2002 Windstar 3.8L code P0302 (coil)

[CheeseHead1]

Hi all,

I also changed the coil on my 2002 Windstar 3.8L today and wanted to share some notes.

I was getting a p0302 code (misfire in cylinder 2). Thanks to some other posts in this forum, I suspected the coil because the problem started abruptly. I purchased spark plugs, spark plug wires and coil and went to a local repair facility where I could use a lift.

First I changed the plugs. I didn't think that was the main problem and I was right. However, at 134K miles it was a good idea (see related post).

The coil is located on the rear half of the engine near the top, so it's hard to get to. Look for where all the spark plug wires end up, that's the coil.

The coil is held by three bolts, they are 7 mm, I had to determine the size working by feel.

My vehicle still had the original plug wires, they were held in nice neat rows by clips. So it was pretty simple to unplug the wires, swap the coil, and replace the spark plug wires in the correct locations. This was also made easier by the fact that the factory wires had the cylinder number written on them in a pattern down the side of each wire - nice touch.

Another post had recommended removing some additional plastic to have good access to the coil. I was able to remove/replace the coil without having to remove any additional plastic. I am a tall skinny guy, so I had the arm length to reach the coil.

Getting the spark plug wires off the coil was straightforward, but there was also a wire connector that was hard to get off. I pushed a screwdriver up the rear slot of the wire connector and wiggled it. Then still couldn't get it off. A friend helped me and he was able to disconnect it, he said he thought I had loosed it with the screwdriver and just needed to wiggle it and pull more to get it to separate.

Installation was straightforward. Make sure you get the spark plug wires in the right location.

One note of caution, the manual said to use 56 ft-pounds when re-securing the bolts. So I got them nice and tight - then realized it said 56 inch-pounds. Oops!

Sure enough, the old coil had multiple cracks underneath. Installing the new coil solved the runnability problems I was having.

Thanks again to Wiswind and CoachKarl for pointing me in the right direction. The shop guys were impressed I already had the new coil with me, ready to install if needed.

[big white bufflo]

my first exsperiance with plug on my van was bad but i had to do the coil pack not to long ago i found if you want to get to any thing real ez back of the engine remove the plactic over the cowl then remove the wipe panel and you have all the room in the world to get to the plug wire and coil