Engine misfire?

Tiny
SAYED908
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
I drive for a corporate car service company (luxury sedan transportation). About 2 weeks ago I was waiting in front of a pick up waiting for my passenger and my cars idle shot from 500 rpms to 750 rpms and it was shaking as if one of the cylinders wasn't firing. The check engine light also went on. I took it to one mechanic he told me that the cylinder 5 ignition coil was no good. I had watched the codes on his diagnostic computer and I noticed 2 codes. One was for the misfire in the number 5 cylinder, and the other was for "system running too lean bank 2". I changed the ignition coil and went on my way. The idle still wasn't normal and I still felt the shaking a bit. I went on my way and a few hours later the light came back on and the shaking came back. I went to another mechanic he said it was the number 5 cylinder ignition.I explained I just changed that. He then told me that the spark plug was probably bad and caused the second (new) ignition coil to go bad again. I watched him as well when he pulled up the codes on his diagnostic computer and he only got the code for the misfire in the number 5 cylinder, no code for running lean. Now I changed all 8 spark plugs and the number 5 coil again. And I went on my way. 1 day later. Same problem and I got the check engine light again. So now here I am 2 ignition coils later with brand new plugs and I still have the same shaking. I went to a 3rd mechanic. He plugged in his handy dandy computer to the obd port and pulled up the code on the computer saying that the system is running lean bank 2, and the misfire in cylinder 5. He insisted on changing the plug and the ignition coil and taking it from there. I tried it one last time with the same results. Now.I have a suspicion that it might be the number 5 cylinder injector thats bad, is that a possibility? The car normaly idled before this whole thing started at 500 rpms FLAT! Now when the car is running its smoothest its just above 500 rpms. The cars idle is relatively smooth when I run the car for a while. The problem starts when I idle for about 15-20 mins then the shaking starts. Its as if after some time idling it just starts misfiring. The idle never goes the original 500 rpms, but it doesn't always shake either. It idles sometimes just above 500 when its smooth, and just below 750 when its misfiring. I also don't have the same power when I'm on the highway, feels like I'm running on 7 cylinders rather than 8 and I know this because at around 2000 rpms on the highway this car had effortless pick-up, and now I don't feel that power even well above 2000 rpms. PLEASE HELP. Its driving me insane. What are the problems I'm looking at?
Monday, December 28th, 2009 AT 7:37 AM

27 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi

Yes injector will cause the condition try some Techron made by Chevron in tank see if there is some improvement. Due to the intermittent nature injector maybe dirty and not allowing fuel to flow. Which will give lean code bank 2. if it was an ignition issue the unburnt fuel would enter exhaust and create a rich condition. I would clean the MAF sensor and then follow this guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, December 28th, 2009 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
RONI0788
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 309,002 MILES
My car has a skip. Things I have replaced on it

1. Alternator
2. Intake manifold with thermostat
3. Eight new ignition coils
4. New battery
5. New water pump.

What could it be?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,861 POSTS
Have you done the spark plugs with the ignition coils? I would change those out. Here is a guide that will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken

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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RONI0788
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
When I bought the car in December I got a full tune up including new spark plugs so I mean it's time to get new ones again?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,861 POSTS
No the plugs should be okay, we need to do a compression test to see if you have any low cylinders. Here is a guide that will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. also check for a vacuum leak like hoses/ etc.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Ignition coils are very common to fail but will not set misfire codes unless it is severe enough. If you can get a good scanner where you could see MOD 6 data then this is how you check to see if you have a cylinder misfiring.

Go to MOD6 and go to Test Id $53 Next screen will have the component numbers. $00-$0A That would be cylinders 1-8 Click on each one, one at a time and record the recorded misfire counts. If you see one cylinder higher then the rest then swap that cylinder coil with one that shows no misfires. Reset the computer and road test again until it acts up a few times. Recheck your MOD6 data and if the counter jumped to the new cylinder you installed the coil too then your coil is defective.

You can also do that with spark plugs and fuel injectors. But I believe if you do have a slight miss especially under load, then I suspect you will find a bad coil using the information I gave you. Good luck to you and let us know how you do.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,257 POSTS
Please get back to us with what you find and thank you for visiting 2CarPros.

Renee
Admin
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RONI0788
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
All 8 could are brand new
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
It is a starting point I am directing you too. Have seen defective coils before but as stated earlier you can do the same tesy with plugs and fuel injectors.

But first you need to look at the data I pointed out to see if you do have a misfire? If you do not have a scan tool to provide Mod 6 data then you should take it in to your local shop for proper diagnosis.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
EVMASS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
Transmission problem V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 101, 00 miles

Hello,

When I accelerate in my 2001 Lincoln Town Car, it jerks constantly. It is worse up hill, but also does it on level roads. The oil and transmission fluid / filters have been changed at factory recommended intervals. Besides that, the car runs fine. 4.6 V8 with a bit over 100K. Car has been babied - this has been going on since the beginning of summer.

