98 2.5L Idle Problem

[Malkavic]

Hello all. Just found this forum, and am hoping I can get some information.

My father has a 98 Contour 2.5L V6, 86K miles roughly, that has been going crazy lately. The check engine light has been on for a bit, and now it flashes and the idle will jump from barely moving, to full throttle. It spikes from less than 1K to almost 2.5K RPM on its own.

We've changed the o2 sensors after a trip to Advanced Auto parts, got the codes read again, now they are showing cylinders 1, 2, and 3 are misfiring, and they recommeded changing the spark plugs.

We got the spark plugs, but can't seem to find out how to change them. Got a book, and it gives detailed instructions on how to take them out, but not how to find them in the first place. We think we see them, but getting to them is another story. Was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to change the plugs, and what else might be wrong here.

I've read most of the other posts dealing with misfires, and have noticed a large number of people recommending the IAC. I figure I'll have that checked next. And I'll try to get the code numbers from Advanced next time I'm out that way.

Thanks for any help you can offer..

Billy

[beyondloadedSE]

Take the spark plug wires out, use an extension with a 1/2" socket iirc. Its a no brainer.

Definetely replace the IAC as ive recommended to everyone else with this exact same question. Theres a how to on how to change it on the contour forums. www.contour.org.