1998 Ford Windstar P0301 Misfire

1998 FORD WINDSTAR
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NAPAGUY
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My Windstar van has 140000 miles on it, but still runs good except for one annoying thing.....it periodically sets a "301" engine code..."cyl 1 misfire" . We have tried various tests and replaced several components, but it still occurs. The following parts have been replaced: Plugs, wires, cyl 1 injector, coil pack, and finally the ECM. The error re-occurs about every two weeks. but there is nothing showing up that is obvious while driving it. I have had the local Ford Dealer look at it and an ASE certified mechanic at the local Napa store.....everybody is stumped. I like this van and it has been well maintained ....any ideas ?
Jan 22, 2006 at 7:38 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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check cyl 4 Sometimes the opposing cyl in the firing order will mess with each other
Jan 24, 2006 at 8:26 AM
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NAPAGUY
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Ok, that's a good idea....(but I think we found out what's going on ) however, we did check that when we replaced the plugs, wires, etc......we also checked cyl. compression and resisitance readings on all the other injectors.....didn't do a flow test though...everything came up ok. Believe me, we worked this puppy six ways....we ran every test we could think of....I thought we had it fixed, ....it ran fine ...no codes....for over 2 weeks....then, one day the wife calls me at the store and says the "check engine light " was on again ! I asked her what she did... of course "nothing" was the answer. Oh, she says, I put gas in it.....bingo....I opened the gas door and touched the gas cap....it was LOOSE ! I re-tightened the cap....the code cleared after 3 cycles...I loosened the cap....the code set again....I did this 4 times with the same results....instead of setting an "emmissions" type code, the loose cap was causing the "301" code...we don't know why...maybe an anomoly in the ECM programming....but it sure drove us nuts for awhile.. The car has been fine since we found the problem with the cap. By the way, great site you guys got....lots of interesting problems.
Jan 24, 2006 at 12:54 PM

Suggested Repair

Confirm the fuel cap is fully tightened; a loose cap repeatedly set P0301 and cleared after three drive cycles once tightened. If the code returns with a tight cap, check the opposing cylinder in the firing order (cylinder 4) along with compression and injector condition.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Ford Windstar with 140,000 miles periodically set a P0301 cylinder 1 misfire code about every two weeks, with no obvious drivability issue. Plugs, wires, the cylinder 1 injector, coil pack, and ECM were replaced, and compression and injector resistance checks were normal. An expert suggested checking cylinder 4 because opposing cylinders in the firing order can affect each other. The owner later found the gas cap was loose after refueling; tightening it cleared the code, and loosening it set P0301 again on repeated tests. The van ran fine once the cap stayed tight.

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