OBD II codes, X wont start

[bdkoz]

I have seen a couple posts regarding code P0300 dont mean to repeat but wanted more input. Our check engine light came on recently but truck continued to run fine(except hates cold starts, always has) then one week later truck died while driving out of driveway and will not restart. In meantime ordered OBD II scanner we are getting codes P0300-P0303. So misfires random and cylindars 1-3, where to start? Has anyone gottong these before?

 

[mrboyle]

If it is not starting at all the first thing to do is check for spark and fuel. Checking for fuel is easy. Find the schrader valve located on the fuel rail. Turn the key on and pressurize the fuel system (turn it back off). Now ysing a small screwdriver carefully push the schrader valve in and see if fuel sprays out. If it does, Its on to checking spark. Pull one wire off and remove the spark plug. Reinstall the wire onto the plug and set the plug on a clean metal surface (valve cover, intake, etc..) have someone turn the engine over and watch to see if there is spark. If no spark check another pulg (just incase). If there is still no spark you need to replace the crank sensor. If there is spark, you have a bad coil pack.

 

[Jag]

Looking at the codes on the 98 Ford Truck CD I have, mrboyle is correct. Chances are, you either have a bad crank sensor, or coil pack.

 

[bdkoz]

spark?coil pack?

We have checked for fuel and spark we have both...we are a little confused to if there is spark how is the pack bad? Is there a way to check the coil pack to make sure ??

thanks

 

[mrboyle]

There are actually three coil packs (built into one unit). Check spark at each cylinder and (from the code) I am willing to suspect you don't have spark at #1 and #3. Don't know, but you may try contacting your local Ford dealer and ask them if they have anyway to test the coil pack off the vehicle. If so this may be the route to go.

 

[jimmiecakes]

I get the feeling that the two may be unrelated.... P0300 is "random misfire" and P0303 is "misfire cyl#3". Possible causes are low or no compression, faulty spark plug, plug wire, injector, vacuum leak or even a carbon track down the side of the col tower.

For the no start - check for spark at every cylinder and check the condition of the plugs. If the spark plugs are wet, check the diapragm in the fuel pressure regulator. If all that stuff is good, check to see if the ECM is turning the injector on and off - noid lights are a cheap way but a good quality test light will work (one wire should be constant 12 volts and the other will be switched to ground by the ECM).

If it turns out that all of that is OK, there's always the outside chance that the exhaust could be radically plugged - yes, I've seen this more than once.

Good luck....

 

[bdkoz]

help

OK here is where we stand besides utterly fed up. We have spark at all cylindars,spark plugs have been changed, there is fuel pressure. Crank sensor appears to read fine we are stuck. The vechile died while driving and we had to tow back to driveway. It will not even attempt at all to start it only cranks. At this point we know it has to be something small and stupid perhaps all help and suggestions welcom before this cost us an arm and leg to take it to Ford

 

[TPLYNCH]

Hi. Try checking the info on this thread.http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=259598#post259598

 

[jotapulga]

bkdoz,

I've got the same symptoms. Awhile back I got P0300, and now it's P0303. I've cleared the P0303 DTC 3 times now and it keeps coming back. I've checked the coil pack, the plug, and the wire. For me, it starts every time but the P0303 keeps coming back. At this point, I think it may be the #3 fuel injector. Monday I will pull the upper intake manifold, check the FPR and test the #3 fuel injector. I hope I find something.