Welcome to thunderbirdnest.com! TBN is the web's best site for enthusiasts of 2002, 2003, 2004
and 2005 Ford Thunderbirds (retrobirds). Discussion forums, technical forums, production
data, photos, modifications, performance enhancements, accessories and more.
Much of the content on TBN can only be accessed by registered
users who are logged in. You must also be logged in to post. There is no cost to join; it's
all free! If you don't have an account
register for one and
join the Retro T-Bird fun today!
I had a similar problem with intermittent misses, although the check engine light never illuminated. The service manager at my Ford dealer suspected that one or more of the coils were failing. He suggested that I confirm that the coolant level was correct and then to let the car idle for 30 minutes to "heat soak" the coils. If the car started to miss he said to immediately bring it to the service department and to instruct the service rep that the car was not to be turned off until a technician could hook it up and do a "stress test" on the coils.
As he suspected the heat soak brought on the miss and a stress test of the coils at the dealer confirmed two bad coils. The check engine light never came on.
When I first bought my 2002 there was an intermittent problem which I believed was the coil(s). My Lincoln Mercury dealer suggested that I take a drive up one of our North Georgia mountains.
Sure enough a quick trip up the mountain and the check engine light came on. However, it went back out but apparently was on long enough to throw the code so the computer picked it up. Turned out to be the number 6 coil. I replaced all four on that side while I was in there.
Car had more pep and drove so much better, I'm almost eager to replace the other four.
Car had more pep and drove so much better, I'm almost eager to replace the other four.
Sounds about right. Weak ignition can cause a noticeable loss of power without causing an especially noticeable idle or low end rpm problem.
The amount of spark you need to "GO" is debatable but as a general rule? More "spark" is always better.......at least anything just short of burning the electrodes off the end of the plugs!
A "fat" spark isn't really required at low RPM but if you are really spinning the engine hard you will notice the deficit if it exists.
Comment