Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'96 Ford Windstar, Engine Skip
Q:
I have
a '96 Ford Windstar and it started acting like it was running on only
5 cylinders. I had it checked at AutoZone and sure enough number 2 was
misfiring. I did a compression test myself to make sure it wasn't a head
or head gasket and the test came back fine. So I put plugs and wires in
it. Still no change. The next thing I will try is taking the plug out
and turning the engine over to see if it is getting fire ( spark plug
arcs ). If that is OK then the only thing left is the injector.. If memory
serves me correctly, it only takes 3 things to make a cylinder perform
properly... GAS- FIRE - & COMPRESSION....Any suggestions at all that
may help.
A:
I'm
inclined to think that you have a fire/spark problem and when you check
for spark you'll likely find that there is none. Your Windstar has a distributorless
ignition system. The most common problem we've run into involves the coil
pack. What's really strange about your problem is that it has been the
#2 cylinder part of the coil pack that has failed on the last two Windstars
that have been in our shop with an engine skip. As a quick check, confirm
if spark is present at the spark plug. If you have no spark then move
back to the coil pack and check for spark. A word of caution! The coil
packs of distributorless ignition systems have more than enough kick (electrical
power) to double as a defibrillator on steroids. If you get yourself across
the wrong part at the right time and you'll be doing the wiggly giggly
and have a whole new understanding! Of course if anyone is watching such
an event will likely fall down laughing once they figure out you're still
alive. They might even ask for an encore once they get their breath back.
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