Engine Stumble CE Light

[1993BlackSHO]

So Im leaving work today and I am no more than 100 yards down the road and suddenly there is a loss of power. I look down and the tach had dropped about 100 RPM, but then jumped back up. Its a MTX so the engine did not actually drop RPM's. CE light comes on for about 10 sec. Rest of the way home is fine, I only live 2 mi from work. I let it run for a bit in the driveway with no problems, then pull the codes. I got a 215 in memory which is a DIS fail for coil #1.

I have never had this issue before. Could the coil pack be going out? Any other Ideas?

 

[frosho]

I think you counted an extra flash at the end... the symptoms sound like a failing cam sensor (CID), which would throw a 214 code.

 

[frosho]

Now that I think about it, the DIS is a possibility too.... clear the codes and see if anything comes up again.

 

[1993BlackSHO]

I have a code reader, so I wasnt counting. I guess I will just keep an eye on it. I do have a spare DIS, so if it happens again, I can toss it in.

 

[rubydist]

Just change the DIS, otherwise you have the opportunity to be left stranded....

 

[shotime1994]

According to my ford book coil one on the coil block has failed not the d.i.s module. Replace the coil block and you will be ok.

 

[rubydist]

Yes, my bad for not looking it up myself - 215 is a coil failure - time to replace the coil.

 

[1993BlackSHO]

Thanks guys. Was thinking about upgrading it at some point anyhow. It did fine on my way to work this morning though.

 

[1993BlackSHO]

Yea it did it twice on the way home yesterday. Guess Ill be ordering an Accel coil.

 

[shotime1994]

Don't wast your time on accel they are junk. Just buy a new coil and all will be good

 

[Rockledge]

If you can find a Motorcraft coil pack, then go for it (not from Ford, of course). Try rockauto.com or partsguyed.com.

Stay away from "Wells" brand coil packs, they're junk.

 

[1993BlackSHO]

......

 

[1993BlackSHO]

Im bringing this back up because apparently the coil was not the problem. A couple of days ago, with the new/used motorcraft coil installed, it did it again.

I did notice that the old coil when I removed it had what looked like black/arcing inside the #6 coil. The plug wire looked OK so I cleaned it up and it seemed fine for a while.

So should I replace the plug wires? Maybe some dielectric grease?

 

[frosho]

Did you pull the codes again?

 

[1993BlackSHO]

Did you pull the codes again?

No because it was the exact same thing as before. I could do that later today, but Im assuming it will be the same code.

 

[93rev2sev]

No, dielectric grease will likely not fix this problem. I recommend it, but it's purpose is to PROTECT the connection from corrosion by sealing air out. If there is a poor connection to start with, the dielectric grease will protect that poor connection, but it is not likely to improve it.

If you swap out the DIS and the problem recurs, it may be time to take a hard look at the harness, all the grounds, and the other connections associated with the ignition system.

 

[1993BlackSHO]

Seemed to go away for a bit, but now its back. From reading about the DIS system, it could be a few things causing the 215. Any way to narrow it down without just throwing parts at it. Could be the plug wires, DIS module, CID, CPS. Plugs only have 5000mi on them so I think they are fine.

Anyone out there done any troubleshooting of the ignition? I have access to a O-Scope. Would looking at the PIP, CID, or IDM signals help me narrow it down.

 

[.RaMpAgE.]

10 buxs its CPS mine used to do that the first day i bought the car i was soo mad but i changed it fixed water pump leaking on it made it go crazy...idk if a CID can do that i thought that was just kinda hard starting issues with that one. yea same thing happened to me u can put it in neutral and it will stop chugging and rev it and the motor spins up but the tac doesnt move then the tac kicks back in and the CEL goes away and drives like nothings wrong...... i just changed both at the same time u can get a CPS for like 65 buxs and a CID for 25 rockauto and ebay waterpump 25 new ebay WHOOZA still running strong ROFL