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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
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
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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
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
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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
18. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Page 2071 of 4378