Shorted coilpack

JEFFROHOTROD

MEMBER
MERCURY COUGAR

I have a 1996 mercury cougar with a 3.8 v6. Mileage 138,000. My car started missing really bad and died and would not start back. When I oped the hood I heard a hissing sound coming from the coil pack. I changed the coil pack and the fuse. It started right up, but started missing & died. When I opened the hood I discovered that it shorted the new coil pack and blew the fuse again. Any ides on what could be shorting it out? Thanks

Monday, August 14th, 2006 AT 5:49 PM

1 Reply

MIKEYBDMAN

MECHANIC
623 POSTS

That is strange. The fact that it runs good until it shorts out makes me think the PCM is doing its job. I know that if the plug wires have too high of resistance, that can fry a coil pack.
I would probably replace the plugs and wires if it was my car. They also call to apply Silicone Dielectric Compound to all ignition wire boots, and make sure they are fully seated. Check under the coil pack and make sure it is clean and dry. The silicone can be applied under the coil pack also. If these things dont correct the problem, I would suspect the PCM, although that is highly unlikely.

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Monday, August 14th, 2006 AT 7:37 PM