Replaced plugs and wires and now it cranks but won't start

PhoenixSteve · #1 01-06-2018, 10:04 AM

I just replaced my plugs and wires yesterday. Autolite Iridium XP103 plugs and Motorcraft OEM wires (both from Rockauto).

Plugs gapped to .045 from the box, and I checked each one.
Yes, I did one plug and one wire at a time. There is no way I screwed that up.
Old plugs looked like crap. But only 1, cyl 6, caused check engine light and misfire.
150,000 approx miles on the truck.
Yes I disconnected the battery during the install.
Yes I hear the fuel pump on turning the key to start.

The truck cranks fine but won't start. Any ideas on what to check?
Thanks in advance!

Steve
1999 Ford Ranger 3.0 Flex Fuel, XLT 2wd auto

Grumpa · #2 01-06-2018, 01:10 PM

Recheck your work. You may have just bumped a wire loose or didn't connect something. Check coil pack plug. Disconnected battery, which post? Ground, positive or both? I never found it necessary to do that but ok. Were there any other wires connected to the battery other than the cables? There is also the chance this has nothing to do with your repairs and is completely new and coincidental. So you will need to determine what it is lacking, spark or fuel.

PhoenixSteve · #3 01-06-2018, 05:21 PM

Thanks Grumpa. I appreciate the reply.

Unplugged the negative side for the install. Only did that to clear the code while working on the plug and wire install.

I checked all the work, and unplugged all the plugs, one by one, backed them off and tightened each a little less than original (didn't crank it down but suspected maybe a bit too tight), checked for loose wires, etc.

It finally started.

In fact it idled so well that for the first 5 mile test ride I couldn't tell it was running at stop lights. Then it threw a blinking check engine light and started running not so smooth.

I had the kid at Autozone check and clear the check engine light and the code is now saying bad coil. Yes, perhaps coincidental. The check engine light is now intermittent and blinking when it does come on. Running, and a lot better than before, but still intermittent check engine blinking. Oh...and it smells like something is burning...ugh...

Checking Rockauto for coil packs as a next step but at least it is running again. Looks like MOTORCRAFT DG535 - is this right for a 1999 V6 3.0 FFV?

99Ranger376 · #4 01-06-2018, 05:31 PM

The flashing engine light means a cylinder is missing, check your wire routing for a wire touching the exhaust. Also check EBay for a coil. I’ve yet to buy from Rock Auto, I always find better deals elsewhere.

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PhoenixSteve · #5 01-06-2018, 07:52 PM

99Ranger376, thank you for the reply.

I used most of the old wire management but there could be one of the new wires touching since I broke a few trying to separate them. Didn't think, since they're insulated, it would cause a problem but worth a check anyhow. Maybe I'll run everything up to the coil from the sides instead of around the backside since the coil is right on top.

I just checked eBay and Rockauto still looks like the best deal on that coil pack.

99Ranger376 · #6 01-07-2018, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixSteve

99Ranger376, thank you for the reply.

I used most of the old wire management but there could be one of the new wires touching since I broke a few trying to separate them. Didn't think, since they're insulated, it would cause a problem but worth a check anyhow. Maybe I'll run everything up to the coil from the sides instead of around the backside since the coil is right on top.

I just checked eBay and Rockauto still looks like the best deal on that coil pack.

Cool, good luck with it

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btspencer · #7 01-12-2018, 07:30 PM

If it starts running rough again, wiggle test, sometimes that can help pin point the issue.

PhoenixSteve · #8 01-13-2018, 10:05 AM

Problem solved! Yea!

Ordered new coil pack from Rockauto. $42. Got it in 2 days.
10 min install.

Purrrrrrs like a kitten now and feels like a new truck. So quiet that at traffic lights I can't feel it running.

So all in all it needed plugs (got Autolite Iridium), wires (Motorcraft) and a new coil (Motorcraft) and for under $100 it runs like new.

Thanks for all the replies.

Grumpa · #9 01-13-2018, 12:27 PM

Glad to hear it worked out!