2003 FORD MUSTANG timing

position. Rotate the RH camshaft timing sprocket until the timing mark is at approximately 11
o'clock position.
32. CAUTION: Unless otherwise instructed, at no time when the timing chains are
removed and the cylinder heads are installed is the crankshaft or camshaft to be rotated.
Severe piston and valve damage will occur.
CAUTION: Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise only. Do not rotate past position
shown or severe piston and/or valve damage will occur.
Using the special tool, position the crankshaft.
zRemove the special tool.
33. Install the crankshaft sprocket with the flange facing forward.
34. Install the LH and RH timing chain onto the crankshaft sprocket, aligning the one copper (or marked) link on the timing chain with the slot on the crankshaft sprocket. Klj . 12 ba
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35.
NOTE: If necessary, adjust the camshaft sprocket slightly to obtain timing mark alignment.
Position the RH timing chain on the camshaft sprocket. Make sure the two copper- colored links
align with the camshaft sprocket timing mark.
36. As a post- check, verify correct alignment of all timing marks.
37. Position the LH and RH timing chain tensioner arms on the dowel pins. Position the timing chain tensioner assemblies, and install the bolts.
38. Remove the retaining clips from the timing chain tensioners. Klj . 13 ba
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 303-
07A: Engine Ignition — 3.8L 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual General Specifications
Item Specification
Base ignition timing TBD
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-
6 Spark plug gap mm (in) 1.32-
1.42 (0.052- 0.056) Spark plug type production LH AWSF-
42E Spark plug type production RH AWSF-
42EG Spark plug type service AWSF-
42EE Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound D7AZ-19A331-
A ESE-
M1C171- A
Torque Specifications Description Nm lb-
ft lb-
in Spark plugs 15 11 —
Ignition coil bolts 7 — 52 Klj . 1 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Engine Ignition
The ignition coil (12029), which is mounted on the upper intake manifold, can be described as a coil
pack containing three separate coil units. Each coil unit is individually controlled by the powertrain
control module (PCM) (12A650) through separate wire leads. Each coil unit activates two spark plugs
wired in a series by the spark plug wires (12286).
zOne spark plug activates on the compression stroke and uses the majority of the ignition coil's
stored energy.
z The other spark plug activates on the exhaust stroke and uses very little of the ignition coil's
stored energy.
z Because the pairs of spark plugs are connected in a series, one spark will travel from ground to
the electrode while the other spark will travel from the electrode to ground.
The spark plug (12405):
zchanges the high voltage pulse into a spark which ignites the fuel and air mixture.
z originally equipped on the vehicle has a platinum- enhanced active electrode for long life.
The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (6C315):
NOTE: Initial engine ignition timing is set at 10 degrees ± 2 degrees before top dead center (BTDC)
and is not adjustable.
zis a variable reluctance sensor triggered by a 36- minus-1 tooth trigger pulse wheel located on
the crankshaft (6303) inside the engine front cover (6019).
The sine wave type signal generated from the crankshaft position sensor provides two types of
information:
zposition of the crankshaft in 10 degree increments
z the crankshaft speed (rpm)
The powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) uses this information to determine ignition coil turn ON
and turn OFF times and misfire detection.
For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 14 .
SECTION 303-
07A: Engine Ignition — 3.8L 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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7. Inspect for normal burning.
zThis can be identified by light tan or gray deposits on the firing tip.
8. Inspect for pre- ignition.
z This can be identified by melted electrodes and possibly a blistered insulator. Metallic
deposits on the insulator indicate engine damage.
z Install a new spark plug.
9. Inspect for overheating. zThis can be identified by a white or light gray insulator with small black or gray brown
spots and a bluish- burnt appearance of the electrodes.
z This may be caused by engine overheating, the wrong type of fuel, loose spark plugs, too
hot a plug, low fuel pump pressure or incorrect ignition timing.
z Install a new spark plug. Klj . 3 ba
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 303-
07B: Engine Ignition — 4.6L (2V) 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual General Specifications
Item Specification
Base ignition timing 10 degrees ±
2 degrees non- adjustable Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-
8 Spark plug gap mm (in) 1.32-
1.42 (0.052- 0.056) Spark plug type AWSF-
32PP
Torque Specifications Description Nm lb-
ft lb-
in Spark plugs 15 11 —
Coil on plug bolts 10 — 89 Klj . 1 ba
12003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Engine Ignition
Eight separate ignition coils (12029):
zare mounted directly above each spark plug (12405).
z are controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM) for correct firing sequence.
The spark plug:
zchanges the high voltage pulse into a spark which ignites the fuel and air mixture.
z originally equipped on the vehicle has a platinum- enhanced active electrode for long life.
Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (6C315):
NOTE: Initial engine ignition timing is set at 10 degrees ± 2 degrees before top dead center (BTDC)
and is not adjustable. For additional information, refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis
(PC/ED) manual.
zis a variable reluctance sensor triggered by a 36- minus-1 tooth trigger pulse wheel located on
the crankshaft (6303) inside the engine front cover (6019).
The sine wave type signal generated from the crankshaft position sensor provides two types of
information:
zposition of the crankshaft in 10 degree increments
z the crankshaft speed (rpm)
The powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) uses this information to determine ignition coil turn ON
and turn OFF times and misfire detection.
For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 14 .
SECTION 303-
07B: Engine Ignition — 4.6L (2V) 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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8. Inspect for overheating.
zThis can be identified by a white or light gray insulator with small black or gray brown
spots and with bluish- burnt appearance of the electrodes.
z This may be caused by engine overheating, wrong type of fuel, loose spark plugs, too hot
a plug, low fuel pump pressure or incorrect ignition timing.
z Install a new spark plug.
9. Inspect for fused spot deposits. zThis can be identified by melted or spotty deposits resembling bubbles or blisters.
z This may be caused by sudden acceleration.
z Clean the spark plug.
Installation 1. Adjust the spark plug gap as necessary. Klj . 3 ba
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