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1997 Ford Taurus

Question: 1997 Ford DOCH intermittent miss at idol and start up what could it be due to

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puddlejumper67, Wichita, KS, January 26, 2012, 05:33
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Replaced the neutral safety switch due to issues with the radio and power steering and the car started missing at idle. Next codes indicated MAF sensor. I recently cleaned the sensor so I replaced it along with new plugs and wires. No codes but the miss is intermittent at idol and sometimes at start up. If you are sitting still at a stop light the miss will all of the sudden start. If you raise the rpm it goes away. I am wondering if there is an issue with an injector or if the new neutral safety switch is bad. Also replaced the EGR plumbing due to the hoses being soft.

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  • Answer #1

    Camster January 28, 2012, 06:01
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    Could be the coil unit.Not an uncommon malady that gives that symptom.

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    puddlejumper67, March 06, 2012, 05:27
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    You are correct in your statement that it was the coil. The engine went to a constant miss then it threw a p0303 code for cylinder 3 misfire and p0171 bank 1 lean. After some diagnostics it was found that the spark for cylinder 3 was almost impossible to see. Replaced the coil pack since this is a durateck doch v6 and it runs like new. Thanks you were right on!

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    Camster, March 06, 2012, 05:35
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    You're welcome.I experienced that same sort of miss on my 02 Taurus.Even an expert thought the problem was somewhere else,but the problem was still there after I replaced several other parts,and the coil became the only possible culprit.

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    puddlejumper67, March 08, 2012, 05:33
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    Yeah, the mechanics were thinking it was a compression problem or some other type of mechanical issue on mine, possibly a valve. After a compression check the range was from 170 psig to 185 psig. The fuel injectors were spraying ok too.

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