1997 Ford Ranger coil/distributor/2-4wire packs, ticking

SALMESS

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
16,000 MILES

The back coil/distributer is ticking from one of the wires. I tried changing the wire also tried changing the coil too. Still no help, an if I take the wire off it will stop ticking and run smooth at low idle? P.S. My check engin light is on found out its has to do with the crank shaft censer.I don't think it has to do with it cause it seems to go to the front coil.

5 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

Replace all 8 spark plugs then get back to us. You have to start here.

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Monday, February 18th, 2008 AT 4:18 PM

SALMESS

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Monday, February 18th, 2008 AT 4:34 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
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This ignition set up uses a waste spark operation and if you have one bad spark plug it will short out the other one. This is why when you disconnect it, it runs better.

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Monday, February 18th, 2008 AT 4:39 PM

SALMESS

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I changed the spark plugs the wires too

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Monday, February 18th, 2008 AT 4:41 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

The only thing that can make a plug wire arc out is high resistance from the spark plug. I would double check them, make sure one of the electrodes are not bent or cracked. (Ive done it)