11:31 PM

kermit

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 913

Likes: 2

From: Pensacola, FL

i did, p0301, cylinder 1 misfire

Dec 31, 2005 | 12:15 AM

Monty06

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From: miami florida

ah i see
let me check it out be back in five

Dec 31, 2005 | 12:21 AM

Monty06

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From: miami florida

have you done any timing work to it
or change spark plug wires might be placed wrong.

Dec 31, 2005 | 01:33 AM

kermit

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 913

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From: Pensacola, FL

nope, havent touched it. just started doing it awhile back.

Dec 31, 2005 | 06:54 AM

Rockledge

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: Connecticut

Have you pulled the #1 plug and looked it over? Have you tried changing out the plug? You can also try swapping plug wires around to see if it's related to the wire.

A worst case scenario which has to be kept in mind is a leaky headgasket, those 3.8Ls are pretty well known for that. Losing any coolant lately? Do you get the sweet stench of coolant when you first start it and the engine is stumbling? White lingering smoke out of the tailpipe?