01' Ford Focus Ingition system issues

nduitch

Out of nowhere today the car started acting funny, no power, weird sputtering, etc. I had to drive home from an hour a way and it was not easy. I couldn't keep speed on the highway even with small inclines. I went to Auto Zone for them to run the codes and what came up was an misfiring on cylinders 2 and 3. Most probable was the ignition coil second were plugs, wires, etc.

I replaced the coil, plugs and wires at the same time about half an hour ago. All of the power is back and the car doesn't feel like its bogging down anymore, but it is still misfiring pretty bad. Also the check engine light is still on. Do I need to turn the check engine light off in order for it to function correctly or have I not found the problem yet? I would greatly appreciate all input! I hate cars!

The engine is the 2.0 DOHC Zetec

Dutchman

Polkersince85

Did you use dielectric grease on the plugs and wires? If not they could be arcing. Crank it up in the dark and take a look for sparks. Sure you got the firing order correct? Check for vacuum leaks also.

geebolt

You do not need to have the engine light turned off for it to function correctly. You do need to get it functioning correctly before the engine light will stay off. If you still have misfires, you still have a problem.

nduitch

Okay, about to go out and check for sparks, but the wires came with the grease on them. Also the engine light has shut off now, but is driving worse now.

Vette C6.r

Whatever you do don't do the oldtimer trick of pulling the wire off while running and see if it sparks. Todays ignitions are very powerful and it couild really injure you.

What code was is ???

The coil can not make it misfire on the 2 and 3 cylinders. It would do it to them all.

The engine light, at times, needs a few correct runs before it resests itself. Take the ECM fuse out for at least 10-15 seconds. If the ECM is stuck in "closed loop" ( basically a safe mode until the problem gets corrected ) it can run poorly but not the the extent that you are describing.

The only thing that comes to mind without ever seeing your car is the cam - crank sensor that tells the ECM what cylinder it is firing. These sensors do have there own trouble code that should have triped as well.

How many miles ???

When you replaced the plug wires did you do them one at a time to make sure they went back in the correct order. It is often times easy to criss cross the wires. That would also cause the problem.

The trouble with cars, like audio, is that hearing and being there makes it alot easier to diagnose.

Good luck.

sucks2beme

Don't assume misfire is ignition. That's the most likely cause, but
fuel injectors can cause it also. Time for a mechanic to take a look.

nduitch

Done messing with it, there is a ford dealership across the street. Time to step aside and let the pro's handle it. Thanks for you help everyone.

Vette C6.r

I would at least look to make sure you didn't cross the plug wires before you take it somewhere.