1996 Ford Thunderbird LX Logo
Posted on Aug 18, 2012

96 Ford Thunderbird isn't getting any spark after the fuel punk and filter was changed, what could it be?

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Greenhorn:

A rookie expert who has answered 20 questions on their first day.

  • Contributor 29 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 18, 2012
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Greenhorn:

A rookie expert who has answered 20 questions on their first day.

Joined: Aug 18, 2012
Answers
29
Questions
1
Helped
8603
Points
93

Sounds like your distributor cap wires and plugs

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 57 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 18, 2008

SOURCE: change fuel filter 1988 ford thunderbird 6 cylinder

In the trunk left side is inertia switch.  rap ******* side with fist, causing button to pop up on top, when this happens the fuel pump will no longer receive power.  Now try to start vehicle, should attempt to start and die.  Fuel system is no de pressurized.  PLease be careful as there is still some pressure in system! and remember to reset inertia switch when done by pressing pop up button back to the down position.

Ad

Anonymous

  • 202 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 17, 2009

SOURCE: 96 ford explorer code p0301 mis fire 1

Sounds like either a bad plug wire, or coil pack. This is about all that would cause the misfire.

c17hydro

Greg Bernett

  • 2993 Answers
  • Posted on May 13, 2009

SOURCE: changing spark plugs on my 96 ford contour

A set of spark plugs usually requires replacement after about 20,000–30,000 miles (32,000–48,000 km), depending on your style of driving. In normal operation plug gap increases about 0.001 in. (0.025mm) for every 2500 miles (4000 km). As the gap increases, the plug's voltage requirement also increases. It requires a greater voltage to jump the wider gap and about two to three times as much voltage to fire the plug at high speeds than at idle. The improved air/fuel ratio control of modern fuel injection, combined with the higher voltage output of modern ignition systems, will often allow an engine to run significantly longer on a set of standard spark plugs, but keep in mind that efficiency will drop as the gap widens (along with fuel economy and power). When you're removing spark plugs, work on one at a time. Don't start by removing the plug wires all at once, because, unless you number them, they may become mixed up. Take a minute before you begin and number the wires with tape.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. If the vehicle has been run recently, allow the engine to thoroughly cool.
  3. Remove the spark plug cover(s), if equipped.
  4. On the 2.5L engine remove the ignition coil assembly from the rear valve cover. See Section 2 for the procedure. Remove the water pump pulley cover.
  5. Carefully twist the spark plug wire boot to loosen it, then pull upward and remove the boot from the plug. Be sure to pull on the boot and not on the wire, otherwise the connector located inside the boot may become separated.
  6. Using compressed air, blow any water or debris from the spark plug well to assure that no harmful contaminants are allowed to enter the combustion chamber when the spark plug is removed. If compressed air is not available, use a vacuum to clean the area. NOTE: Remove the spark plugs when the engine is cold, if possible, to prevent damage to the threads. If removal of the plugs is difficult, apply a few drops of penetrating oil or silicone spray to the area around the base of the plug, and allow it a few minutes to work.
  7. Using a spark plug socket that is equipped with a rubber insert to properly hold the plug, turn the spark plug counterclockwise to loosen and remove the spark plug from the bore. WARNING
    Be sure not to use a flexible extension on the socket. Use of a flexible extension may allow a shear force to be applied to the plug. A shear force could break the plug off in the cylinder head, leading to costly and frustrating repairs.
  8. Remove each plug and inspect the plug even if you are replacing them with new ones. An inspection can reveal a great deal of information on the overall condition of an engine. Use the condition charts in this section as a guide. To install:
  9. Inspect the spark plug boot for tears or damage. If a damaged boot is found, the spark plug wire must be replaced.
  10. Using a wire feeler gauge, check and adjust the spark plug gap. When using a gauge, the proper size should pass between the electrodes with a slight drag. The next larger size should not be able to pass while the next smaller size should pass freely.
  11. Carefully thread the plug into the bore by hand. A handy tool to use to install spark plugs are the flexible rubber installation tools that are available at most auto parts stores, in place of this tool an old plug wire boot or a piece of fuel line long enough to fit to the plug hole is a good alternative. If resistance is felt before the plug is almost completely threaded, back the plug out and begin threading again.
  12. Carefully tighten the spark plug. If the plug you are installing is equipped with a crush washer, seat the plug, then tighten about 1⁄4 turn to crush the washer. If you are installing a tapered seat plug, tighten the plug to specifications provided by the vehicle or plug manufacturer.
  13. Apply a small amount of silicone dielectric compound to the end of the spark plug lead or inside the spark plug boot to prevent sticking, then install the boot to the spark plug and push until it clicks into place. The click may be felt or heard, then gently pull back on the boot to assure proper contact.
  14. On the 2.5L engine, install the coil pack and the water pump pulley.
  15. Install the spark plug cover(s), if removed.
  16. Connect the negative battery cable.

