misfire 2001 escape 3.0

[cam 540]

Need help with my Escape at idle it has a bad miss and the engine light came on and I took it to autozone and the computer is showing a missfire at #4 cylinder. My question is which cylinder is #4 and has anyone had this problem before. Is it the coil on plug or a dirty injector or vaccum leak? It doesn't missfire under load just idle.

[rhandwor]

I don't have a manual for your engine but I would suggest buying a Haynes manual for your engine. If pressed for funds go to a library and copy the plug wiring diagram. Normally they are 1-3-5 and 2-4-6 on the other side. Look on the intake they used to be numbered. I would suggest a new double platinum or iridium plug. As Ford had some plug problems. Check the compression on No.4 if ok pull the coil on plug and put the plug into it. Use grounded channel locks and hold the plug against the block or intake if it fires good install these items. Use a noid light and check for power to the injector. If you have power to the injector use a long screwdriver and place it against the injector. Put your ear next to it and listen if its working properly. If you have problems reply back.
For a vacuum leak spray carburator cleaner around the gasket surfaces the engine will smooth out if sprayed. Also spray around the Pcv system.

[cam 540]

Thanks I will check these things!

[dashmore]

When the computer registers a mis-fire on a cylinder, it is actually telling you that the coil pack's expected "load" or resistance was out of range. It was either too high or too low, either of these conditions will cause the coil pack to not generate the needed surge to fire the spark plug. I had one that worked fine when the engine was cold and after warming up it would then change resistance and start to mis-fire. Trust the computer. The #4 cyl. is on the left side closest to the radiator. Remove the cover (3 10mm nuts) and look at the wiring, there are tape tags identifying each cylinder by #.

[cam 540]

Yes it was the coil pack that was out. Changed it and problem solved.