1998 Ford Taurus Intermittent Rough Idle and Backfire

ALFREDM56

MEMBER
1998 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
11,300 MILES

When cold, the engine on my 1998 Ford Taurus idles rough and intermittently mis-fires and/or backfires. The problem gradually disappears as the engine warms up. The readings on the OBDII Scanner shows no error codes. Where do I begin?

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 8:41 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

When cold, does the exhaust smell like the engine is running rich? Have you checked the EGR? Have you checked fuel pump pressure (when it is cold)?

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Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 AT 9:07 PM

ALFREDM56

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The problem got worse and, finally the Check Engine light came on. Checking the OBDII code, I found that the #3 cylinder was misfiring. I immediately changed the plugs and found a defective one at the #3 cylinder! The rough idle is now history, as well as the backfiring. I plan to inspect the EGR valve to address a mild hesitation problem that exists. Thanks for your help!

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Saturday, September 18th, 2010 AT 6:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Finally, the computer did its job. It makes things much easier. I'm glad you found it.

Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 12:38 PM