Anonymous

  • 722 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 26, 2010

SOURCE: Hello Need help on a 2004 Ford Explorer. Having

creechjm55,

You have misplaced some of the wires on the distributor. Also make sure that the coil wire that runs from the center of the distributor to the coil pack (if installed, instead of coil packs) is connected securely. Sometimes new wires are hard to get to snap on. You should hear and/or feel the wire clip into place.

If you have a distibutor, get a repair manual and find the firing order for the distributor versus the plugs. Find the number one on the engine and the distributor and make sure it is correctly linked. Do this for the other wires. Chances are you only have two of them crossed.

For future reference, when you change plug wires, and plugs, do them each one by one so that this does not happen. Don't worry though, I've done it many times.

I am positive this is the issue, as I have done this and as soon as I read rough idle, and missing, this came to mind immediatly. and considering you just changed the wires, I'm sure that's the problem.

Please let me know if you need further assistance if this doesn't correct the problem, or if the problem has been solved already.

Thank you,

carsandcomps

fordexpert

  • 5692 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 15, 2010

SOURCE: our ford bronco will not run new fuel relay, fuel

Check to see if you have a Throttle Position Sensor. This would be on the Airhorn and works with the throttle butterfly. It is about the size of a butane lighter and has 1 electric connector and 2 screws.

This part sets the spark and fuel for the throttle position.

Testimonial: "this may very well be the proplem we will check it out monday"

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Why does my 1986 ford thunderbird start but will not stay running

Could be in need of tune up, spark plugs & wires, coil packs, fuel filter,&/or ECM/PCM (computer) going bad.
1helpful
1answer
0helpful
2answers

2002 Ford Thunderbird turns over but won't start

Check for fuel at engine and for spark at coil
1helpful
1answer

96 ford explorer changed fuel pump now vehicle is hard to start

Did you check fuel pressure with old pump,then the
new one,change the filter & install a quality pump

Not likely but the pressure regulator maybe so,so
Have to have about 40# at engine

Need spark plugs not over 3 years old & new front
o2 sensors every 100,000 miles

If you have a distributor then clean cap & rotor
0helpful
1answer

1995 ford contour cranks but won't start, change fuel filter, fuel pump, and spark plugs. Not getting any spark.

Have you ever heard of testing before replacing parts ? Fuel pressure an flow tesing , testing the electrical circuit for the fuel pump , amp draw testing , voltage drop testing etc... Thier are no magical fixes in auto repair . No spark ! check B+ voltage an ground circuits for the ignition system , Ignition System Designs Operation and Testing an SD Premium video
0helpful
1answer

My car is chugging it feels like the fuel isn't getting through. I have changed the spark plugs and about to change the fuel filter.

dont just change parts without knowing--scan car at a parts place 1st-------it cud be a failin fuel pump or pressure regulator----or an egr valve--dirty injection system-----worn plug wires------fuel system pressure test or ignition inspection may be in order
1helpful
2answers

How do I replace the motor mounts on my 96 thunderbird 3.8L?

Put the car on ramps and set e brake.

Use engine hoist to lift engine weight off of car.

Remove mount to engine bolts, remove mount nut.

Lift engine just enough to remove mounts and install new.

Watch exhaust, fuel lines and transmission mount while lifting. They may have to be loosened or moved.
0helpful
2answers

1988 ford thunderbird (not se) 3.8L v6 vapor lock

check the vapor return line at the tank there is a valve that gets clogged with dirt causes tank to run excessive vacuum ..
0helpful
1answer

Fuel filter & bouging down

U need a special tool to release then internal spring clip
Not finding what you are looking for?

402 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

xxxxxx xxx

Level 3 Expert

5117 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...