Any ideas?

Thanks
evmass@yahoo. Com
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi evmass@yahoo.com,

Jerking during acceleration are mostly engine performance related and likely to be due to spark plug and/or related problems.

Here is a video to help you see what you are in for when changing the plugs.

https://youtu.be/E6oier7agkY

If the Check Engine Light is indicating, get a scan done to retrieve for trouble codes and let me know what they are.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
EVMASS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your reply. There is no check engine light.
Do you recommend that the coils and spark plugs be changed? The plugs were changed @ the last tune up but I think they broke one because when I changed all of them again the problem went away and the truck runs great.

Thanks, evmass@yahoo. Com
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Spark plugs would be difficult to test, only visual inspection for signs of shorting.

The ignition coils can be tested for resistance specifications. Check for oil or water contamination in the spark plug tubes.

Check for loose wire couplers.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SPROULMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
If you have not solved this problem, I have had the same problem on 5 diferent Ford full size cars with 4.6 engine. I fixed all of mine by installinf new spark plugs and connector springs with boots. I spite of claims I have not had any plugs go 100K before causing an engine miss. A mechanic told me the boots were bad to leak spark by the time the plugs needed replaced. I now change the boots when I change the plugs because they are only about $35. Per set at NAPA and easy to change when you change the plugs. If you do the job yourself make sure you blow out the plug holes before removing the old plugs and before putting the new boot into the hole.
Hope this helps.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MOPARDAVE71
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
I have had a misfire on cylinder 4 since I purchased the car. I have replaced all plugs and coils with Motorcraft parts. Have swapped injector 4 with 2 and no change. The misfire is not consistent but when has a miss it always shows to be in cylinder 4. Any suggestions on where to go from here would be appreciated.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Based on mileage and what you have already done, I would recommend checking engine compression. If the compression is more than 10% lower than the highest reading, it can cause a misfire. Also, have you checked fuel pressure?

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MOPARDAVE71
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. I will give this a try.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
You are very welcome. If you get the chance, let me know what you find. Additionally, here are the directions specific to your vehicle. I said 10% difference is an issue, but the attached directions indicate 25%. This information is right from the Alldata manual.

_______________________________-

2000 Lincoln Town Car V8-4.6L VIN W
Compression Test
Vehicle Powertrain Management Tune-up and Engine Performance Checks Compression Check Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Compression Test
COMPRESSION TEST
AllData Editors Note - Ford does not provide a cranking pressure specification, only an acceptable range.

General Remarks

Note: Removing fuses and disconnecting electrical components causes the powertrain control module (PCM) to log an error message. After the measurements have been carried out this error message should be cleared from memory by connecting to PDU.

Note: Only check the compression pressure with the valves set to the prescribed clearance (if this can be adjusted).

The compression pressure should be checked with the engine at operating temperature.

Check The Compression Pressure

WARNING: On manual transmissions shift the transmission into neutral. On automatic transmission vehicles, select "P". Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

1. Remove the fuel pump relay.
2. Start the engine - the engine will start, run for a few seconds then stall.
3. Remove the spark plugs.
4. Install the compression tester.
5. Install an auxiliary starter switch in the starting circuit. With the ignition switch OFF, using the auxiliary starter switch, crank the engine a minimum of five compression strokes and record the highest reading. Note the approximate number of compression strokes required to obtain the highest reading.
6. Repeat the test on each cylinder, cranking the engine approximately the same number of compression strokes.
7. Install the components in reverse order, observing the specified tightening torques.
8. Reset the PCM fault memory.

Interpretation of the Results
The indicated compression pressure are considered within specification if the lowest reading cylinder is within 75% of the highest reading.

CAUTION: If engine oil is sprayed into the combustion chamber, after carrying out the measurement run the engine at 2000 rpm for about 15 minutes, in order to burn the oil and prevent damage to the catalytic converter.

If the measurement on one or more cylinders is much lower than the specified value, spray some engine oil into the combustion chamber and repeat the compression measurement.

If the reading greatly improves, the piston rings are damaged.

If the reading stays the same, the cause is either damaged valve seats or valve stem seals.

If the measurements for two cylinders next to each other are both too low then it is very likely that the cylinder head gasket between them is burnt through. This can also be recognized by traces of engine oil in the coolant and/or coolant in the engine oil.

____________________________________________

If you have the chance, let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAYMOND DAVIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 202,200 MILES
My car has shown lean conditions. It may not start on the first and second try. Now getting a random misfire. Car runs okay over forty mph. About eighteen months ago changed plugs and coils. Cleaned throttle body and EGR and replaced IAC. Still misfiring.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:42 AM (Merged)

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