The engine backfires, it hesitates while driving, engine stops running while driving just for a short fraction of a second, but starts up again while driving. It will stop completely for a short minute and will not start up for a while. One of the fuel injectors seems to be not functing properly, for spark plug number 2. Plug is fouled and dirty very quickly. Engine runs very rough.

SOURCE: 2000 Lincoln LS--Check engine light blinking/sputtering take off

you need to find out what codes have been set
one of your coil packs is going bad.
the code should tell you which one
let us know how you do
later
paul

SOURCE: Check engine light is on in 2004 Lincoln aviator

Go to Wal-Mart or Auotparts store and buy SEAFOAM. This will clean & clear the crud off of your O2-sensor. This should strighten your problem.

SOURCE: 2003 cartier 4.6L 120K miles. Rough idle, at idle only.

has anyone checked for a vacum leak? a vacum leak will cause rough idle at idle. check the lines from the pcv valve.

SOURCE: 1999 Town Car began running very rough - suddenly.

When cleaning your engine, water/degreaser went down the spark plug ports. Try using a air compressor blow gun to remove the moisture from around the spark plugs and boots. The water was causing the engine to misfire on 3 cylinders at first and as the ports started to evaporate the moisture, the less misfiring was occuring. Dry thouroughly and hopefully coils do not have damage to them. Also check to make sure the boot is making good contact with the spark plug.

SOURCE: Car backfires hesitates when depressing gas pedal

Check the vacum lines going to the distributor and transmission. If they are leaking it could be your problem.