Took my 98 ranger through inspection. it failed for ignition system misfire. will plugs fix this problem? seems like a good place to start.

Based on the symptoms you've described, it sounds like your car may be experiencing a misfire. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

1. Ignition system: A faulty ignition system can cause a misfire. Check the spark plugs, ignition coil, distributor cap, and ignition wires for any signs of damage or wear. Replace any faulty components.
2. Fuel system: A clogged fuel filter or malfunctioning fuel pump can cause a misfire. Check the fuel filter and pump to ensure they are functioning properly. Consider cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors as well.
3. Carburetor: Since your engine is carburetor'd, a dirty or faulty carburetor can also cause a misfire. Clean or rebuild the carburetor as needed.
4. Vacuum leaks: A vacuum leak can cause a misfire. Inspect the vacuum lines and hoses for any signs of damage or cracks, and replace any damaged components.
5. Timing issues: If the engine timing is off, it can cause a misfire. Check the timing belt or chain to ensure it is in good condition, and check the ignition timing.

Part 3 -How to Test the Ignition Module and Crank Sensor ...

easyautodiagnostics.com > Ford > 2.3L

Mar 1, 2012 - Spark plugs for cylinders #2 and #3 get spark at the exact same time. ...voltage -12 Volts) to both individual ignition coils within the coil pack. ... Ford Mustang or Ranger (or 2.3L Mazda B2300), this is what you'll need ... for this 'Switching Signal' at the coil pack... but you can also test this ... 1991, 1992, 1993.

How to Diagnose a Misfiring Cylinder (2.3L Ford Ranger ...

troubleshootmyvehicle.com > Ford > 2.3L

Apr 3, 2012 - Bad Fuel Injectors can cause a Misfire Condition. ... the ignition system on the 2.3L Ford Mustang or Ranger consists of 2 ignition coil packs, ...

2002 ranger misfire rough idle - Discussion on Topix

www.topix.com > Ford Ranger

Jul 27, 2007 - My truck is giving the code misfire in number 4 cyl. I replaced my spark plugs, Wires, Coil packs (both of them) and all my fuil ... three (3.0L v6) go bad, the fuel/air mixture gets messed up. Judged: 2. 2 ... My truck runs rough only at idle. ...code for ford ranger 2002, 2.3 5speed. truck runs like a champ but that ...

Extremely stumped! I need the best and brightest 1994 Ford ...

answers.edmunds.com > Edmunds Answers

the problem is a sparkplug or wire you must be replaced

Sparkplugs are not the only cause for a misfire... there could be any number of things.
- The cause of misfire should be fairly easy to pinpoint if the problem is present all the time. A quick look at the spark plugs can tell a lot. Signs of arcing on ignition coil, distributor cap or rotor can also point to a faulty part. Basics, such as the compression, timing and fuel pressure need to be checked.
- A faulty on-plug ignition coil is typically identified by swapping the coils between the cylinders and checking if the misfire moved with the coil or stayed at the same cylinder. If a bad ignition coil is replaced, it's good idea to change all the spark plugs as well.
- The engine might need to be checked for vacuum leaks. The short term fuel trim (STFT) and long term fuel trim (LTFT) need to be checked with a scan tool to see if the air/fuel mixture is not too lean. Often a bad mass air flow sensor causes the engine to run lean causing misfire.
- Pressure testing of the cooling system might be needed to check for a leaking head gasket.
- Valve adjustment may need to be checked, as valves that are out of adjustment can cause misfiring at a cold start, which is, a fairly common issue in Honda engines.
- When the misfiring happens only at idle, the EGR valve and purge valve need to be checked, as either one could be stuck open.
- Faulty mechanical valve train components like worn camshaft lobes or stretched timing chain can also cause the engine to misfire; they too might need to be inspected carefully.
- Sometimes a broken or damaged tooth at the crankshaft or camshaft sensor gear can be the source of misfiring; checking the sensor signal with an oscilloscope can help if crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor are suspected.

Not sure if you have a 1996 Cadillac Seville or a 1998 Olds Aurora but I would check the Ignition Coil Packs. One or more of them may need to be replaced. Also if you were working on the car and got the wires plugged onto the wrong coils then the firing order sequence would not be correct and this can cause a misfire or backfire conditon.

Ignition wires cannot rest near the primary wire harness of the ignition module, which can cause electrical interference and a no start condition or a misfire condition

On my friends 1997 Cadillac Seville it was easy to replace all 4 coil packs took less than 30 minutes and made the car run much better. Just make sure to get the firing order right. If necessary find a diagram of the correct firing order for you vehicle.

A good place for mail order auto parts is rockauto.com

I have pasted a picture below of what an ignition coil pack looks like

Misfires across all 6 cylinders could indicate the following:


Priority Action Part Type Cause 1 Inspect Wireset Worn, Damaged or Faulty Spark Plug Wire(s). 2 Inspect Distributor Cap Loose, Burned or Cracked Distributor Cap. 3 Inspect Distributor Cap and Rotor Kit Loose, Burned or Cracked Distributor Cap and Rotor. 6 Inspect Spark Plug Fouled, Damaged, Broken, or Incorrectly Gapped Spark Plug(s). 7 Inspect Coil - Ignition Faulty Ignition Coil. 8 Inspect Condenser-Ignition Faulty Condenser-Ignition. 9 Inspect Point Set Burned, Worn or Incorrectly Set Ignition Points. 15 Inspect Timing Specification Incorrect Ignition Timing. 19 Inspect Fuel Injector Dirty or Worn Fuel Injectors. 21 Inspect Intake Manifold Gasket Leaking, Worn, or Damaged Intake Manifold Gasket. 22 Inspect Distributor Worn, Damaged or Faulty Distributor. 24 Inspect Valve Burned, Worn, or Sticking Exhaust Valves.

most likely the coil or ignition module

Code P0301
Ignition Coil Pack
Ignition Cable
Spark plug
Clog or dirty fuel injector
Evap canister purge valve
Engine Compression
fuel pressure

you have 3 type of engine for your truck
2.3L 4 cylinder
3.0L 6 Cylinder
4.0L 6 Cylinder

need to know that type Engine

The reason why the service light come on because it is a hard code
not a soft code.

Let me know

Check for a restricted or plugged exhaust system, you could have a catalytic converter going bad... If you have no misfires and all ignition components seem to be in good condition then I would suspect maybe a issue with the exhaust system...

when this happens check for spark at the plug,
and have someone crank it over for you and check for fuel pressure at the bleeder valve is there fuel but just trickles out check with pressure gauge.
next check crank sensor if you have a dis system.
if all else fails check the ECM or the ignition module
hope this helps