2003 FORD MUSTANG ignition

5. Remove the bolts and the ignition coil (12029).
6.
NOTE: Apply silicone brake caliper grease and dielectric compound to the inside of the spark
plug wire coil boot.
NOTE: Be sure to reinstall the radio ignition interference capacitor (18801) under the correct
mounting bolt.
To install, reverse the removal procedure. Klj . 2 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spark Plug Wire
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: It is important to twist the spark plug wire boots while pulling upward to avoid
possible damage to the spark plug wire.
CAUTION: Spark plug wires must be connected to the correct ignition coil terminal. Mark
spark plug wire (12286) locations before removing them.
1. Using the special tool, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug using a twisting motion.
2. Twist while pulling upward to disconnect the spark plug wires from the ignition coil (12029).
SECTION 303-
07A: Engine Ignition — 3.8L 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Remover, Spark Plug Wire
303-
106 (T74P- 6666A)
Material Item Specification
Silicone Brake Caliper Grease
and Dielectric Compound
D7AZ-
19A331-A or equivalent ESE-
M1C171-
A Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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3.
CAUTION: Be sure to orient the spark plug boots so the spark plug wires do not
contact the exhaust manifold.
NOTE: Apply silicone brake caliper grease and dielectric compound to the inside of spark plug
and ignition coil boots of the spark plug wire.
To install, reverse the removal procedure. Klj . 2 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spark Plugs
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: It is important to twist the spark plug wire boots while pulling upward to avoid
possible damage to the spark plug wire.
CAUTION: Spark plug wires must be connected to the correct ignition coil terminal. Mark
spark plug wire (12286) locations before removing them.
1. Remove the air cleaner outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to Section 303 - 12 .
2. Using the special tool, remove the spark plug wires from the spark plugs using a twisting motion.
3. NOTE: Use compressed air to remove any foreign material from the spark plug well before
removing the spark plugs.
NOTE: If an original spark plug is reused, make sure it is installed in the same cylinder from
which it was taken. New spark plugs can be used in any cylinder.
NOTE: Left side shown, right side similar.
Remove the spark plugs.
SECTION 303-
07A: Engine Ignition — 3.8L 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Remover, Spark Plug Wire
303-
106 (T74P- 6666A)
Material Item Specification
Silicone Brake Caliper Grease
and Dielectric Compound
D7AZ-
19A331-A or equivalent ESE-
M1C171-
A Klj . 1 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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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
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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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
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Engine Ignition
Refer to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.
SECTION 303-
07B: Engine Ignition — 4.6L (2V) 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
12003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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