SES light: misfire on 3rd cylinder

[xcman1206]

so i started my car and immediately the SES light went on. Checked it at Autozone and found out it's a misfire on the third cylinder.
:?
I'm assuming that all i need to do is replace my spark plugs and spark plug wires, but i could be wrong. Then after driving for a few hours, the SES light went off.... Would there be any other reason to the misfire, and if so is there anything else i may need to do to fix the problem? Thanks in advance...

[Serstylz2]

could be a coil pack movin around... might as well change em all out anyways, if you have the 4cyl that takes about 10 mins tops.

[4-G-rim]

Whens the last time you change your spark plugs? If you never did...its probably time.

Diagnose in this order for now:

- Change spark plugs
- Replace spark wires
- Check spark coils (4cyl)

If the problem still persist...it could be a failing injector on cylinder 3, or ECu related..but don't get too ahead of yourself. It may just be as simple as replacing the plugs

[run1206]

haven't changed them in about 7,000 miles ago... probably gotta change them

[n3oAcid24]

if its the 3rd cylinder on a I4 it should be a cylinder with a spark plug wire. so just change the spark plugs and wire and you will be good. i am misfiring right now too... i had to get new coil packs....

[outspoken]

haven't changed them in about 7,000 miles ago... probably gotta change them

thought plugs were supposed to get replaced every 30K? how often do you guys replace them? I've only had two sets in mine, first pair was taken out at 45K and this pair has been in for about 20-30.

[run1206]

found the problem....the spark plug wire was split apart, which is y the SES light went on. went to Autozone and got the NGK iridium plugs and some spark plug wires to replace the ripped one. Finally running all four cylinders again. :D thanks to you all for the advice


now i gotta find a way to clear the codes when the SES light went on.....

[Serstylz2]

disconnect the battery overnight, easiest way

[run1206]

k, guess i gotta remember my radio stations from my presets, lol. how's the process...disconnect red first, then black?

[Serstylz2]

you can just take off red if you want, thats what i do when i work on my car.. but if you take off both, i dont think it matters which one comes off first, just as long as they dont touch... might as well take off red first like you said and secure that away from metal, then remove ground and let that dangle

[run1206]

k, i'll take off the red only.

[chromeblueES]

Whens the last time you change your spark plugs? If you never did...its probably time.

Diagnose in this order for now:

- Change spark plugs
- Replace spark wires
- Check spark coils (4cyl)

If the problem still persist...it could be a failing injector on cylinder 3, or ECu related..but don't get too ahead of yourself. It may just be as simple as replacing the plugs

I've changed the order of the coil packs, and I've put a new plug in cylinder 3. I'm running out of ideas, I sprayed the throttle body too. I don't know is it possible to crack the hole where the plug goes? Plugs wires and coil packs are new. with a new cai.

[Satan]

I moved the coilpacks around and then the boots and found myissue related to the boot itself. Autozone will check/ckear your codes and had the least expensive boots/wires... good luck.

FYI, if it was a coilpack problem, it would affect 2 cyl. in the 4 cyl. engine... I dunno about the 6 cyl. engine.

[shiznit013]

The V6 has a distributor with a single ignition coil inside. If that coil dies, then you're out $600--you can't replace it separate from the distributor.

[cdipier2]

i honestly cant believe they still made their cars with distributors. well the 6 cyl i mean. when i had my 95 1.9 escort a couple years ago it had electronic distribution (EDIS)

[shiznit013]

The car is still EFI... the timing can be adjusted via the ECU.

[Satan]

If it's a 4 cyl, then it's likely just a boot. If you have not changed the plugs in awhile, I'd go ahead and take care of it all in 1 fell swoop... boots ($19 Autozone - for the pair, I think), plugs, and the 2 wires (I think I got these at Autozone as well). Dealer's prices are MUCH more.