Loss of power and code P0343

2000 FORD TAURUS
100,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SPOWERS88
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My car has been having bad fuel milage and was told it needed a tune up. So, we changed the oil and filter as well as fuel filter. Car was driving before the filter changes. but as soon as we started the car the check engine came on and has very little power, we had to park the car as the RPMs won't go up driving max 30km/h.
We plugged in the OB2 reader, and it says ignition coil c malfunction. P0343
Do you think it's the spark plugs, ignition coils, coil pack or wiring?
Dec 12, 2021 at 12:55 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The code, P0343, isn't identified for this vehicle. Could you have possibly transposed numbers? Also, a P0343 is related to a camshaft position sensor (sensor A) input voltage being high. Your vehicle only has one camshaft sensor, so it wouldn't be identified as A.

I did attach a pic below showing the location of the sensor on your vehicle. Make sure it is fully connected and wasn't damaged by anything.

As far as the tune up, did you replace spark plugs and ignition wires? Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Let me know as much as you can.

Joe

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Dec 12, 2021 at 11:10 AM
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SPOWERS88
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Thank you for your response. My bad i meant code p0353. I've ordered new spark plugs and wires and coil pack...
Dec 12, 2021 at 11:16 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I suspect the coil is bad. The code is for coil circuit C and is specific to cylinder 3. Chances are it is the coil itself that is bad. However, there are other things that can cause the code.

Do me a favor. Once you get the parts installed, let me know if it takes care of the problem for you. If it doesn't, I'll help you through diagnosing the issue.

Here is a link you may find helpful when performing a tune-up:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

When you replace the spark plug wires, you must make sure each wire goes from the same spot on the coil to the same spark plug it was removed from. If you don't, the ignition timing will be off, and it won't run properly or at all.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
Dec 13, 2021 at 5:28 AM
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SPOWERS88
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Hello Joe and CarPros.

I would like to say thank you for your advice! I changed the coil pack, wires and spark plugs and now the check engine light has gone off and stayed off. The power has come back, now i can enjoy the ride. Have a nice day!
TY
Dec 27, 2021 at 7:47 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

That's great news and thanks for the update. I suspected the issue was with the coil. Regardless, thank you for the update and I'm glad to hear it's running well again.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take good care of yourself and Happy New Year,

Joe
Dec 28, 2021 at 7:58 AM
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