HELP!!!!
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New User
Joined: Dec 2009
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HELP!!!!
I just replaced the plugs and wires on my 01 Explorer and now the check engine light is on (blinking now, solid at first), very little power no matter how far gas pedal pushed, and there is a funny smell, almost like something is getting heated. I can't find any parts rubbing, and I've double checked each plug and wire for proper seating, tightness, etc. I'm at a loss. Any help is appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
need information on engine... did you put wires on correct plugs??
Lots of folk get this wrong
What is the firing order for a Ford explorer 4.0L v6?
1 - 4 - 2 - 5 - 3 - 6
--------------------------------------------------------------
The engine cylinders / spark plugs are numbered :
passenger side of engine , front to rear , 1 , 2 , 3
drivers side of engine , front to rear 4 , 5 , 6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The COIL PACK TOWERS are numbered :
Rear
3---4
2---6
1---5
front
Report back......
Lots of folk get this wrong
What is the firing order for a Ford explorer 4.0L v6?
1 - 4 - 2 - 5 - 3 - 6
--------------------------------------------------------------
The engine cylinders / spark plugs are numbered :
passenger side of engine , front to rear , 1 , 2 , 3
drivers side of engine , front to rear 4 , 5 , 6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The COIL PACK TOWERS are numbered :
Rear
3---4
2---6
1---5
front
Report back......
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Dec 2009
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I'm certain I have the wires on correctly. I did them one at a time, but I'm gonna double check (again!) anyway. Disconnected the battery before changing the plugs and wires, NO cel light on before, and the smell is in the bay, but it may be coming from the anti-seize compound I put on the plugs. Never used it before, but I read that it can cause fumes for awhile as it settles in.
I talked to a Ford tech, and he told me it was a misfire. Apparently, the blinking check engine light means a misfire in this instance. I guess I'll be up early tomorrow chasing it down.
I talked to a Ford tech, and he told me it was a misfire. Apparently, the blinking check engine light means a misfire in this instance. I guess I'll be up early tomorrow chasing it down.
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New User
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Update
Wouldn't you know it? After thinking all night about getting to that last plug in the back, the problem solved itself. I didn't do anything except pull the negative battery cable again and let it sit for about 8 hours (apparently the 2 hours it was off while I was changing the plugs wasn't enough). When I fired it up again, the check engine light was off, and it was purring like a newborn kitten. Anyway, thanks for all the advice.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
I'll bet you have a wire or two that are not properly seated at one of the ends, either the spark plug or the coil. For whatever reason it is making contact currently, but after a good pothole the misfire will be back. Getting the stored/history codes read would give you a wire or two to start with.
-Rod
-Rod
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 91
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From: Canada
Maybe the old plugs were so bad that the ECM needs to recalibrate itself with the new plugs
Take it for a drive on a bumpy road and see how it runs.
Take it for a drive on a bumpy road and see how it runs.
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I did check the wires again. They were all nice and tight, and none were crossed. Where I live in California, a loose wire wouldn't last 50 yards. I've never had this kind of issue before when changing plugs. I just wonder how long I was supposed to allow the computer to reset itself. Ah well, I'll worry about it in another 100k miles.