Surging and Missing Engine

[brownni7]

Hello all,

I have a 98 xlt, v8/awd. Recently the engine started surging and missing. I searched the site and decided to try cleaning the MAF. It didn't help at all.

My dad brought home a code reader and it says 303, which is misfire in cylinder 3. However everything looks clean in the cylinder, as do all of the wires. Everything is also all connected ok. I am about to take it in and just get the whole thing a tune up (its got 80k). Any last recommendations before I throw down a couple hundred $$$ ?

ALSO... led lights in my actual display for the radio went out! They came back on a few times but I haven't seen them for a month. I don't think its a fuse, because they slowly fade out after being on (the few times I've seen them lately). Has anyone else had this?

 

[section525]

Welcome to the forum! You'll find tons of useful info here by using the search function.

As for your problem (#1) it sounds like its a coil pack ($50). I've had two go out on my V8 so far. They're simple to change and pretty cheap.

Problem #2 is very very common with 98+ radios. Some people have torn them apart and replaced some resistors on the display board to make them work again. Someone just recently posted a link to a website with instructions on how to do it. Another option would be buying a used factory one. People sell them on here all the time for around $100.

Good luck and welcome!

 

[machman706]

I had a similar problem with the number 4 cylinder. Code showed a misfire. Well with mine, everything looked good, but it was just a bad plug even though it looked clean. I replaced the #4 plug and it runs good as new if not better at 65,000 miles. Or it could be a bad coil pack. You may also want to check to see if its a bad plug wire, but they are costly. (about $130 from Ford) Hope you get it fixed.

 

[DonM]

Welcome Brownni

I would check the plug first!