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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
12003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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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
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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Klj . 2 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-
07A: Engine Ignition — 3.8L 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
12003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Ignition Coil
Removal and Installation
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301). For additional information, refer to Section 414 -
01 .
2. Disconnect the ignition coil electrical connector.
3. CAUTION: Spark plug wires (12286) must be connected to the correct ignition coil
terminal. Mark spark plug wire locations before removing them.
Twist while pulling upward to disconnect the spark plug wires.
4. Disconnect the accelerator cable retaining clamp from the ignition coil stud bolt.
SECTION 303-
07A: Engine Ignition — 3.8L 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual 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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Page 2062 of 4378
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
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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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