2001 Ford Taurus Engine Light

[hardisza]

Hi, everyone seems to know their stuff here, so I thought I'd try asking for a little help with something. I have a 2001 Ford Taurus SES but the engine light came on recently. The code comes up as a misfire, specifically in cylinder #2. I've changed the spark plugs and wires, checked the coil pack, checked the fuel injector and replaced a gasket seal that was broken. I thought the broken gasket was the cause; I was losing compression, and can feel the engine vibrating in drive, idling at stop signs or lights. I tried recalibrating the computer; it says to go 60mph decelerate to 40mph 3 times on the expressway. Engine light still on. I also noticed that if I'm idling too long, the light blinks for a bit, then stays steady again. And when I come off the highway and get to a high enough rpm, then get back to city speeds and I'm idling, the oil light flickers a bit. Checked all the usuals, transmission fluid, oil levels, etc. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

[1999SableLSWV]

I had a 99 Mercury that done the same thing with the cyclender compression. It ended up being my lifter was bad and not letting the valve close. My oil light would also come on when I was ideling. After getting them fixed and 500.00 later my car engine died from the oil pump going bad. I am not saying this is your problem but it just sounded a lot like mine. Although my engine would tick when the lifter was going bad. But if it is make sure you also have the oil pump looked at. I was told that was probably what my problem was the whole time because the oil pump was not getting enough pressure up to the lifter, then the pump decided to die completely.

Do a compression check on the engine. Sounds like you covered all the usual bases for a misfire problem, compression is the only thing left.

[Jeff K]

How did you check the coil? Ohms test means virtually nothing.