Explorer 2WD V6-245 4.0L SOHC VIN E EFI (1997)
Valve Spring: Customer Interest
Engine Control - MIL ON, DTC P0300 or P0301 Set
Article No.
02-3-2
02/18/02
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DRIVEABILITY - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(MIL) ILLUMINATED - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES (DTC) P0300/P0301 STORED IN MEMORY -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINE
ONLY
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ELECTRICAL - LAMP - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES (DTC) P0300/P0301 STORED IN MEMORY -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINE
ONLY
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ENGINE - 4.0L SOHC - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR
LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES (DTC) P0300/P0301 STORED IN MEMORY -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L SOHC ENGINE
ONLY
FORD:
1997-2002 EXPLORER SPORT, EXPLORER
2001-2002 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, RANGER
MERCURY:
1997-2002 MOUNTAINEER
ISSUE
Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0L SOHC engine may exhibit a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT "ON" with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0300
(Random Misfire) or P0301. The DTC will set when the engine is operated at high RPM'S (4800 RPM and higher). The Misfire code results due to
system interaction of higher than expected transient exhaust system backpressure (under heavy acceleration) coupled with valve spring resonance points
experienced at these engine speeds. This interaction may cause the' exhaust valve to hang open at engine speeds of 4800 RPM and higher.
ACTION
Verify that the DTC sets only at 4800 RPM or higher. Remove current intake and exhaust valve springs and replace with new service intake and exhaust
valve springs. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
THIS REPAIR ONLY APPLIES TO P0300/P0301 DTC'S SET ABOVE 4800 RPM. THIS REPAIR WILL NOT CORRECT MISFIRE DTC'S SET
AT LOWER RPM'S.
NOTE
PRIOR TO REPAIR, REFERENCE YOUR APPLICABLE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR CORRECT VALVE SPRING
REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES.