06 wrangler 4 cylinder... keeps going thru spark plugs. I have changed the spark plugs twice in 2 mnths. the 1st time was loss of power in about 3rd gear so changed to platinum and then about 2 weeks later the 3rd started misfiring so changed to copper, now again the check engine light is on and sputtering about 3rd gear like last 3 time. what could cause this??

1996 Dodge ram 1500 NO ENGINE TOLD OF 5.GAS ENGINES
3.9 TO 8.0LITERS. AND A DIESEL NOT YOURS.
POST YOUR VIN AND WE KNOW WHAT ENGINE IS THERE. X5

SO IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION?, YOU DID NOT SAY DRIVE IS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR.?
PRNDL
DOES REVERSE AND LO(L) WORK?
CHECK FUSES?
SCAN IT YET?
CHANGE SPARK PLUGS 1 AT A TIME?
IF YOU MESSED UP SPARK THE ENGINE WOULD SHAKE SUPER HARD AND HORRIBLE POWER AND NOT GO FAST ENOUGH TO GET TO 2ND GEAR.
IF ENGINE (NONE TOLD ) HAS COIL PACK WITH 2 OR MORE SPARK WIRES, THOSE MUST NEVER BE MIXED UP.

3.9 LITER
SPARK
The front coil pack fires six cylinders and the rearward coil pack fires four cylinders.
NEVER MIX THESE UP
5/10, 9/8, 1/6, 7/4 and 3/2.
END 3.9L EXAMPLE.


ONLY CHANGE SPARK PLUG 1 AT A TIME.
ONLY CHANGE COIL PACK HV SPARK WIRES, 1 AT A TIME
OR FAIL YOU WILL. (OR BUY NGK COIL PACKS THAT ARE MARKED CORRECTLY )

white smoke could be coolant burning and not oil possible head seal on the way out or a leak in the jacket into the cylendars, check coolant levels are ok, also check oil filler cap and see if any creamy or gray gunk is showing on it, this would also indicate the same. you can also check exhaust with a cloth to see if a lot of steam is also coming out with the smoke. I hope this was useful

GET A PIECE PAPER DRAW A LARGE CIRCLE TOP UPPER HALF CIRCLE LEFT TO RIGHT WRITE NUMBERS 1 AND 3 BOTTOM HALF CIRCLE LEFT TO RIGHT RIGHT NUMBERS 2 AND 4 THAT YOUR DISTRIBUTOR SPARK PLUGS WIRES LOCATION.STANDING ON SIDE OF ENGINE WHERE DISTRIBUTOR IS LOOKING DOWN AT DISTRIBUTOR 1 AND 3 FIRST TWO SPARK PLUGS TERMINALS NEXT TO ENGINE. AND 2 AND 4 SPARK PLUGS TERMINAL ON CAP FACING YOU. THIS IS CYLINDERS LOCATIONS STANDING IN FRONT OF ENGINE.RUN WIRES FROM DISTRIBUTOR CAP TO PLUGS TO THE ENGINE SPARK PLUGS.

I had a similar problem with my 2001 Tribute. I changed the spark plugs and the problem went away. I had about 160K miles on the original spark plugs.

Instead of the auto-zone trip , take it to the dealer !

Start Small work to Big = Saved Money!
The Code(s) should be telling the specific cylinder(s) that are misfiring. Do you know waht the code is?
Target those cylinders 1st before testing the unaffected cylinders.
The following should isolate the problem(s).
1. Spark plugs - take out-reconnect back to wires and test spark plugs for getting sparks. If none: Don't replace them yet. GO TO 2. If the spark plugs are worn, dirty them replace them.
2. Remove spark plugs form end of ignition wires and test for spark from the wire. If none: Don't replace them yet. GO TO 3.
3. Remove the wires from the coil connection and test the coil for spark for each cylinder. If none: Don't replace it yet.
4. Test each spark plug and wires this way.
5. Coil Packs normally provide fire for 2-cylinders at the same time. The two are paired across from one another.
6. Test the coil for fire, amount of fire and if there is both cyclinders firing.
Misfire and the O2 Sensor got replaced??
Good Luck and get back with me if you need additional help or if this solved the problem.

cylinder number 2 has a misfire

Under the coils on the passenger side of the cylinder head.

try double clutching(come out of 3rd then push clutch twice b-4 going to 4th. if this works your clutch slave may be weak or pressure plate is worn. Try shifting from 1st-3rd if engine revs like your in neutral replace clutch. when going 1st-3rd engine should catch and cause vehicle to buck&stumble. (check level of clutch master cylinder)

Hey there janandshane,

I've got a 91 Wrangler, lots of fun. Here's your info.

Viewed from above, front of vehicle on the right side, cylinder locations are:
6 5 4 3 2 1 for a six cylinder and 4 3 2 1 for a four Cylinder

The firing order is:
1 5 3 6 2 4 for the six and 1 3 4 2 for the four.

The distributor rotation is clockwise.

To find Top dead center (for wire to cylinder #1 on distributor), look for and line up the timing marks on the crankshaft (front of the engine).

Or, pull the #1 spark plug, stuff the hole with a cork or a rag. Slowly crank the engine until the cork pops out.

Pull the distributor off. The rotor is pointing where the plug for cylinder #1 should go. The rest of the wires go in the firing order clockwise.

That about covers it.

Remember: Good things come to those who rate. How about a nice FixYa?

Mike