1990 Ford F150 Logo
Posted on Aug 30, 2010
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I have a Ford F-150 1990 Model. It doesn't seem to be getting fire to the sparkplugs. I just replaced the spark plug wires and spark plugs. What could be the problem? It is a V8.

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  • Posted on Aug 30, 2010
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Sounds like its a distributor. To test if its sparking at all take the plug wire and hold a screw driver and see if it arcs to the screw driver when you crank it. but heres the best way to diagnose it on your vehicle follow the following steps and let me know from there what happens.

Steps
1 Remove the spark plug wires one at a time and insert a small screw driver into the wire.(SEE WARNINGS) Be careful as you don’t want to get shocked with 60,000volts. Hold the wire so that the screw driver is 1/8” away from the engine. Have someone crank the engine and watch for a good white spark. If you have a good spark on all wires look for a problem with timing or something else. 2 Remove the distributor cap. Have someone crank the engine over with the distributor cap removed and observe if it is turning? That is if it has a distributor cap, some newer cars don’t have one. If the distributor is not turning then likely you have a broken timing belt or chain. 3 Turn the ignition key on but don't crank the engine. Locate the positive or power wire attached to the engine coil. Using a test light check for power. If this has power, then the wiring from the ignition switch is OK. 4 Locate the negative or ground wire attached to the engine coil. Using a test light check for power. This sounds strange however, one end on a good battery ground and the other on the negative wire attached to the engine coil. The test light will light up indicating power on the negative side of the coil with the key on and engine off. 5 Have someone crank the engine while watching the test light. If you observe the test light flickering when cranking the engine and you have no spark, either the coil wire is faulty of the coil is dead. Test these using an Ohm meter.# If no flickering or pulsating was observed then check continuity in all primary circuit wiring for opens. This is the negative wire back to it's source, the ignition module. 6 Check the pulse generator in the distributor if it has a distributor cap. Some newer cars don’t have one,and if it doesn’t then the ECM or computer sends signal via the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor. 7 With the engine in non-running condition connect your A/C voltmeter to the pair of wires at the pulse generator and crank the engine. You are looking for an A/C signal that makes 4-6 volts of A/C. If this is observed then the ignition module is dead or has a bad ground. If no A/C signal is observed then you have a dead pulse generator in the distributor. 8 Know that if this part of the primary ignition tests OK then check wiring to ECM pinouts for opens. If wiring tests are OK. Suspect the ECM or computer as a last resort. edit
Warnings
Be careful as you don’t want to get shocked with 60,000volts. be careful when checking the leads for sparks with a screwdriver doing it this way can cause very expensive damage on newer engins best use a spare spark plug or a proper tester for this job
Thanks, Midwest-tek

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How do i check of sparkplug misfire on a 2003 ford taurus

Go to Auto Zone or O'Reillys and have them hook up the code reader. The reader, if there is a misfire, will tell you which cylinder is not firing. That's your culprit. The firing order diagram is available online or in the store. It will tell you which plug is which.

Replace the plug. Ensure the gap is set correctly. That should be the end of it. If you really must visually inspect for spark then after pulling out the plug, re-attach the spark plug wire. Hold it by the wire end, where you are touching rubber to protect from shock. Have someone turn the engine over slightly. You wont have compression in the engine as the plug has left a nice size hole on the cylinder. But a turn or two of the key should produce a spark or two on the plug. If you dont see a spark, you may have a bad plug wire.

I'll bet you a $3 bill that your trouble is fixed back at step one. Replace the plug.
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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/car-has-no-spark.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/2006-suzuki-forenza-spark-plug-firing.html

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For spark plug problem, click the help links provided below: ---
Car has no spark?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/car-has-no-spark.html

------------
How to Replace Spark Plugs?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-spark-plugs.html

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Car cranks, has spark but will not start?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-crankshas-spark-but-will-not-start.html

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The spark plug firing order for car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/spark-plug-firing-order-for-car.html

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How to gap spark plug ? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-gap-spark-plug-on-chevy-impala.html

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Spark plug Replacing for?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/spark-plug-replacing-for-chevy-impala.html

-----------
How to identify number one spark plug on the distributor cap?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-identify-number-one-spark-plug.html

---------
How does the spark plug wire go on the distributor cap?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-does-spark-plug-wires-go-on.html

---------
Spark plug Firing Order Diagram?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/2006-suzuki-forenza-spark-plug-firing.html

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This will help.

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-spark-plugs.html

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http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-crankshas-spark-but-will-not-start.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/spark-plug-firing-order-for-car.html

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How to gap spark plug ? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-gap-spark-plug-on-chevy-impala.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-does-spark-plug-wires-go-on.html

---------
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This will help.

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