I have a 1996 ford explorer 5.0L AWD. Has developed an engine miss at idle and just above. Seems to run ok at higher rpm. Have never had this problem until today. Check engine light will also start "flashing". Per owners manual, light will flash to indicate a misfire. Will pulling fault codes indicate source of miss? Have not checked codes yet. Any suggestion what may be causing miss? Thanks

 

How many miles? Have you checked plugs and wires? If the check engine light comes on it should have something in memory. Plugs are usually a cheap starting point.

 

I recently had the same problem on our Explorer. Turned out to be a bad plug wire. I replaced the plug wires a year ago using a good quality of wires. The Explorer started running rough with the check engine light coming on. I decided to take the vehicle to our local mechanic. He found the bad plug wire. Since I used good wires my mechanic was able to replace the wires under the wire warranty. Just a thought...

 

I agree with the plug or wire theory. It's probably still missing a bit at high RPMS, you just don't notice it as much.

 

Running the codes will tell you if and which wire is failing. Most likely is number 7 or possibly 8.

 

Checked codes, miss at #7. Found bad plug, replaced plugs and wires. Thanks

 

I think Ford should just install a backup #7 wire from the factory. It's always the first one to go. lol!

 

my experience has been if it happens all of a sudden with absolutely no problems before the missing and shaking, its most likely a bad plug or wire. bad compression, bad fuel injectors, etc... tend to gradually worsen over time and u notice the changes. i had a misfire on #3 and it was a bad plug, but i had a whole tuneup done including fuel filter replacing. $400 at the dealer. motorcraft everything is nice......